PACAYA SAMIRIA - A WATERY ENIGMA

The forest of mirrors, as this part of the Amazon is called, has a unique ambiance - nowhere else in the Amazon are there as many waterways, large and small, lakes and lagoon that reflect the sky and create a unique habitat, characterized by the seasonal ebb and flow of the water level. Wildlife adapts easily to the seasonal inundation, and this huge reserve is one of the richest wildlife habitats, especially for aquatic species.

In the midst of this watery wonderland, surrounded by abundant rainforest, lies Pacaya-Samiria Amazon Lodge, one of only two lodges on the edge of the reserve. Until recently access to the reserve has been very difficult, but now there are some carefully regulated services that allow limited access. Pacaya Samiria lodge provides an ideal base to explore this fascinating nature reserve.

The lodge has been built in the architectural style of this region, offering a rare degree of standard considering its remote location. Each comfortable bungalow has its own private bathroom and terrace with view to the river. Connecting elevated walkways lead to the club-house, dining room, hammock room, watch-towers and hiking paths.

The restaurant serves delicious meals of international and regional cuisine, as well as bar service. Meals consist of soups and appetizers, salads, main course, pasta, dessert, fresh fruits, coffee or tea. Drinking water is also provided to the guests visitors.

A small boutique shop offers artisan crafts and souvinirs. The library is also open to visitors. Electricity is available at night time.

Pacaya Samiria Amazon Lodge offers several programs, from 3 Days/2 Nights to 6 Days/5 Nights with the option of spending 1 or 2 nights camping at a campsite deep within the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve itself. They also offer some specialized birding programs.

Location:

Pacaya-Samiria Amazon Lodge is located 190 kilometers (120 miles) southwest of the city of Iquitos, on the banks of the Marañon river, at a short distance from the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve.

Daily flights from Lima to Iquitos take approximately 1.5 hours. The journey starts when you embark on the 3.5 hours by boat ride through the Amazon and Marañon rivers to reach the lodge.

ITINERARY
3 Day/2 Night Program

DAY 1: IQUITOS/LODGE

Reception at the airport. One of our bilingual guides will meet you at the airport and transfer you to Pacaya-Samiria Amazon Lodge (psal) via the Iquitos-Nauta road. The journey takes 2 to 2.5 hours. Reception and lunch at the lodge. In the afternoon, walk along trails through the primary rainforest that surround the lodge and observe the flora and fauna of the region. Depending on the weather conditions, we will enjoy a beautiful sunset from our maloca. Dinner, and briefing about the activities of the next day (questions and answers, talk about the culture, flora and fauna of the Amazon). Night at the PSAL.

DAY 2: PACAYA - SAMIRIA NATIONAL RESERVE (PSNR)

Awake to the sounds of a wild Jungle dawn. Before breakfast we will take a Birdwatching hike. Return to the lodge for Breakfast. After breakfast we will depart for a full day excursion to the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve. We will search for gray and pink dolphins down in the Yanayacu river. We will observe flora and fauna along the way to visit Japon and Platano lakes (cochas), and marvel at the great variety of palms, awesome trees and beautiful landscape. The black water of the river and lakes reflects with the fidelity of a mirror, which is why Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve is known as the "jungle of the mirrors". We enjoy our boxed lunch and spend the afternoon swimming, piranha fishing, birdwatching and identifying plants. In the evening we return to the lodge for dinner. Depending on visibility we will observe the stars and planets at the lodge and learn about myths and legends. Drift to sleep to the sounds of the rainforest at the Pacaya-Samiria Lodge.

DAY 3: RIVERSIDE VILLAGE - RETURN TO IQUITOS

After breakfast we visit a riverbank village to learn more about the river people and their lifestyle and daily activities. The people make their living by hunting, gathering, fishing or agriculture. After lunch we depart to the city of iquitos in time for your return flight.

Rates for 2008

Passengers Program	2	3	4
3D/2N	£268	£206	£177
4D/3N	£337	£279	£239
5D/4N	£422	£349	£2998
6D/5N	£507	£421	£361

Programs lasting 4, 5, or 6 days are also available (See 6d/5n program for further itinerary options).

All program can be arranged so that all nights are spent at the lodge - prices are the same.

For further information or booking inquiries, please contact Sacred Earth.