Pacaya Samiria

NATIONAL RESERVE

Pacaya Samiria National Reserve
A waiting to be discovered.

The reflection of hundreds of snow White great egrets flashes off of the black-glass lake. Large flights of ducks take wing amongst the egrets. Not far from the boat pink dolphins surface briefly. Kingfishers skim along the shore line in search of something to eat. In the distance, pairs of macaws call out with their distinctive “screech”... Birds of all sizes and colors flit through the air…

This is the “The mirror of the Jungle” – the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve of Peru is considered one of the most important areas of biodiversity in the world. The largest reserve in the country encompasses 2’080,000 hectares (5’139,680 acres) between the Marañon and the Ucayali rivers. This protected area contains 85 lakes which are home of 250 species of fish as well as both pink and grey fresh-water dolphins. In the jungle and flooded forest of the reserve 132 mammal species (13 of which are primates), 449 bird species and 250 reptile and amphibian species have been

Genuine villages

Conservation projects

Primary forest

Wildlife

Birds of Pacaya Samiria

An Avian Biodiversity Sanctuary

AVAILABLE IN OUR TOURS

As you navigate the slow rivers and cochas (lakes) of Pacaya Samiria, the air fills with the vibrant chorus of its winged inhabitants. The majestic Harpy Eagle (Harpia harpyja), with its imposing presence, dominates the skies, while the elusive Wattled Curassow (Crax globulosa) glides through the dense riverside vegetation. The banks are adorned with color by elegant herons of various species, such as the Cocoi Heron (Ardea cocoi) and the Rufescent Tiger-Heron (Tigrisoma lineatum), patiently awaiting their aquatic prey.

The trees, teeming with life, are home to flocks of parrots and macaws, whose strident calls resonate through the jungle. The vibrant Scarlet Macaw (Ara macao) and the Blue-and-yellow Macaw (Ara ararauna) are flying jewels that paint the sky with their colors, while parakeets and conures add their constant chatter.

VILLAGES

Populations inside
Pacaya Samiria

Within the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve territory, there are 94 communities, 21 of which belong to the Cocama Cocamilla ethnic group. The total population of the reserve is 42,000 people, and their main economic activities are centered on fishing, agriculture, gathering, and hunting, with fishing being their most important activity and primary food source. The closest cities to the Reserve are Nauta, via the Marañon River, and Requena, via the Ucayali River.

21 Cocama

villages in Pacaya Samiria

AVAILABLE IN OUR TOURS

Mammals inside the
Reserva Nacional Pacaya Samiria

The Pacaya Samiria National Reserve is home to a great diversity of mammals, including iconic Amazonian species such as the pink river dolphin, the manatee, the giant river otter, the jaguar, and the woolly monkey. Other species found in the reserve include the howler monkey, the spider monkey, the white-lipped peccary, and the tapir.

132 SPECIES OF MAMMALS

Aquatic mammals:

Pink dolphin (Inia geoffrensis):
An iconic species of the Amazon, known for its characteristic pink color.
Risso's dolphin (Sotalia fluviatilis):
Another species of dolphin that lives in the rivers of the reserve.
Amazonian manatee (Trichechus inunguis):
An endangered species of aquatic mammal, also known as the sea cow.
Giant river wolf (Pteronura brasiliensis):
A carnivorous mammal that lives in family groups and feeds on fish.

Land mammals:

Jaguar (Panthera onca): The jaguar, a top predator in the food chain, also known as the jaguar in some regions.
Ateles sp.: A genus of monkeys that includes several species, such as the yellow-fronted monkey (Ateles beltzebuth).
Howler monkey (Alouatta sp.): A primate known for its loud and distinctive vocalizations.
Woolly monkey (Lagothrix sp.): Another type of monkey that lives in the Amazon rainforest.
White-lipped peccary (Tayassu pecari): An artiodactyl mammal found in large groups.
Amazonian tapir (Tapirus terrestris): A large herbivorous mammal, also known as sachavaca.
Puma (Puma concolor): An adaptable feline found in a variety of habitats.

LAKES IN PACAYA SAMIRIA

Lagoons in Pacaya Samiria

The lagoons of Pacaya Samiria, known as "cochas," are vast, nutrient-rich bodies of water within the reserve that play a vital role in the ecosystem and sustain local communities. They are an integral part of the reserve's biodiversity, providing habitat for a wide variety of aquatic life and serving as important sources of sustenance for both wildlife and people.

Key Role in the Ecosystem: These lakes, such as El Dorado Lagoon, are crucial for the ecological balance of the reserve, hosting a diverse range of flora and fauna. They are a source of water and nutrients that sustain the unique ecosystem of the flooded forest.

Abundant Wildlife: The lakes are teeming with aquatic life, including fish such as the paiche (one of the largest freshwater fish), piranhas, and electric eels. Reptiles like caimans and various bird species also inhabit these areas, making them ideal spots for wildlife observation.

Two Seasonal Periods: The lakes are affected by the distinct wet and dry seasons of the Amazon. During the high-water season, the lakes expand and become more navigable, while during the low-water season, they recede, revealing sandy beaches and allowing for hiking and trekking.

PLANTS IN PACAYA SAMIRIA

Over 1000 species
of plants

The Pacaya Samiria National Reserve is home to a great diversity of plant species, including timber trees such as cedar and mahogany, as well as palm trees like the aguaje (Mauritia flexuosa), pijuayo, shapaja, and ungurahui. In addition, species such as the renaco, aya uma, and a variety of orchids — including 22 Amazonian species — can be found. Among the aquatic plants, the most notable are the Amazonian Victoria, also known as Victoria Regia, the largest aquatic flower in the world, and the common water hyacinth.

DISPONIBLE EN NUESTROS TOURS

Featured species:

Aguaje (Mauritia flexuosa): A palm tree abundant in the reserve, whose fruit is edible and used to make handmade soap.
Victoria Regia: The world's largest aquatic flower, serving as a "stopover" for birds.
Renaco: A tree that forms part of the flooded forest on the banks of rivers.
Cedar and Mahogany: Timber species of great commercial value.
Orchids: More than 20 Amazonian species are found in the reserve.
Heliconia Rostrata (Toucan Beak): With striking flowers that can reach a large size.
Red Pineapple: A plant that grows on rocks or trees, with a red flower in the shape of a pineapple.
Common Water Hyacinth: An aquatic plant found in still waters.
Aya Uma: A species of importance in the reserve.
Pihuayo, Shapaja, Unguruhui: Palm trees with usable fruits.

8 Days 7 Nights

A 100% virgin jungle awaits you with a vast and impressive variety of wildlife. For those seeking a genuine experience in the Peruvian Amazon, immerse yourself in a

A 100% virgin jungle awaits you with a vast and impressive variety of wildlife. For those seeking a genuine experience in the Peruvian Amazon, immerse yourself in a unique expedition where you won't encounter other tourists.

Just you and Nature.

expedition where you won't encounter other tourists.