WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY EXPEDITION | 6 DAYS 5 NIGHTS
PACAYA SAMIRIA NATIONAL RESERVE
$899 Per Person
Based on a group of 2 people minimum
6 Days / 5 Nights – Deep Amazon Photography Adventure
Explore one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth with your camera in hand. The Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, often called “The Jungle of Mirrors”, offers endless opportunities for wildlife, landscape, and cultural photography. This expedition is specially designed for photographers — from passionate amateurs to professionals — who want to capture the Amazon at its most magical.
Day 1 – Journey to the Reserve & Golden Hour on the River
Photography focus: River landscapes • Local life • Pink dolphins at sunset
Your adventure begins early! Around 5:00 a.m., our guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel in Iquitos for a scenic drive to Nauta, the gateway to the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve. From there, a private speedboat will take you deep into the Amazon, navigating along the Marañón River toward the Samiria Basin — a paradise for photographers.
During this 4-hour journey, you’ll have the first opportunities to photograph pink river dolphins, kingfishers, and lush jungle reflections in the morning light.
We’ll stop at the Samiria Control Station to register and meet park rangers before continuing to the San Martín de Tipishca community, your home base for the first night.
After a home-cooked lunch, we’ll explore the community and photograph daily Amazonian life — children playing by the river, fishermen, and women weaving traditional crafts.
Before sunset, we’ll head out by boat to photograph pink and gray dolphins, herons, and the vivid colors of the Amazon dusk reflected on the water.
Highlights
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Sunrise and golden-hour river photography
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Local village portraits and lifestyle scenes
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Dolphin and bird photography at sunset
Day 2 – Into the Wild: Lagoon Camp & Night Caiman Photography
Photography focus: Reflections • Aquatic wildlife • Night photography
After an early breakfast, we’ll pack camera gear and camping equipment for a journey deeper into the Pacaya Samiria wilderness. By midday, we’ll reach a secluded blackwater lagoon, one of the reserve’s most photogenic spots.
We’ll set up camp by the water’s edge — a perfect base for wide-angle shots of the mirrored lagoon and telephoto captures of macaws, jacanas, and dolphins.
After lunch, try your hand at piranha fishing while photographing river life scenes and close-ups of Amazon fish species.
When night falls, we’ll go on a boat safari with spotlights to capture caimans, night herons, owls, and the mystical reflections of stars and jungle silhouettes.
Highlights
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Camping beside a lagoon for day & night photography
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Aquatic bird and river dolphin portraits
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Night caiman and star photography session
Day 3 – Birds, Monkeys & the Sounds of the Jungle
Photography focus: Birds in flight • Monkeys • Macro forest photography
Wake up early for a birdwatching session at dawn — when the forest comes alive with color and sound. Photograph toucans, hoatzins, oriole blackbirds, and parrots as they feed along the riverbanks.
After breakfast, we’ll navigate to a new location and establish our next wilderness campsite. Along the way, watch for squirrel monkeys, howler monkeys, and the elusive giant river otters — prime subjects for telephoto shots.
In the afternoon, we’ll hike through the jungle in search of wildlife tracks, colorful frogs, orchids, and butterflies, perfect for macro photography.
At night, we’ll try traditional spear fishing, a great chance to experiment with long exposure and firelight photography.
Highlights
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Sunrise bird photography
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Monkeys and giant river otter sightings
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Macro photography: insects, frogs & flora
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Firelight and night-action photography
Day 4 – Jungle Trek, Rangers & Nocturnal Wildlife
Photography focus: Storytelling portraits • Snakes • Nocturnal macro
After breakfast, we’ll break camp and hike through pristine rainforest toward the Samiria River, photographing giant trees, fungi, and forest light rays along the way.
A boat will take us to the Third Control Station, where we’ll meet local park rangers and learn about their conservation efforts — perfect for documentary-style portraits.
After lunch, we’ll prepare for a night exploration. This area is known for snakes, anacondas, and night birds — incredible subjects for macro and low-light photography under the stars.
Highlights
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Jungle hike and environmental portraits
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Ranger life photography
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Night macro: snakes, frogs, and moths
Day 5 – Downstream Journey & Farewell Sunset
Photography focus: River reflections • Dolphins • Community life
After breakfast, we’ll begin the downstream journey back to San Martín de Tipishca. Keep your camera ready — morning light often reveals herons fishing, dolphins playing, and monkeys leaping between trees.
Upon arrival at the community, we’ll enjoy a warm dinner and share our best photos from the expedition — a moment to celebrate the incredible memories captured.
Highlights
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River wildlife in morning light
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Final dolphin and bird encounters
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Cultural portraits in San Martín
Day 6 – Return to Iquitos
After an early breakfast, we’ll say goodbye to our hosts and navigate back to Nauta, then continue by car to Iquitos. Depending on river levels, the trip can take between 6 to 8 hours.
Arrival in Iquitos is expected around 4:00–5:00 p.m.
Highlights
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Early morning departure through misty rivers
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Scenic landscapes and final photo moments
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Comfortable transfer back to Iquitos
Trip Notes
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Recommended gear: 100–400mm lens, 24–70mm lens, tripod, waterproof bags, extra batteries.
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Best time to visit: June–November (dry season, best for wildlife visibility).
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Difficulty: Moderate (boat navigation + light trekking).
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Photography support: Local naturalist guide + photo instructor available on request.
