Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve

Reserva Nacional Pacaya-Samiria

One of the largest protected areas in Peru, featuring vast flooded forests, river systems, and exceptional wildlife including pink river dolphins and anacondas. Accessible from Iquitos, it's ideal for multi-day jungle expeditions and river cruises.

Things to do

• Pink River Dolphin Spotting — Early morning or late afternoon boat excursions through quiet channels offer the best chance to see boto (pink river dolphins) surfacing and hunting in their natural habitat.
• Laguna Neutral Kayaking — Paddle through blackwater lagoons surrounded by flooded forest to observe caimans, anacondas, and birds in pristine wilderness with minimal disturbance.
• Oxbow Lake Exploration — Visit crescent-shaped former river meanders like Laguna Yanayacu to fish for piranhas and spot giant otters, macaws, and howler monkeys.
• Canopy Walkway Trek — Some lodges offer guided walks through emergent forest canopy platforms to observe macaws, toucans, and sloths at eye level among the tallest trees.
• Night Jungle Expedition — Nocturnal boat tours with flashlights reveal caimans, spiders, tree frogs, and nocturnal mammals that are invisible during daylight.
• Paiche Fish Observation — Visit research stations or local communities studying the enormous arapaima fish (up to 10 feet long) in designated wetland areas.
• Yanomami or Local Community Visit — Culturally-sensitive tours to indigenous settlements showcase traditional hunting, fishing, and medicinal plant knowledge with fair-trade benefits.

Food to try

• Paiche en Escabeche — Fresh arapaima fish marinated in vinegar, onions, and lime creates a tangy ceviche-style dish unique to Amazonian river communities.
• Tacacho con Queso — Mashed plantains fried in lard and served with fresh jungle cheese represents the hearty carbohydrate staple of jungle lodge meals.
• Juane — A pyramid of rice, chicken, and hard-boiled eggs wrapped in banana leaves and boiled, traditionally prepared for jungle expeditions.
• Ceviche de Dorado — Freshly-caught dorado fish cured in citrus juice with cilantro and chili peppers, showcasing the river's prized sport fish.
• Açaí na Tigela — Frozen açaí berry pulp blended with granola and fresh fruits, sourced from upriver and served as an energizing jungle breakfast.

Local customs & good to know

• Hire Licensed Local Guides — All reserve entry requires authorized naturalist guides who know wildlife calls, safe wildlife distances, and proper conduct to minimize environmental impact.
• Respect Indigenous Land Protocols — Some areas remain restricted indigenous territory; ask your lodge or guide about boundaries and never photograph indigenous peoples without explicit permission.
• Travel During Flood Season (June-July) — The reserve's ecosystem thrives when water levels are high (wet season), making wildlife viewing easier and river navigation more accessible than in dry season.
• Learn Basic River Safety — Flash floods, strong currents, and caiman presence require constant awareness; always wear a life jacket on boats and follow guide instructions without question.