The Pacaya Samiria National Reserve

The Pacaya Samiria National Reserve

The Pacaya Samiria National Reserve: The Wild Heart of the Peruvian Amazon

Are you looking for an authentic experience in the Amazon rainforest? The Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, located in the Loreto region of Peru, is one of the most biodiverse and awe-inspiring destinations on the planet. With over 2 million hectares of seasonally flooded tropical forest, this reserve is a true paradise for nature lovers, amazon adventure seekers, and ecotourism enthusiasts.

 Where is the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve?

Located between the Ucayali and Marañón Rivers in northeastern Peru, this vast reserve spans the provinces of Loreto, Requena, Ucayali, and Alto Amazonas. Its strategic location makes it a vital biological corridor for the conservation of endangered species. tour manu 4 dias 

• Protected since: February 25, 1972
• Total area: 2,080,000 hectares
• Category: RAMSAR Site since 1992 (wetland of international importance)

 Conservation Objective

The main goal of the reserve is to protect representative ecosystems of the lowland Amazon rainforest, preserving its incredible genetic diversity and iconic species such as the paiche, giant river otter, and black caiman, which have disappeared from many other ecosystems.

 Flora and Fauna: An Ark of Life

Pacaya Samiria harbors extraordinary biological richness:

Mammals and Wildlife

• Pink river dolphin (Inia geoffrensis)
• Amazonian manatee (Trichechus inunguis)
• Jaguar (Panthera onca)
• Giant river otter (Pteronura brasiliensis)
• Various monkey species: woolly monkey, spider monkey, howler monkey

  The Pacaya Samiria National Reserve  Birds

With more than 449 bird species, highlights include:

• Great egret
• Cocoi heron
• Boat-billed heron
• Neotropic cormorant (Phalacrocorax brasilianus)

 Reptiles and Aquatic Life

• Taricaya turtle (Podocnemis unifilis)
• Black caiman (Melanosuchus niger)
• Paiche (Arapaima gigas) – one of the world’s largest freshwater fish

  The Pacaya Samiria National Reserve Vegetation

• 965 species of wild plants
• 59 cultivated plant species

Vast aguaje palm swamps (Mauritia flexuosa), essential for wildlife and local communities

 Climate and Best Time to Visit

• Average annual temperature: Between 20°C and 33°C
• Dry season (vaciante): July to September (ideal for trekking and land observation)
• Best travel season: May to January – when river levels allow for optimal exploration by boat or canoe

 Sustainable Tourism: Routes and Activities

Pacaya Samiria is a top example of experiential tourism and community-based conservation. Here, you don’t just visit the jungle—you become a part of it. tour adventure puerto maldonado

Authorized Tourism Areas:

Yanayacu-Pucate & El Dorado Lake (most visited)

• Lower and middle Samiria
• Lower Pacaya
• Tibilo-Pastococha
• Punga lakes, among others
• Main Tourist Circuits:

 1. Yanayacu-Pucate Basin

• Access via the Veinte de Enero community
• Explore lakes, campsites, and shelters
• Boat trips, artisanal fishing, bird and wildlife watching

 2. Samiria Basin

• Lakes: Yarina, Fortuna, and Ungurahui
• Cultural exchange with Kukama Kukamilla communities
• Canoe routes and interpretive hikes

 3. Lower Pacaya Basin

• Permanently flooded forests
• Observation of pink dolphins and water birds

 Community Tourism and Conservation

One of the reserve’s most remarkable aspects is its participatory management model. Local communities—many of them Indigenous—don’t just live in the area; they lead conservation and tourism initiatives, offering:

• Rustic accommodations
• Certified local guides
• Traditional meals
• Unique, immersive cultural experiences

Every responsible visit directly supports biodiversity protection and improves the quality of life for Amazonian communities. amazon expeditions  peru

 How to Get There

Most tours depart from Iquitos, accessible via direct flights from Lima. From Iquitos, travel continues by boat or road to Nauta or Requena, depending on the chosen circuit. Always book with authorized tour operators or coordinate with SERNANP.

Traveler Tips

• Bring lightweight, waterproof, quick-dry clothing
• Use insect repellent, sunscreen, and bring personal medication
• Book authorized tours to reduce environmental impact
• Respect conservation rules and leave no trace

 Pacaya Samiria: More Than a Destination, a Transformative Experience

Visiting Pacaya Samiria National Reserve is more than just a trip—it’s a journey into the wildest corners of nature, a chance to live alongside ancestral cultures, and a powerful example of real, sustainable conservation in action.