The Best Place to Explore the Amazon: Lagunas (Pacaya Samiria National Reserve), Peru (South America)

When I think of the true Amazon, I'm reminded of this remote and lovely spot where I embarked on a 5-day canoe excursion with a friend, guide, and his wife the chef.

Lagunas stands out as an authentic and tranquil destination, contrasting with the more touristy Iquitos. Here, you truly experience nature in its purest form, observing animals in their natural habitats. Lagunas captivated me not only with its natural beauty but also with its unique way of life, where homes often lack a front door and proper windows. It's a place that holds a special spot in my heart for its genuine wilderness and cultural immersion.

Nonetheless, after visiting five different places in the Peruvian Amazon (including Iquitos), Lagunas and more specially Pacaya Samiria National Reserve is without a doubt the best place to explore the Amazon.

With that said, the only reason to make a stop in Lagunas is to explore the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, ranging from a 3-day to a 12-day trip. It is the largest reserve in Peru and the second largest in the Amazon.

To get to Lagunas, you have two options

1. You can take a boat from Yurimaguas (which is what I did) that leaves twice a day.
   

2. If you are coming from the North, you can go through Iquitos where a boat will disembark from Nauta. Nauta will take you directly to Lagunas.

PRO TIP: LAGUNAS DOES NOT HAVE WORKING ATM's. YOU EITHER BRING CASH OR VISIT HOSPEDAJE ECO WHERE A MAN CAN GIVE YOU CASH BY CHARGING YOUR CREDIT CARD WITH A SMALL FEE.

1. Places to stay

2. Pacaya Samiria Information

   1. The Best Tour Company: Acatupel

   2. Overall information

   3. What to pack

3. Food options in Lagunas

1. Places to stay

Because Lagunas is so small, remote, and low key, I showed up with no accommodation reservation. I am pretty sure Hospedaje Eco is the only place that comes up on booking.

• Hospedaje Paraiso Verde: This is where I stayed. Beyond cheap and basic.

• Hospedaje Eco: Where majority, if not all, tourists will stay. A great place with VERY helpful staff.

2. Pacaya Samiria Information

a. The Best Tour Company: Acatupel

• Walked out of Lagunas with family because of this tour company. Not only was I overwhelmed and confused about how to go about Pacaya Samiria, but this owner sat with my friend and I explaining everything she could to us despite the language barrier. This tour company treats you like royalty showing you what you will be doing, eating, seeing, and sleeping before the trip even starts.

b. Overall Information

• You can message the company to let them know you are coming but I recommended booking everything once you are in Lagunas.

• We spent five days exploring, but you can extend your adventure up to two weeks. With no cell service, immersed in the wild, we focused on animal watching, star gazing, jungle walks, while accompanied by a personal chef—a unique perk of booking with any company. Our guide, Javier, proved to be a seasoned expert in navigating Pacaya Samiria. His extensive knowledge of the river allowed us to take scenic shortcuts, expediting our journeys between destinations. Javier and his wife's familiarity with the area was awe-inspiring.

• The guides' ability to spot animals in the jungle was remarkable. Despite limited English proficiency, they could pinpoint animals hundreds of feet away. Traveling in the off-season with just one companion meant it was just the two of us, our guide, and the cook (who happened to be the guide's wife!) in one canoe. We paddled along the river, stopping for breaks, meals, trekking, fishing, and exploration.

• Unlike bustling Iquitos, Lagunas is never overcrowded with tourists. If you're torn between Iquitos and Lagunas for your Amazon adventure, I wholeheartedly recommend Lagunas. It offers an incredibly intimate and personal experience that's unmatched.

c. What to pack

Of course it depends on how long you are going for but, less is better with everything in one small backpack, leaving your other belongings in Lagunas. Keep in mind, you can wash your clothes in the river which is safe to do, as well as swim/shower in.

My list for 5 days:

• Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, body wash, sunscreen)

• Clothes:
  

  • 2 shirts

  • 2 shorts

  • 2 sleep shorts (they set up a mosquito net at night so you are not being eaten alive while you sleep)

  • 2 long sleves (I used one as a pillow at night)

  • 1 long pant to hike in (I used my rain pants)

  • 1 bathing suit

  • 1 sports bras

  • 3 ankle socks

• Shoes: flip flops and hiking boots

  • Note: I never used my hiking boots because they give you rain boots when hiking.

• Extra and very needed: bug spray, portable charger, sunglasses, hat, microfiber towel

3. Food options in Lagunas

Be aware, there are limited food options in Lagunas. There is NO grocery store yet little shops with beers, chips, coffee, etc.

• There is a market on the mornings that serves food

• A few "Menu Del Día" spots for lunch

• For dinner, on the main road, women are outside their houses cooking for the community. It's such a lovely energy where you can customize your plate from all the food they cook.

• Other than this, bring your own food/snacks.

PEACE AND LOVE TO THE COMMUNITY OF LAGUNAS!

Next stop: Iquitos via boat that stops in Nauta. From Nauta, take a colectivo/transportation to Iquitos!

Xoxo,

Chelsey