The Pacaya–Samiria National Reserve is one of the largest protected areas in Peru with an area of more than 2 million hectares . It is also the largest protected seasonal flooded forest in South America. The reserve is made up of three hydrographical basins: the Samiria River drainage, the Pacaya River drainage and the Yanayacu-Pucate drainage.
Delimited by two big rivers, the reserve is bordered by the Marañon River to the north and the Ucayali River in the South. At the junction of these two mighty rivers, the easternmost corner of the reserve, the Amazon River is born and begins its journey starting at 340 feet (104 meters) above sea level for another 1,926 miles (3,100 km) to the Atlantic Ocean.
Delimited by two big rivers, the reserve is bordered by the Marañon River to the north and the Ucayali River in the South. At the junction of these two mighty rivers, the easternmost corner of the reserve, the Amazon River is born and begins its journey starting at 340 feet (104 meters) above sea level for another 1,926 miles (3,100 km) to the Atlantic Ocean.
Renowned for its biodiversity and with new species coming to light daily, up to now the reserve has been found to harbor over 500 species of birds (which makes up almost 64% of the total birds recorded for Peru and includes five of the eight species of macaw and the primitive-looking hoatzin), 132 species of mammals (this includes the pink and gray river dolphins, several monkey species and giant river otters), 240 species of reptiles (including the giant anaconda and black caiman), 58 species of amphibians, 259 species of fish (includes the famous giant “paiche” and armored catfish) and well over 1,200 species of plants with more being described every day, many of medicinal significance.
The Pacaya-Samiria Reserve is characterized by a tropical wet climate with temperatures which range from 20 C (68 F) to 33 C (91 F) and a yearly rainfall of around 2000-3000 mm (80 – 120 inches), with slightly higher chances of rain showers in the first half of the year.
