Located in the department of Loreto, Pacaya
Samiria covers an area of 2,080,000 hectares, and is the largest national
reserve in the country. Considered the jewel of Peru's northern Amazon jungle,
Pacaya Samiria is home to an abundant and varied wildlife, particularly the
myriad fish species, the main source of protein in the region. The countless
lakes, swamps and water holes are a refuge for 130 types of mammal, 330 bird
species and an as-yet unknown number of reptile and amphibian species. Some of
the attractions of the area include the huge river turtles, the manatee and the
pink river dolphin, the giant river otter, the black caiman and the paiche - the
largest freshwater fish species on Earth - all of which are endangered species |