Pacaya Samiria Expedition
(5 days / 4 nights)

Day 1: Iquitos – Nauta – Pacaya Samiria National Reserve

Meet and greet at the airport. From there transfer to the pier in Nauta (approx 62 miles SW / 2 hours from Iquitos). En route, we have a brief orientation of the city. We navigate upstream the Maranon River to the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve (50 miles SW / approx 2 ½ hours from Nauta). We can watch diverse species of birds along the way, including egrets, hawks, horned screamers, jacanas, parrots and parakeets. It is also possible to see Amazon River dolphins.

In the afternoon, after passenger identification at the reserve’s entrance check-point, we arrive in Arequipa community where the first camp will be set up. Then we have a short walk to the nearby village.

Meals: Boxed lunch and dinner

Day 2: Pacaya Samiria National

Watch birds as they leave their nests to find their food on the river, among them cotingas, macaws, parrots and Harpy (Harpia harpyja).

After breakfast in the camp, excursion to Shansho Cocha Lake (90 minute boat trip) upstream the Yanayacu Pucate. On the way we see the giant Lupuna (Ceiba pentandra), Capirona, and Capinuri (Heliocostilis scabra) trees and also eye-catching birds as the Toucan (Pteroglossus), the Red Macaw (Ara macao), the Blue-and-Yellow Macaw (Ara ararauna), the Great Egret (Egreta alba) and the Amazon Kingfisher (Chloroceryle amazona). Watch the Hoatzin or “Shansho” (Opysthocomus hoazin), a bird that nestles and feeds on the shores of this lake. Return to the campsite.

In the afternoon, excursion to Yanaquillo Creek to spot squirrel monkeys (Saimiri boliviensis), saddle back tamarins (Saguinus fuscicollis) and sloths (Bradypus variegatus).

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 3: Pacaya Samiria National Reserve

Morning excursion to Japan Creek and Yanta Lake to bird watch and fish. Among the fish species found in the reserve we find piranha (Serrasalmus), ‘sabalo’ (Brycun americus), and sardine (Triportheus), amongst others.

Late-afternoon canoe ride to see the reserve’s scenery at sunset.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 4: Pacaya Samiria National Reserve

Early morning breakfast before moving the camp to another site. We navigate along the Yanayacu Pucate where we can spot pink dolphins (Inia geoffrenssis), ‘taricayas’ local name given to the yellow-spotted river turtles (Podocnemis unifilis) and probably even giant otters (Ptenerura brasiliensis). Enjoy lunch at the edge of the river overlooking the beautiful scenery.

In the afternoon walk the camp’s surroundings to discover this area’s exquisite flora and fauna.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 5: Pacaya Samiria National Reserve – Nauta – Iquitos

Navigate back to Nauta and land transportation to Iquitos. Transfer to the hotel or to the airport.

Meals: Breakfast