Amazon Jungle Survival Course: 8-Day Adventure from Iquitos

Summary

Hands-On Amazon Survival Training in Tamshiacu Yanayacu Reserve

If you want more than just sightseeing, this Amazon survival course puts you right in the middle of real jungle life—learning hands-on skills from local guides, building rafts, camping by rivers, and seeing wildlife up close every single day.

What’s the experience like?

The air in Iquitos felt thick and warm as we met our guide early that morning—bags packed, a bit nervous, but mostly excited. After a quick ride to Nauta, we hopped onto a long wooden boat. The river was calm at first, then twisted deeper into the green. Five hours later, we reached Tamshiacu Yanayacu Reserve. That night at basecamp, the jungle sounds—frogs, distant howler monkeys—kept me awake longer than I expected.

Next day started with eggs and sweet coffee before we set out for Yarina Lake. The three-hour hike was muddy in spots; my boots squelched with every step. Our guide, Julio, stopped to show us how to spot water vines—he sliced one open and let us taste the cool water inside. We saw tiny squirrel monkeys darting overhead and heard macaws screeching somewhere above the canopy. Julio pointed out a plant locals use for headaches; he crushed a leaf and let us smell its sharp scent.

We spent another day learning survival tricks—how to build shelter with palm leaves, which bugs are safe to eat (yes, I tried one), and how to listen for rain coming through the trees before you feel it. Sleeping at Lake Yarina was peaceful but strange; the night air buzzed with insects and sometimes you’d hear fish jumping close by.

Building a raft from balsa wood wasn’t as easy as it looked in movies. My hands got sticky from sap, but paddling across Yarina Lake on something we built ourselves felt pretty wild. We fished for piranha using simple lines—caught two small ones that we grilled over the fire later that night.

The hike to Tahuayo River took about four hours under heavy shade. Sweat dripped down my back but there were moments when everything went quiet except for our footsteps and distant bird calls. At Tahuayo River camp, we cooked rice and fish together while bats zipped overhead at dusk.

Some folks spent day six exploring with Julio—he showed them where giant river otters sometimes play—but I just sat by the water’s edge watching dragonflies skim over the surface. That night’s meal tasted better than any restaurant food after a full day outside.

Heading back through the forest toward Yarina Lake again, I realized how much I’d learned—not just about plants or animals but about moving quietly through this place without leaving much behind. On our last morning, breakfast was simple: fruit and bread with strong coffee as mist curled off the lake. By late afternoon we were back in Nauta, tired but grinning—and honestly ready for a hot shower in Iquitos.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Arrival and Boat to Reserve

• Arrive in Iquitos and boat to Tamshiacu Yanayacu Reserve
• Overnight at basecamp

Day 2 — Hike to Yarina Lake

• 3-hour hike to Yarina Lake, wildlife and medicinal plants tour

Day 3 — Survival Skills at Yarina Lake

• Learn survival skills and camp overnight at Yarina Lake

Day 4 — Build Raft and Lake Activities

• Build raft from balsa wood
• Fishing and paddling on lake
• Cross lake and set up camp

Day 5 — Hike to Tahuayo River

• 4-hour hike through jungle to Tahuayo River
• Camp at Tahuayo River

Day 6 — Explore or Relax at River

• Explore area or relax at leisure
• Cook food and camp by river

Day 7 — Return to Yarina Lake

• Journey back through Amazon to Yarina Lake
• Learn about plants, animals, and survival skills

Day 8 — Return to Iquitos

• Breakfast at Yarina Lake
• Trek back to basecamp
• Boat to Nauta and transport to Iquitos

Top questions

Is this Amazon survival course suitable for beginners?

This course is designed for all fitness levels—you don’t need prior survival experience. Guides teach each skill step-by-step and adjust activities based on group ability.

What kind of food is provided during the trip?

You’ll get three meals daily—usually local dishes like rice, fish or chicken, fresh fruit, plus coffee or tea in the mornings.

Are there any health restrictions?

This tour isn’t recommended if you’re pregnant or have spinal/cardiovascular issues due to hiking and camping conditions.

Do I need to bring special equipment?

No special gear needed beyond comfortable clothes and sturdy shoes; all survival tools are provided by your guide.

What’s included

Your trip covers all transportation from Iquitos to Nauta and back, expert local guides throughout your journey, every meal (breakfasts, lunches, dinners), plus all jungle activities—from raft building to guided hikes and camping gear setup.