JAGUAR | 8 DAYS 7 NIGHTS
A TRIP TO THE HEARTLAND OF THE PACAYA SAMIRIA NATIONAL RESERVE
For wildlife lovers. This is not a touristic area. You will only find jungle.
$1199 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 – Into the Heart of Pacaya Samiria National Reserve
After an early breakfast, 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 areas in the Peruvian Amazon.
By late morning, we’ll arrive at a scenic lagoon filled with tropical birds and river dolphins. With guidance from our local expert, we’ll set up camp and prepare lunch over a campfire, surrounded by the jungle’s sights and sounds.
In the afternoon, enjoy a piranha fishing adventure in the lagoon, with other local fish species also available. Dinner will feature the freshly caught fish, cooked over the campfire.
As night falls, we’ll embark on a short boat excursion to spot caimans along the lake’s banks, with opportunities for safe photography
Highlights of the Day
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Boat journey to the heart of Pacaya Samiria National Reserve
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Observation of river dolphins and exotic birdlife
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Camping experience in the Amazon
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Piranha fishing and campfire dinner
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Night caiman spotting excursion
Day 3 – Birdwatching, Wildlife Tracking & Night Fishing
Wake up to a symphony of jungle birds, perfect for an early birdwatching excursion. After a traditional jungle breakfast, we’ll navigate along a small river toward our next campsite, observing monkeys, tropical birds, and possibly giant river otters along the way.
Upon arrival, lunch is prepared by our cook while we set up the tents and rest. In the afternoon, enjoy a guided jungle hike near the campsite, searching for jaguar and tapir footprints.
As night falls, return to camp for dinner and try traditional night fishing with spears, a unique Amazonian experience.
Highlights of the Day
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Early morning birdwatching in the rainforest
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Scenic river navigation
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Wildlife sightings: monkeys, tropical birds, river otters
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Jungle trek for animal tracking
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Night fishing under the stars
Day 4 – Jungle Hike & Samiria River Adventure
After breakfast, we’ll pack up camp and begin a 1.5-hour hike to the Samiria River, where a boat will take us to the Third Control Station of the Samiria Basin. Lunch will be served riverside amidst the pristine Amazon scenery.
At the Control Station, we’ll register our visit and may spend the night there, depending on guidance from rangers and our official guide. This is a great chance to learn about conservation efforts and participate in activities with the rangers.
After dark, we’ll explore a nearby lake in search of snakes, anacondas, nocturnal birds, and possibly large mammals.
Highlights of the Day
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Jungle hike to the Samiria River
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Boat transfer to Third Control Station
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Riverside lunch
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Interaction with park rangers and conservation activities
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Night expedition to spot snakes, anacondas, and nocturnal wildlife
Day 5 – Lagoon Exploration & Fourth Control Station
Wake up at dawn to visit a lagoon in hopes of seeing the Paiche (Arapaima gigas) in its natural habitat. Observe flocks of birds in this stunning Amazon landscape.
Return to the Control Station for breakfast, then continue by boat to the Fourth Control Station, observing caimans, river turtles, iguanas, and possibly capybaras along the way. In the evening, enjoy a forest walk in the Pacaya Samiria Reserve, increasing chances to spot land mammals.
Highlights
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Dawn Paiche and birdwatching excursion
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River journey to Fourth Control Station
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Wildlife sightings: caimans, river turtles, iguanas, capybaras
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Evening forest walk for animal tracking
Day 6 – Return to San Martín Community
After breakfast, we’ll begin the journey back downstream to the San Martín community, taking most of the day. Enjoy the scenic Amazon river landscapes and opportunities to spot birds and river wildlife along the way.
Upon arrival by sunset, enjoy a freshly prepared dinner with the community.
Highlights of the Day
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Scenic downstream navigation
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Wildlife spotting along the river
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Arrival at San Martín by sunset
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Dinner with the local community
Day 7 – Cultural Experiences in the Village
Spend the morning visiting the village shaman, learning about Amazon myths, legends, and traditional medicine. Our guide explains the shaman’s important role in the community.
After lunch, enjoy a sports afternoon with locals, playing football or volleyball. Retire early in preparation for the return journey the next morning.
Highlights of the Day
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Visit to village shaman
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Learn about Amazonian traditions and medicine
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Afternoon sports and community interaction
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Early night for next-day departure
Day 8 – Return Journey to Iquitos
Depending on transportation, we’ll depart the village of San Martín around 4:00 a.m. or later. Travel most of the day—approximately 4–8 hours—to Nauta, where our private vehicle will take us to Iquitos, arriving around 4:00 p.m.
Highlights of the Day
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Early morning departure from San Martín
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Scenic Amazon river journey
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Comfortable transfer from Nauta to Iquitos
Arrival in Iquitos around 4:00 p.m.
