Pacaya Samiria: Discover what this national reserve has to offer

The Pacaya Samiria National Reserve spans parts of the Loreto, Requena, Alto Amazonas, and Ucayali provinces, where the Ucayali and Marañon rivers meet.

Located in the Loreto region, in the northern Amazon of Peru, the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve is one of the country’s most important protected areas and among the most biodiverse places on Earth. Covering 2,080,000 hectares, it is known as the "Amazon of Mirrors" for the stunning reflections on its rivers and lagoons. With its rich natural and cultural heritage, this reserve is a must-visit for ecotourism and conservation enthusiasts.

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A haven of biodiversity

Peru’s second-largest protected natural area is home to an astonishing variety of flora and fauna. Over 1,000 species of wildlife have been recorded, including mammals, birds, reptiles, and fish.

Among its most iconic species are the pink Amazon dolphin, the yellow-fronted maquisapa, the black lizard, the manatee, the charapa, the sachavaca, the river otter, and the choro monkey. The reserve also hosts an impressive diversity of plant life, with 965 species of wild plants and 59 species of cultivated plants.

It is also a paradise for birdwatchers, with 476 recorded species and new discoveries, including the Cotinga (Cotingidae) and Manakin (Pipridae).

With nearly 94 % of its territory under conservation, Pacaya Samiria is home to 209 communities (about 92,000 people), 117 of which (around 68,000 people) engage in sustainable activities that help preserve the national reserve.

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Sustainable tourism

The reserve offers several routes and activities for visitors. There are eight designated areas for tourism: "Tibilo Pastococha, Pinchi-Yanayacu Grande, Bajo y Medio Samiria, Yanayacu Pucate-El Dorado, Nauta Caño, Yanallpa Iricahua, Bajo Pacaya, and Cochas de Punga."

Additionally, the reserve features three main tourist circuits. One of the most popular is the Yanayacu-Pucate basin, which stretches from the community of Veinte de Enero, near Nauta, to the renowned El Dorado oxbow lake. This area hosts most of the shelters and camping spots along the river. El Dorado Lagoon, considered the heart of the reserve, is one of the richest sites in terms of wildlife concentration.

In the lower and middle basin of the Samiria River, visitors can explore the Yarina, Fortuna, and Ungurahui oxbow lakes. Additionally, in San Martin de Tipishca, at the head of the basin, travelers can engage with members of the Kukama Kukamilla native community, who offer various circuits, both on foot and by canoe.

How to get there

To visit the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, you must first travel to Iquitos. From there, you can reach the city of Nauta by road in about two hours, then take a boat from the port. Several specialized tourism agencies offer guided tours, ensuring a safe and environmentally friendly experience.

Temperatures in the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve range from 20 °C to 33 °C, with high temperatures possible year-round, though they are most common from July to September. The best time to visit is between May and January.

The Pacaya Samiria National Reserve is a true natural sanctuary, safeguarding invaluable biodiversity and offering visitors a one-of-a-kind experience in the heart of the Amazon. Its preservation is crucial for the planet’s ecological balance and the well-being of the communities that call it home. Exploring its landscapes and discovering its rich wildlife is a powerful reminder of the importance of conserving Peru’s natural treasures.