Peru · Jungle Expedition

4-Day Amazon Jungle Tour to Pacaya-Samiria from Lima

4 Days Round trip from Lima Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Navigate the Yarapa, Ucayali, and Cumaceba rivers by boat and canoe
  • 02 See the world-famous Pink and Gray river dolphins of the Amazon
  • 03 Explore the Amazon wilderness on guided jungle walks
  • 04 Look for abundant birdlife, monkeys, sloths, and other rainforest wildlife

Explore the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve in northeastern Peru on this 4-day Amazon adventure. Bordered by the Marañón and Ucayali rivers, this biodiverse reserve is home to pink dolphins, spider monkeys, giant South American turtles, and abundant birdlife. Travel by canoe and riverboat along the Yarapa, Ucayali, and Cumaceba rivers, enjoy jungle walks, and experience the wilderness of the Amazon up close.

At some point during the walk, you will be asked to turn off your flashlight and stay quiet, allowing your senses to adapt to the darkness as you listen to the sounds of the rainforest and identify what they are and where they come from.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 4 Days
Tour type Private
Activity level Moderate
Accommodation Included · Standard
Transport Included
Wheelchair access Not applicable
Cities Iquitos, Nauta, Lima, Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve
Languages English, Portuguese, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Lima to Nauta and Amazon Night Walk

  • Meet your guide at a predecided location in Lima and make your way to Iquitos. Alternatively, you can be picked up from your hotel in Iquitos.

  • Depart from Iquitos to the city of Nauta.

  • Get picked up by motorcar from the car terminal to Nauta river port.

  • Board the riverboat and navigate for about 2.5 hours from Nauta to the camp house.

  • Have lunch as soon as you arrive at the camp.

  • Boat along the Yarapa and Ucayali rivers until you reach the Amazon before dusk. The world-famous Pink and Gray river dolphins will start to appear near your boat.

  • Head back to the lodge and prepare for an evening and night of Amazonian adventures.

  • See exotic beetles and moths. On your walk, you can spot diverse species of frogs, including the famous owl frog, which makes holes in the ground and weighs over half a pound. At some point during the walk, you will be asked to turn off your flashlight and stay quiet, allowing your senses to adapt to the darkness as you listen to the sounds of the rainforest and identify what they are and where they come from.

2
Day 02

Birdwatching and Caiman Spotting at Jungle Tucunare

  • Enjoy the sunrise over the skyline of the Amazon rainforest. The suspension bridges are built to bring you closer to all the wildlife around Jungle Tucunare Lodge.

  • Wake up early in the morning and observe at least 50 species of birds, 20 of which are uncommon. The variety of wildlife in this type of Igapo forest is outstanding.

  • Go on a jungle walk and spot medicinal plants.

  • Travel by boat to one of the many great piranha fishing spots in the area. Armed with a wooden pole, string, hook, and meat, you will lower the bait into the water. When the piranhas strike, lift the pole. Don't worry - the guide will retrieve the fish for you. You can choose catch-and-release, or, if you prefer, the chefs at Jungle Tucunare Lodge will prepare the piranha as a side dish for your nightly meal.

  • Depart Jungle Tucunare on a motorized canoe along the Yarapa and Cumaceba rivers. Caimans are close relatives of the alligator and can be found throughout the Amazon rainforest. While the bright light hypnotizes the caiman, your canoe will slowly approach it until your guide is close enough to attempt to catch it with his bare hands and lift it out of the water for all to see. After closer viewing, the young caiman will be returned unharmed to the water.

  • Transfer back to Jungle Tucunare Lodge after the thrill of this incredible hunt in the dark.

3
Day 03

Lagoon Jungle Walk and Kayaking

  • Participate in a fascinating jungle walk to this isolated lagoon that was once part of the river many years ago. The lagoon hosts many species of aquatic plants, such as the giant water lilies.

  • Spot the wattled jacana, nicknamed Jesus Christ because it can walk on water. These are just a few of the many animals that live in this forest area.

  • Visit a small community where local people present and show their different handicrafts and souvenirs.

  • Captain your own boat and see wildlife from a river perspective. In a kayak, you can explore the rivers and creeks without the noise of a boat engine. This creates a peaceful atmosphere and an ideal situation for capturing wildlife.

4
Day 04

Amazon Tributaries Cruise and Return

  • Embark on an adventurous boat ride through the tributaries of the Amazon.

  • See abundant wildlife and nature while searching for Amazon River specialties such as blue and yellow macaws, wattled jacanas, trogons, black-collared hawks, oropendolas, yellow-headed caracaras, and tanagers, among others.

  • Spot sloths and monkeys in the trees above you as you cruise around the Yarapa and Cumaceba rivers.

  • Head back to the lodge for lunch.

  • Depart from the camp to Nauta at 2:00 pm.

  • Upon arrival in Iquitos, you will be taken to the airport or your hotel in the city.

Yarapa, Ucayali and Cumaceba rivers, Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve, Jungle Tucunare Lodge

Where this trip takes you

Yarapa, Ucayali and Cumaceba rivers, Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve, Jungle Tucunare Lodge

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Lima 4 cities · 4 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Spanish-, Portuguese-, or English-speaking tour guide

  • Airport transportation and other transfers around the city

  • River transportation

  • All meals (3 per day)

  • Water

  • Activities or programs mentioned in the itinerary

  • Accommodation

What's Not Included

  • Alcoholic beverages

  • Tips for the Peruvian tour guides

What to bring

  • Mosquito repellent

  • Sunblock

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Lima / Iquitos
Tour start
Lima, Peru
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 4 days finish where they began, in Lima.

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