Pacaya Samiria National Reserve

Pacaya Samiria National Reserve

peruamazonrainforestflooded-forestbirding
Sloth - Shutterstock / BETO SANTILLAN
Peru|South America
88
Wildlife
52
Access
56
Stay
66
Safety
86
Photo
88
Crowds
54
Cost
90
Birding

Pacaya Samiria is one of the great upper Amazon floodplain wildernesses, with blackwater forest, oxbow lakes, river islands, pink dolphins, primates, macaws, caimans, and superb lowland biodiversity across a huge remote reserve. It is strongest for travelers who want a rich Amazon natural-history trip with high wildlife density and strong photography potential, while accepting boat-based logistics and a more expedition-like feel than Tambopata.

23°
Partly cloudy

Gallery

Wildlife Species

Amazon River Dolphin

Uncommon

Mammal · Best time: Boat excursions on rivers and lagoons

Giant Otter

Uncommon

Mammal · Best time: Quiet oxbow lakes and creeks

Hoatzin

Common

Bird · Best time: Edges of flooded forest and lagoons

Black Caiman

Uncommon

Reptile · Best time: Night boat trips

Geography

Terrain
Seasonally flooded Amazon rainforest, rivers, oxbow lakes, blackwater channels, river islands
Elevation
About 80-150m
Climate
Hot humid tropical rainforest
Area
About 20800 km2

Weather

Best Months
JuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctober
Avg. Temperature
23-32°C
Rainfall
Wet year-round, with lower-water months often helping trail access and sightings
Humidity
75-100%

Getting There

Nearest Airport

Iquitos with onward river transfer by fast boat or expedition boat

Moderately demanding Amazon access, but much easier than the most remote western Amazon sites

Transport
  • Lodge-based river and creek excursions
  • Multi-day boat itineraries
  • Specialist birding and dolphin-focused trips

Where to Stay

Amazon lodges in and around reserve access corridors

Mid-range to Premium

Lodge · Boat-based access to main wildlife areas

Simple river camps and expedition boats

Budget to Mid-range

Camp or Boat · Closer to more remote sectors

Location

-4.7200, -74.4300View larger map

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