From the M/V
Arca,
the reflection of hundreds of snow-white Great Egrets flashes
off of the black-glass lake. Large flights of ducks take
wing amongst the egrets. Not far from the boat, pink dolphins
surface briefly. Kingfishers skim along the shore line in
search of breakfast. In the distance pairs of macaws call
out with their distinctive "screech." 
As the small boat moves slowly along, troops
of monkeys are seen swinging through the trees. The naturalist
guide spots a pair of sloths high up in a Cecropia tree.
Birds of all sizes and colors flit through the air. Colorful
groups of butterflies hover near the undergrowth on shore.
This is the "Espejo de la Selva"
– the mirror of the jungle – the Pacaya-Samiria
National Reserve of Peru. The largest reserve in the country
encompasses 2,080,000 hectares (5,139,680 acres) between
the Marañon and Ucayali Rivers. This protected
area contains 85 lakes which are home to 250 species of
fish as well as both pink and gray fresh-water dolphins.
In the jungle and flooded forest of the reserve 132 mammal
species (13 of which are primates), 449 bird species and
150 reptile and amphibian species have been documented.
There are three distinct eco-systems in
the Pacaya-Samiria Reserve and the largest variety of
flora in Peru, including 22 species of orchids.
The area originally set aside in 1940 became
a National Reserve in 1972. A number of ranger stations
were set up to enforce Reserve laws and monitor wildlife.
The objectives of the Reserve are to foster research and
protection for all species of wildlife, foster socioeconomic
help for the local people and utilization of resources
and tourism. Nature Conservancy of Peru plays a major
role in meeting these goals. One of their more successful
programs is the protection of taricaya and charapa turtle
eggs and conservation of these endangered species. To
date they have released 450,000 turtle hatchlings.
Tourism plays an important role in that
it brings in funds through an entrance fee that helps
support the various programs and promotes awareness of
the wildlife and plant resources within the reserve and
the need for its continued protection.
SUNDAY - Sail out of Iquitos past small
villages and agricultural settlements stretching along
the banks of the river. In the evening pass the juncture
of the Ucayali and Marañon Rivers that in reality
form the Amazon River. Continue up the Ucayali River overnight.
MONDAY - Mid-morning shore excursion to
visit a remote riverside village unchanged over the last
50 years. Continue upriver now in a greatly reduced flow
of water.
TUESDAY - Enter the black waters of the
Pacaya River at the ranger station. An entrance fee helps
protect this preserved natural area. The ship reduces
speed as regulations require boats to move through this
nature area without disturbing it. A full day of viewing
and experiencing this mystical area.
WEDNESDAY - Deeper into this protected
reserve, where only the reserve's rangers and a vast variety
of birds, fish and fauna reside. Sunrise and sunsets are
particularly active times for the inhabitants here. Several
species of monkeys and sloths will be seen and bird watching
is at its best. The waters have many active fish, caiman
as well as the giant "river lobo"(otter). In
the evening catch a few fish for the dinner table (peacock
bass, arahuana, dorado and piranha).
THURSDAY - The un-ending show around the
riverboat continues. Small shore boats will take you off
to hidden undisturbed still-water lakes. Stop on the banks
for a visit to the dense and varied flora of the uncut
jungle. Late afternoon begin downriver return. Farewell
party and goodbyes from the guides.
FRIDAY: After lunch onboard, disembark
in Iquitos.
Contact
us for pricing or to include a visit to the Pacaya-Samiria
National Reserve on the M/V
ARCA or other cruising
itineraries in your next adventure to Peru.
