Pacaya Samiria National Reserve:
Preserved Amazonian Jungle - Visit Information

🌎 General Presentation

With its 2 million hectares, the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve is the second-largest protected area in Peru and one of the most important floodplain forests in the Amazon. Nicknamed "the mirror forest" due to the water reflections during the rainy season, it is home to exceptional biodiversity:

• 965 recorded plant species
• 449 bird species (including the harpy eagle)
• 102 mammal species (jaguars, pink dolphins, giant otters...)
• 69 reptile species
• 58 amphibian species
• 256 fish species (including the paiche, the largest freshwater fish in the Amazon)

🌊 Unique Ecosystem

The reserve is crossed by three main rivers:

• The Marañón (main tributary of the Amazon)
• The Ucayali
• The Samiria

This hydrographic network creates a floodplain forest ecosystem that changes radically between the dry and rainy seasons.

🚤 How to Visit Pacaya Samiria?

Access is mainly from:

• Iquitos (1-2 days by boat)
• Lagunas or Nauta (main entry points)

Visit Options:

• River cruises (3 to 7 days)
• Ecological lodges on the periphery of the reserve
• Guided expeditions with specialized agencies

🎟️ Fees & Regulations

• Entrance permit: 30 soles (about 8 USD)
• Mandatory guide to enter the reserve
• Prohibitions:
  • Unauthorized hunting and fishing
  • Removal of plant species
  • Introduction of foreign species

🧭 Practical Tips

• 📅 Best Time:
  • Dry season (June to November): better animal observation
  • Rainy season (December to May): spectacular flooded landscapes
• 🎒 Essential Equipment:
  • Light but covering clothing (protection against insects)
  • Closed shoes and sandals for wet areas
  • Powerful insect repellent (with DEET)
  • Sun protection and hat
  • Poncho or waterproof jacket
  • Binoculars and waterproof camera
• 💉 Health:
  • Yellow fever vaccination required
  • Recommended anti-malaria treatment
  • Only bottled drinking water

🐒 Wildlife Observation

Iconic species to observe:

• Pink dolphins (Inia geoffrensis)
• Giant otters (Pteronura brasiliensis)
• Spider monkeys and howler monkeys
• Black caimans (Melanosuchus niger)
• Macaw parrots and other colorful parrots

💡 Tip: Best observation times are early morning and late afternoon.

The Pacaya Samiria National Reserve offers an authentic Amazonian experience, far from mass tourism. This ecological sanctuary allows you to discover exceptional biodiversity in a preserved setting, while supporting local communities engaged in ecotourism.

A trip to Pacaya Samiria is more than just an excursion - it's a deep dive into the Peruvian Amazon, an experience that leaves a lasting impression and raises awareness about protecting this unique ecosystem.

🌱 Responsible tourism: By visiting Pacaya Samiria, you directly contribute to the conservation of the Amazon rainforest and the sustainable development of riverine communities.