Solo Exploration in the Heart of the Amazon: A Journey to Pacaya-Samiria

Day 1: Touching the Amazon's Heart

After months of planning and dreaming, my adventure into the heart of the Amazon has finally begun! Leaving Heidelberg behind, with Maximilian and Sofia waving goodbye, felt like stepping into another world. The journey was long, involving multiple flights from Germany to Lima, then onward to Iquitos, Peru. But the anticipation of exploring the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve kept my spirits high. This solo journey is a significant departure from our usual family travels, yet it's a deeply personal quest to connect with nature in its rawest form.

My day started early, fueled by excitement and a strong cup of Peruvian coffee at Amazon Bistro in Iquitos. The bistro, with its European-style charm, offered a comforting taste of home before diving into the unknown. It's a quirky mix of cultures, much like my own life moving from Finland to Germany. I enjoyed a hearty breakfast of fresh bread and local fruit, knowing I'd need the energy for the day ahead. It was a good spot to grab some European-style food.


Discover authentic Peruvian cuisine with a twist at Amazon Bistro in Iquitos - where every dish is a celebration of flavor.

After breakfast, I met with the Acatupel Agency, my tour operator for this adventure. They are highly recommended and seem to offer a truly immersive experience. The team was incredibly welcoming, and their passion for the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve was immediately evident. We finalized the last-minute details of the tour, and I felt a surge of excitement knowing that I was in capable hands. I was also able to visit Tour Pacaya Samiria to get some last minute items.


Discover the Amazon's natural beauty and cultural richness with Tour Pacaya Samiria, your gateway to unforgettable adventures in the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve.

The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step, and mine began with the gentle rocking of a boat on the Marañón River.

The journey to the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve involved a two-hour drive from Iquitos to Nauta, followed by a scenic boat ride along the Marañón River. As the boat glided through the water, I was immediately captivated by the lush greenery and the vibrant life along the riverbanks. The air was thick with humidity, and the sounds of the jungle enveloped me. It was a sensory overload, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe and reverence for the natural world. November falls within the high-water season, so the riverbanks were overflowing.
Lunch was at Embarcadero Restaurante Al Frío y al Fuego, a floating restaurant on the Itaya River. The restaurant is known for its unique setting and delicious Peruvian cuisine. I savored a traditional ceviche, made with fresh local fish and aji peppers. The flavors were vibrant and spicy, a true reflection of the region's culinary heritage. The floating restaurant was started as a port of embarkation in 2006. The views from the restaurant were breathtaking, offering a panoramic vista of the river and the surrounding rainforest.


Experience exquisite Peruvian cuisine with breathtaking river views at Embarcadero Restaurante Al Frío y al Fuego in Iquitos.

As the day drew to a close, I found myself at YAKUMAMA RESTOBAR FLOTANTE for dinner. This floating restobar offered a different ambiance, with a lively atmosphere and a menu featuring local specialties. I enjoyed a delicious meal of grilled fish, accompanied by plantains and a refreshing Amazonian fruit juice. The restobar is known for seafood, pizza, and ceviche. The sounds of the jungle filled the air, creating a magical backdrop for my first evening in the Amazon. Sipping on a local cocktail, I reflected on the incredible experiences of the day and felt grateful for the opportunity to explore this extraordinary place.


Discover exquisite Peruvian cuisine on the tranquil waters of Yakumama Restobar Flotante in Iquitos - a perfect blend of flavor and natural beauty.

Tomorrow, I will be visiting Lago Cuipari and Shelter Posa Gloria, which I am very excited about. I am also looking forward to trying THE YELLOW ROSE OF TEXAS RESTAURANT for breakfast.
Even though I missed my family, I felt a profound sense of connection to the natural world. As a translator, I find beauty in the nuances of language, and here, in the Amazon, I was discovering a new language spoken through the rustling of leaves, the calls of exotic birds, and the gentle flow of the river. It was a language I was eager to learn.
One thing I realized I had forgotten to pack was a rain poncho and sunscreen. I will need to buy some tomorrow before heading out to the reserve.
Conditions in the jungle are basic. There is no toilet and no shower. It is recommended to bring old clothes because they will likely get muddy.
Pacaya Samiria has a high-water and low-water season. During the high-water season, which is now, the rainforest floods, which creates a mirror-like maze of rivers and lagoons.
Temperatures in Pacaya Samiria in November can reach 32°C during the day, with nighttime temperatures dropping to 23°C. Rainfall is heavy, averaging around 253 mm for the month.
As I settle into my campsite tonight, surrounded by the symphony of the jungle, I feel an overwhelming sense of peace and anticipation for the adventures that lie ahead. The Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve is a world of its own, and I am ready to immerse myself fully in its wonders. I am excited for what tomorrow will bring!