From Iquitos: Pacaya Samiria National Reserve Day Trip

Set out on a captivating day trip from Iquitos to the stunning Pacaya Samiria National Reserve. This immersive experience includes a guided exploration of the reserve’s rich wildlife, such as dolphins, sloths, and monkeys. Enjoy a traditional lunch as you learn about the area’s significance to local communities. With a maximum group size of 15, this tour ensures a personalized adventure in nature. Uncover the confluence of rivers and spot diverse wildlife in this hidden gem of the Amazon.

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Key Points

A day trip from Iquitos to Pacaya Samiria National Reserve costs £165.44 per person and includes hotel pickup, transportation, guided tour, lunch, and park entrance.
The 8-hour guided tour in the reserve offers opportunities to spot diverse wildlife, including sloths, dolphins, birds, monkeys, and more.
Participants are transported by car and boat, with a 30-minute car ride from Iquitos to Nauta and back.
The tour includes a traditional Juane lunch, a savory tamale made with rice, meat, and vegetables, wrapped in bijao leaves.
Certain physical conditions may prevent participation in the tour, and essential items like comfortable shoes and insect repellent are recommended.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Trip Overview and Pricing

This day trip from Iquitos to Pacaya Samiria National Reserve costs from £165.44 per person.

It’s a 1-day excursion with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. A "reserve now & pay later" option is available.

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, transportation by car and boat, life jackets, lunch, and park entrance.

Group size is limited to 15 participants, ensuring a personalized experience.

Whether you’re seeking wildlife, natural wonders, or cultural insights, this affordable day trip offers an immersive introduction to Pacaya Samiria National Reserve.

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Itinerary and Transportation

The day trip begins with pickup from any hotel in Iquitos, where participants should wait in the hotel lobby 10 minutes before the scheduled departure time.

There are two pickup locations: Iquitos and the plaza de armas de Iquitos.

From Iquitos, the group travels by car for 30 minutes to Nauta. The 8-hour guided tour then commences in Pacaya Samiria National Reserve.

After the tour, the group returns to Iquitos by car for another 30 minutes.

Group size is limited to 15 participants to ensure an intimate and personalized experience.

Highlights and Wildlife

As visitors explore the vast and biodiverse Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, they’ll be treated to a remarkable sight – the confluence of the Marañón and Ucayali rivers.

This ecological hotspot is home to an array of wildlife, including sloths, dolphins, birds, monkeys, lizards, turtles, and amphibians.

Travelers will have the opportunity to spot these creatures in their natural habitats and learn about the reserve’s importance to local indigenous communities.

With knowledgeable guides, visitors can enjoy the wonders of the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve and learn about its importance to indigenous communities.

With the guidance of knowledgeable guides, visitors can enjoy the wonders of this remarkable Amazonian ecosystem.

Meals and Amenities

During the day trip, visitors can enjoy a traditional lunch of Juane, a regional dish from the area. Juane is a savory tamale made with rice, meat, and vegetables, and wrapped in bijao leaves.

The lunch is included in the tour package, along with hotel pickup and drop-off, transport by bus and boat, life jackets, and entrance to the park. Guests can stay hydrated with the provided water.

The tour also offers amenities such as access to restrooms and a chance to purchase souvenirs from local vendors, ensuring a comfortable and enriching experience in the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve.

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Important Information and Recommendations

Not everyone may be suited for the day trip to Pacaya Samiria National Reserve. The itinerary involves hiking, navigating waterways, and spotting wildlife. Certain conditions may prevent participation, including pregnancy, mobility issues, and heart problems. To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, the following recommendations apply:

| Essential Items | Prohibited Behaviors | Visitor Guidelines |

| — | — | — |

| Comfortable shoes | Smoking | Follow guide instructions |

| Hat | Littering | Respect local wildlife |

| Camera | Feeding animals | Avoid touching plants |

| Sunscreen | – | – |

| Insect repellent | – | – |

Adhering to these guidelines will enhance the visitor’s appreciation of this unique natural wonder.

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Exploring the Confluence of Rivers

The day trip to Pacaya Samiria National Reserve offers visitors the unique opportunity to explore the confluence of the mighty Marañón and Ucayali rivers.

Gliding through these converging waterways, travelers can observe the dramatic meeting of these two powerful Amazon tributaries. This is a showcase for the immense scale and power of the Amazon basin.

Seeing this natural phenomenon firsthand is a highlight of the tour, providing visitors with a deeper appreciation for the intricate web of life that thrives in this remote and vital ecosystem.

Spotting Diverse Wildlife

As visitors glide through the waterways of Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, they’ll have the chance to spot a diverse array of wildlife. Lucky travelers may encounter sloths relaxing in the canopy, pink dolphins surfacing in the rivers, and a variety of tropical birds soaring overhead. Monkeys, lizards, turtles, and amphibians also call this lush ecosystem home. To help maximize wildlife viewing, the tour includes a helpful guide who can point out the different species and share information about the reserve’s importance to local indigenous communities.

| Animal | Description |

| — | — |

| Sloths | Slow-moving tree dwellers |

| Pink Dolphins | Freshwater dolphins found in rivers |

| Monkeys | Arboreal primates living in the canopy |

| Turtles | Aquatic and semi-aquatic reptiles |

| Amphibians | Frogs, toads, and salamanders |

Connecting With Indigenous Communities

During the day trip to Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, visitors can connect with the indigenous communities that have long called this region home.

The guides provide insights into the lifestyles and traditions of the local tribes. Travelers may observe traditional fishing techniques, learn about medicinal plants, and see artisanal crafts.

This interaction fosters a deeper understanding of the reserve’s importance to the indigenous people who depend on its resources. Visitors gain appreciation for the delicate balance between conservation and sustainable practices that enable these communities to thrive within the protected area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?

There are no explicit age restrictions mentioned for the tour. However, it’s not suitable for pregnant women or those with mobility issues or heart problems, so parental discretion is advised for young children.

Can I Cancel the Tour for a Partial Refund?

Yes, you can cancel the tour for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. The tour offers a "free cancellation" policy, allowing you to get your money back if you need to change your plans.

Do I Need a Visa to Participate in the Tour?

No, a visa is not required for this tour. The tour includes transportation, lunch, and entrance fees, so you’re all set with just your passport. Simply follow the guide’s instructions for a safe and enjoyable experience.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Participants can bring their own food and drinks on the tour, but the package includes a traditional lunch. It’s best to follow the guides’ recommendations and avoid littering or disturbing the wildlife in the national reserve.

Is There an Option to Extend the Duration of the Tour?

No, there’s no option to extend the duration of the tour. The tour is a fixed 1-day trip from Iquitos to Pacaya Samiria National Reserve. The itinerary and schedule are pre-determined, and the tour doesn’t offer any extensions.

The Sum Up

This captivating day trip from Iquitos to the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve promises an immersive exploration of the reserve’s rich wildlife and cultural heritage. Travelers can expect to spot dolphins, sloths, and monkeys, enjoy a traditional Juane lunch, and learn about the area’s significance to local communities. With a small group size, this tour provides a personalized adventure in the heart of the Amazon.