PACAYA SAMIRIA TOURS

Pacaya Samiria 3 Days / 2 Nights

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Price $ USD 100

Duration 3 days / 2 nights

Physical Level Easy

Max Altitude 15,090 feet (4,600 meters)

Accommodation 2 nights inside the reserve according to the scheduled arrangement

Departures Airport or hotel

Iquitos – Nauta – Marañón River – Pacaya Samiria National Reserve – Buenos Aires Base Camp – Yanayacu – Pucate – Nauta – Iquitos

Resumen

Introduction

This 3-day route takes you from Iquitos to Nauta and then deep into the river landscapes of the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, where boats and canoes become the main form of transport.

The first day follows the Marañón River for approximately three hours, with wildlife observation along the way and a stop at the reserve control point to complete the corresponding entrance procedures.

Inside Pacaya Samiria, the pace becomes quieter. Mornings begin beside the river, afternoons combine wildlife searches and botanical walks, and nights are spent listening to the forest before heading out again by canoe.

The program includes time around Yanayacu and Pucate, with opportunities to look for pink and gray river dolphins, macaws, kingfishers, caimans and other wildlife.

With WildForest Peru, this route is aimed at travelers who want several days inside Pacaya Samiria rather than a short excursion from Iquitos.

Detalles del Tour

Trip Details

Tour: Pacaya Samiria
Duration: 3 days / 2 nights
Starting point: Iquitos
Finishing point: Iquitos or your hotel in the city
Pickup: Airport or hotel
Main route: Iquitos – Nauta – Marañón River – Pacaya Samiria National Reserve – Buenos Aires Base Camp – Yanayacu – Pucate – Nauta – Iquitos
Main transportation: Ground vehicle and motorized boat
Additional transportation: Canoe
Main river: Marañón River
Day 1 navigation: Approximately 3 hours according to the original program
Accommodation: 2 nights inside the reserve according to the scheduled arrangement
Night 1: Cabin/lodge option or base-camp accommodation according to the selected service
Night 2: Camp inside Pacaya Samiria
Physical level: Easy to moderate
Walking: Short forest and botanical walks
Climate: Hot and humid
Terrain: Forest paths, riverbanks, roots and possible mud
Meals included: 2 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 2 dinners
Breakfast on Day 1: Not stated as included
Dinner on Day 3: Not stated as included
Guide: English- or Spanish-speaking guide
Rubber boots: Optional when rain or trail conditions require them
Main focus: River wildlife, dolphins, birds, medicinal plants, caimans and reserve life

Detailed Itinerary

DAY 1

Iquitos – Nauta – Marañón River – Pacaya Samiria – Buenos Aires Base Camp

The journey begins with pickup from your hotel in Iquitos or from the airport according to your travel schedule.

Transfer Toward Nauta

We travel overland toward Nauta.

During the route, the guide provides a short orientation related to the city and the next stages of the trip.

From Nauta, the journey continues toward the river embarkation area.

Pacaya Samiria National Reserve

The program enters the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, located approximately 100 km south of Iquitos according to the source itinerary.

The reserve entrance process is controlled by SERNANP.

Travelers must follow the instructions given by the guide and reserve personnel.

Marañón River Navigation

We board a typical river boat and begin navigating the Marañón River.

The source program estimates approximately 3 hours of navigation.

During the journey, the guide watches the water and riverbanks for wildlife.

Possible sightings may include:

Pink river dolphins
Gray river dolphins
River birds
Monkeys
Other forest animals

Wildlife moves freely, so individual sightings cannot be guaranteed.

Reserve Control Point

We stop at the corresponding control post to complete the entrance procedure and confirm authorization to continue inside Pacaya Samiria.

Passengers should keep identification documents accessible during this process.

Lunch on Board

Lunch is served during the river journey.

A vegetarian option should be requested in advance.

Arrival at Buenos Aires Base Camp

We reach the Buenos Aires Base Camp sector.

On arrival, the guide provides a short explanation about:

Camp rules
Waste management
Forest behavior
Safe walking areas
River procedures
Respect for wildlife
Nighttime movement

This orientation helps prepare the group for the following activities.

Camp-Area Orientation

Before the night activity, we make a short reconnaissance walk around the camp surroundings.

The purpose is to become familiar with the immediate area and understand where movement is permitted.

Dinner

Dinner is served at the base.

Guided Night Walk

After dark, the guide leads a walk into the surrounding forest.

Possible sightings may include:

Cicadas
Spiders
Praying mantises
Frogs
Large toads
Snakes
Nocturnal insects
Other small forest animals

Passengers should remain with the guide at all times.

Do not touch wildlife or leave the established route.

Overnight Inside the Reserve

The first night is spent inside Pacaya Samiria under the cabin, lodge or base arrangement selected for the service.

Day highlight: Leaving Nauta behind and entering Pacaya Samiria by river before spending the night surrounded by forest sounds.

Technical Details

Ground route: Iquitos to Nauta
River: Marañón River
Main navigation: Approximately 3 hours
Transport: Ground vehicle and motorized boat
Walking: Short camp-area and night walks
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Climate: Hot and humid
Meals: Lunch and dinner
Accommodation: Reserve base/cabin/lodge arrangement according to the selected service
Night activity: Guided forest walk

DAY 2

Yanayacu – Pucate – Wildlife Observation – Botanical Walk – Night Canoeing

Day 2 begins early beside the river.

Amazon Sunrise and Birdwatching

The first hours of the morning are dedicated to watching the riverbanks and surrounding vegetation.

Birds are often active during this cooler period.

The guide looks for birds feeding or moving along the edge of the river.

The appearance of sunrise depends on weather and cloud conditions.

Breakfast at Camp

Breakfast is served at the camp.

Afterward, the group prepares for the day’s river and forest activities.

Wildlife Search

The program continues with wildlife observation around the reserve.

The guide watches for:

Pink river dolphins
Gray river dolphins
Macaws
Oropendolas
Kingfishers
Other forest and river birds
Other animals moving through the area

Sightings depend on weather, animal activity and the season.

Marañón River Swimming

The original program includes swimming in the Marañón River.

This activity can only take place when the guide and boat crew consider the selected sector suitable.

The source text mentions swimming near areas where pink river dolphins may be present.

Dolphins should be observed from a respectful distance and should not be approached, touched or chased.

Swimming should only occur under guide authorization.

Lunch

Lunch is included.

Botanical Walk

The program also includes a guided botanical walk.

The guide introduces some of the principal trees and plants found in the Amazon.

Topics may include:

Medicinal plants
Large forest trees
Traditional plant uses
Plants associated with local beliefs
Forest structure
Vines and other vegetation

Traditional uses are presented as local knowledge and should not be treated as professional medical advice.

Additional Wildlife Observation

During the walk and river activities, the guide continues looking for birds and other animals.

Possible bird sightings mentioned in the source include:

Macaws
Oropendolas
Kingfishers
Other reserve birds