How much time should we spend in the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve?
This week we are entering the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, and we are wondering how much time we should spend in the reserve.
The Pacaya Samiria National Reserve is the largest park in Peru. It protects over 5 million acres, which is an area roughly the size of the state of New Jersey.
Last year we were able to identify over 100 species of animals during our month-long journey through the park’s flooded forest. The park is the largest protected flooded rainforest in the world, and offers a great chance to learn about the plants and animals of the Amazon Rainforest.
Originally we had planned to spend about 13 days paddling down the Samiria River, which runs through the middle of the park. Then we were planning to spend 4 days paddling down the Maranon River to a town called Nauta. From Nauta it is a three day paddle down the Amazon River to Iquitos. Remember how we spent a few extra days exploring the mountains? This means that we do not have as many days to spend in the rainforest. We need you to help us decide what to do with the time we do have!
Option 1: Spend approximately 14 days paddling down the Samaria River. This would mean spending more time exploring the park and looking for animals. Then we would finish this year’s leg in Nauta rather than Iquitos.
Option 2: Spend approximately 11 days in the park, which will mean traveling more quickly and not taking days off to explore. This will allow us to paddle all the way to Iquitos, which was our original plan, rather than stopping in Nauta.
The votes are in! We'll be going with option 1, and spend a few extra days in the reserve. We'll finish up in Nauta. Thanks for your help!
Option 1: Spend approximately 14 days paddling down the Samaria River. This would mean spending more time exploring the park and looking for animals. Then we would finish this year’s leg in Nauta rather than Iquitos.
Option 2: Spend approximately 11 days in the park, which will mean traveling more quickly and not taking days off to explore. This will allow us to paddle all the way to Iquitos, which was our original plan, rather than stopping in Nauta.
The votes are in! We'll be going with option 1, and spend a few extra days in the reserve. We'll finish up in Nauta. Thanks for your help!