Pink dolphins
In black-water rivers.
Yndira Hildaura Tornero Cruzatt — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Sucram Yef — CC BY 2.0 · Verlic Redclaw — CC BY 3.0 · Techylm — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Techylm — CC BY-SA 4.0
One of Peru's largest nature reserves, covering some twenty thousand square kilometres of seasonally flooded Amazon forest between the Marañón and Ucayali rivers, which meet nearby to form the Amazon. It is known as the «Forest of Mirrors», as its calm black waters reflect the trees and sky like a mirror. It is home to pink and grey river dolphins, Amazonian manatees, giant otters, arapaima, among the largest freshwater fish in the world, hundreds of bird species, and giant water lilies whose round leaves float on the lakes. The reserve can only be visited with a tour company authorised by the protected-areas service, usually on a trip of three days or more by boat along rivers and narrow channels, sleeping in a lodge or on board. Programmes include canoeing among flooded trees, watching dolphins and visiting villages of the Cocama people who live on its banks. In the flood season from December to May the water rises and canoes reach deep into the forest; in the dry season the banks appear and walking and birdwatching are easier. Health authorities recommend a yellow fever vaccine for Peru's Amazon, and the Loreto region carries a malaria risk, so see your doctor before travelling and bring strong insect repellent.
In black-water rivers.
By canoe among trees.
Round floating leaves.
Between the Marañón and Ucayali rivers, Loreto region; via the town of Nauta, about two hours by road south of Iquitos
At least three, as getting there from Iquitos via Nauta and then by boat takes time. Four or five days let you reach deep into the reserve.