Amazon jungle tour: Pink dolphins & night expeditions

Explore native villages and wildlife reserves along the Amazon’s winding river trails

A 3-day guided tour from Iquitos into Pacaya Samiria National Reserve with native English and Spanish-speaking guides, combining daytime canoe rides and jungle hikes with night expeditions to spot insects, tarantulas and frogs. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included each day. Children from age 2 are welcome.

The experience

The tour starts with a drive from Iquitos to Nauta, then enters Pacaya Samiria National Reserve at the Community of Puerto Miguel. From there, the days split between water and forest: canoe rides on the Amazon River hunting for gray and pink dolphins, piranha fishing from the boat, jungle hikes with native guides looking for monkeys and birds, and bathing in the river. Each afternoon brings a hike through the Lupuna forest and around Iricahua cocha lake. The nights are the draw: guided expeditions specifically to find insects, tarantulas and frogs in their active hours, plus an alligator search by boat.

You move through the reserve with a native guide who speaks English or Spanish and knows where the animals actually are. The schedule runs tight: sunrise wildlife watching on day two, then the return to Iquitos by 5 pm on day three. Breakfast, lunch and dinner come each day, so you eat without leaving the jungle or stopping the rhythm of the trip.

What’s included

• Breakfast, lunch and dinner each day.
• canoe rides on the Amazon River.
• piranha fishing.
• pink dolphin observation.
• jungle hiking with a native guide speaking English or Spanish.
• night expeditions to spot insects, tarantulas, frogs and caimans.
• river bathing.
• wildlife and bird watching.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (18 to 49 years) · Senior (50 to 80 years) · Youth (12 to 17 years) · Child (6 to 11 years) · Infant (2 to 5 years)

GroupUp to 12

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 7 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyInfant seats availableNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Lupuna jungle tours

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you want to move through the jungle with a small group and a native guide rather than on your own, and if you're drawn to the night expeditions: the insects, tarantulas and frogs that only come out after dark are what set this itinerary apart from daytime-only options.

Traveler reviews

4.12★★★★★★★★★★

17 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 17 years); Child (6 to 11 years); Infant (2 to 5 years).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What animals will I actually see on a 3-day Amazon tour from Iquitos?

Pink and gray dolphins appear during canoe rides on the river. Monkeys and birds show up during daytime jungle hikes. Night expeditions target insects, tarantulas, frogs and caimans. Sightings depend on the season and the animals' movement, but the guide knows the reserve and takes you where they are most active.

Do I need to be fit to hike in the jungle for three days?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels. Jungle hikes happen daily, but they are paced by the guide and broken into segments across the morning and afternoon. If you have spinal injuries or cardiovascular concerns, check with the operator before booking.

How much time do we spend in a canoe versus hiking?

The days mix both. Mornings often start with canoe rides for dolphin and bird spotting. Afternoons include jungle hikes around the forest and lakes. Night expeditions are by boat. The guide adjusts the balance based on where animals are active and the weather.

Is this tour private or shared with other travelers?

The tour runs with a native guide and can accommodate multiple travelers. The group size and whether you travel alone or with others depends on your booking. Confirm the group composition when you reserve.

What's included in the price, and what do I need to bring?

All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) are included each day. Beers, tips and flight tickets to Iquitos are not covered. Bring insect repellent, a headlamp or flashlight for night walks, waterproof bags for the canoe, and sturdy hiking shoes or boots that can handle wet ground.