The Mirrored Forest: Reflections of Nature’s Secrets
A captivating journey into the heart of the Peruvian Amazon with the renowned Pacaya Samiria Reserve. Nestled within the vast expanse of lush rainforest, this extraordinary sanctuary beckons adventurers seeking an unparalleled experience in one of the world’s most biodiverse landscapes.
The Pacaya Samiria Reserve, often referred to as the “Mirrored Forest,” is a haven for nature enthusiasts and explorers alike. Its sprawling waterways, teeming with vibrant wildlife and unique flora, create an enchanting backdrop for an unforgettable expedition.
The Pacaya Samiria National Reserve (PSNR), located close to Iquitos (Peru), is the largest government protected area within the floodable Amazon Basin in South America with 2’080,000 ha (20,800 sq km or 5139.7 acres) is twice the area of the Yellowstone National Park (USA).
RAMSAR since 1986, it is located among the Rivers Marañón, Ucayali and Amazon housing a huge biodiversity: 527 bird species, 102 mammal species, 69 species of reptiles, 58 species of amphibians, 269 fish species, and 1024 species of plants. Some of these species are endangered as the charapa turtle (Podocnemis expansa), taricaya turtle (Podocnemis unifilis), the spider monkey (Ateles sp.), the giant otter (Pteronura brasiliensis), the jaguar (Panthera onca), the Amazon manatee (Trichechus inunguis), black caimans (Melanosuchus niger), the scarlet macaw (Ara macao), the harpy eagle (Harpia harpyja), herons, hummingbird and more.
This living tapestry of life paints a vivid picture of the interconnectedness and delicate balance within this lush sanctuary.
The altitude of the Reserve is between 80 to 206 msnm (263 to 675 feet above sea level) and have many lagoons and streams of calm water that reflects the landscapes and sky as a mirror. Due its landscapes and biodiversity, the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve is an Amazon hotspot for ecotourism, adventure travel and birdwatching.
There are many tour companies cruises, lodges, travel agencies and local guides of the villages living in the protected area (these people were trainned by the Peruvian government and NGOs)- that organizes jungle trips to the reserve, but always is better contact only with registered ones.
The Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, hailed as a remarkable haven for wildlife enthusiasts, offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness the untamed beauty of the Amazon’s diverse fauna. To truly savor the immersive experience and capture the essence of this rich biodiversity, it is highly recommended to embark on a journey lasting a minimum of three days and two nights.
The Dorado lagoon (“cocha El Dorado” as the locals say) is one of the most interesting places within it, because hosts a plenty of birds, alligators, river turtles, paiches (Arapaima gigas), the largest fresh water fish in the world), monkeys, and beautiful landscapes of primary jungle. To visit El Dorado it is necessary to take at least a 10-day expedition.
Need info on Iquitos tours, rainforest adventures, or local guides? contact iPerú, the nationwide tourism office (run by PromPeru, the Peruvian tourism board) to iperuiquitos@promperu.gob.pe, www.peru.travel or their 24-hour line (+51 1) 574-8000.
