LOBO DE RIO | 7 DAYS 6 NIGHTS
A TRIP TO THE HEARTLAND OF PACAYA SAMIRIA NATIONAL RESERVE
$1099 Per Person
Based on a group of 2 people minimum
Day 1 – Journey to Nauta & First Encounter with the Amazon
Your journey starts bright and early! Around 5:00 a.m., our driver and local guide will pick you up from your hotel in Iquitos for a scenic 1.5-hour drive to Nauta, the only city connected to Iquitos by road. There, a fast and comfortable boat will be ready to take you deep into the heart of the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, the largest protected area in Peru and one of the most biodiverse places on Earth.
As we navigate for about four hours along the Marañón River, you’ll be greeted by the coffee-colored waters of the Samiria River, home to pink river dolphins, colorful birds, and incredible Amazonian scenery.
At the entrance to the Samiria River, we’ll stop at the Control Station to present our permits. Your guide will introduce you to the local park rangers and explain their vital work protecting this vast ecosystem.
After the formalities, we’ll continue to the community of San Martín de Tipishca, belonging to the Cocama-Cocamilla ethnic group, which will serve as our home base for the next few days. We expect to arrive around 1:00 p.m., just in time to enjoy a delicious home-cooked Amazonian lunch and settle in for your jungle experience.
In the afternoon, we’ll explore the village of San Martín de Tipishca, learning about the local way of life, their agriculture, culture, and traditions. Later, we’ll embark on a boat excursion to a nearby creek, where we can spot pink and gray river dolphins and a variety of Amazon birds.
As the sun sets over the river, we’ll enjoy the breathtaking Amazon sunset before returning to the village for dinner and a well-deserved rest.
Highlights
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Scenic drive from Iquitos to Nauta
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Speedboat journey along the Marañón River
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Visit to Santa Rita de Castilla and Samiria Basin Control Station
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Immersion in San Martín de Tipishca, a Cocama-Cocamilla community
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Dolphin-watching and bird-spotting at sunset
Day 2 – Camping in the Heart of the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve
After an early breakfast surrounded by the peaceful sounds of the jungle, we’ll pack our camping gear and set off by boat toward the heart of the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, one of the most biodiverse regions in the Peruvian Amazon.
By late morning, we’ll arrive at a beautiful lagoon, home to an abundance of tropical birds and pink and gray river dolphins. With the help of our local guide, we’ll select the perfect area to set up our campsite and prepare a freshly cooked lunch over an open campfire.
In the afternoon, we’ll head out for a classic Amazon piranha fishing adventure. This lagoon offers excellent fishing opportunities—not only for piranhas but for several other local species as well. Later, we’ll enjoy a dinner made from our own fresh catch, cooked by the fire as we listen to the symphony of the forest at dusk.
After dinner, we’ll take a short night boat excursion to look for caimans along the lake’s banks. With a bit of luck, you’ll have the chance to safely observe and photograph one of these fascinating reptiles up close before returning to camp for a restful night in the Amazon wilderness.
Highlights of the Day
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Boat journey to the heart of the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve
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Observation of river dolphins and colorful birdlife
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Camping experience beside a pristine Amazon lagoon
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Piranha fishing and dinner cooked over a traditional campfire
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Night boat excursion to spot caimans in their natural habitat
Day 3 – Birdwatching, Wildlife Tracking & Night Fishing in Pacaya Samiria
Wake up to the melodic symphony of Amazonian birds, the perfect invitation to begin the day with an early birdwatching excursion. The rainforest is alive with color and sound as parrots, macaws, and other exotic species take flight across the canopy.
After enjoying a traditional jungle-style breakfast, we’ll continue our adventure by boat, navigating along a narrow river toward the location of our next campsite. Along the way, we’ll keep our eyes open for playful monkeys, vibrant tropical birds, and—if luck is on our side—giant river otters swimming near the banks.
Upon arrival, our cook will prepare a fresh Amazonian lunch while we set up our tents and take a well-deserved rest surrounded by the serenity of the rainforest.
In the afternoon, we’ll head out on a guided jungle hike through wildlife trails near our campsite. These paths often reveal footprints of tapirs, jaguars, and other land mammals—a thrilling glimpse into the secret life of the Amazon. While actual sightings are rare, each discovery tells a fascinating story of the jungle’s hidden inhabitants.
As night falls, we’ll return to camp for dinner by the fire, followed by a nocturnal fishing experience. Using traditional Amazonian spears, you’ll have the chance to try night fishing under the stars, a true jungle adventure unlike any other.
Highlights of the Day
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Early morning birdwatching in the Amazon rainforest
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Scenic boat navigation through jungle rivers
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Spot monkeys, tropical birds, and giant river otters
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Guided jungle trek to search for jaguar and tapir tracks
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Dinner by the campfire surrounded by rainforest sounds
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Exciting night fishing with traditional spears
Day 4 – Jungle Hike, Samiria River & Night Wildlife Expedition
After breakfast surrounded by the tranquil sounds of the rainforest, we’ll pack up camp and prepare for a 1.5-hour jungle hike through the pristine Amazon forest. Our trail leads us to the banks of the Samiria River, where our boat will be waiting to continue the journey deeper into the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve.
Upon arrival at the riverbank, our team will prepare a freshly cooked lunch in the open air, right by the beautiful Samiria River—a perfect moment to relax and enjoy the serenity of the Amazon.
After lunch, we’ll travel to the Third Control Station of the Samiria Basin, where we’ll register our visit with park rangers. Depending on their recommendations, we may spend the night at the station. This offers a unique opportunity to interact with local rangers, learn about their conservation efforts, and perhaps even join them in their daily activities.
As night falls, we’ll set out for a nocturnal wildlife expedition on a nearby lake. Guided by our expert, we’ll search for snakes, anacondas, nocturnal birds, and with some luck, larger Amazon mammals that roam under the moonlight.
Highlights of the Day
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Jungle hike from the campsite to the Samiria River
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Boat transfer to the Third Control Station of the Samiria Basin
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Riverside lunch surrounded by pristine Amazon scenery
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Interaction with park rangers and insight into conservation work
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Night excursion to spot snakes, anacondas, nocturnal birds, and mammals
Day 5 – Downstream Journey to San Martín Community
After breakfast in the heart of the rainforest, we’ll begin our return journey downstream toward the community of San Martín. The day will be filled with scenic navigation through the Amazon’s winding rivers, offering one last opportunity to appreciate the breathtaking landscapes and rich biodiversity of the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve.
As we travel, keep an eye out for colorful bird species, playful monkeys, and river dolphins that often accompany boats along the way. The navigation will last most of the day, allowing you to relax and enjoy the peaceful rhythm of the river.
By sunset, we’ll arrive at San Martín, where a warm welcome and a freshly prepared dinner await—an ideal way to end the day surrounded by the calm and beauty of the Amazon jungle
Highlights
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Downstream navigation through the Amazon River system
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Scenic return through the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve
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Opportunities to spot wildlife along the riverbanks
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Arrival at the San Martín community by sunset
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Dinner served upon arrival, surrounded by jungle serenity
Day 6 – Cultural Encounter & Farewell to the Amazon
This morning marks our last full day in the village, and we’ll spend it immersed in the rich traditions and culture of the Amazon people. After breakfast, we’ll visit the local shaman, a respected spiritual leader in the community, to learn about the myths, legends, and traditional medicine that have been passed down through generations. Our guide will share insights into the important role shamans play in maintaining harmony between people and nature.
After lunch, we’ll enjoy a well-deserved rest, taking in the calm atmosphere of the village.
In the afternoon, you’ll have the chance to connect with the locals through a friendly sports afternoon—joining a game of football or volleyball with members of the community. It’s a joyful and authentic way to experience everyday life in the Amazon.
As evening falls, we’ll prepare for an early night, as our journey back to the city will begin at dawn the next morning.
Highlights of the Day
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Visit to the village shaman and introduction to Amazonian traditions
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Learn about myths, legends, and traditional jungle medicine
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Guided interpretation of the shaman’s cultural role
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Relaxing afternoon rest surrounded by nature
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Sports and interaction with the local community (football or volleyball)
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Peaceful evening preparing for the return journey
Day 7 – Return Journey to Iquitos
Our final day in the Amazon begins before sunrise. Depending on the available transportation, we’ll depart from the village of San Martín around 4:00 a.m. or later, beginning our journey back toward the city of Iquitos.
We’ll spend most of the day traveling through the heart of the Amazon, surrounded by lush rainforest and peaceful river scenery. The trip may take between 4 to 8 hours, depending on river conditions and the type of transportation available.
Upon arrival in Nauta, our private vehicle will be waiting to provide a comfortable transfer to Iquitos, where we expect to arrive around 4:00 p.m. It’s the perfect time to reflect on the unforgettable experiences, breathtaking landscapes, and unique wildlife encounters of your Pacaya Samiria adventure.
Note: Itinerary and travel times may vary depending on weather and river conditions.
Highlights of the Day
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Early morning departure from the village of San Martín
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Peaceful navigation through the Amazon waterways
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Scenic return journey across the rainforest landscape
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Private transfer from Nauta to Iquitos
Estimated arrival in Iquitos around 4:00 p.m.
