The Pacaya Samiria National Reserve

Pacaya-Samiria is the largest protected area in Peru, the second largest in the Amazon basin and the fourth largest in South America. And all of it is tropical forest, ranging from premontane to tropical lowland. Its remoteness means that is has been little expolred, let alone visited by tourists. The reserve is managed with the cooperation of local people, who are encouraged to use it sustainably by SINAPF, the environmental department of the Peruvian government. To enter the reserve you need a permit from INRENA. July to October are the best months to visit. Bring plenty of insect repellent, long trousers and long-sleeved shirts.

The list of species so far discovered is impressive, and it will no doubt expand greatly as further studies are undertaken. There are 130 species of mammals) most of them bats, rodents and monkeys, though all the lowland forest cats are present), 330 species of birds, of which 23 are migratory, and more than 150 species of reptiles and amphibians in 20 families. Despite this plethora, the park was set up primarily to protect aquatic fauna. As well as giant otters, there are abundant Amazonian manatees, giant Amazonian turtles, and paiche, one of the worlds largest and most endangered freshwater fish. These can reach over three meters long and eat only fruit from flooded forests.