At the headwaters of the Amazon River, up the Ucayali and Tapiche tributaries, the Tapiche Reserve is a wild destination largely unknown to outsiders. At our remote lodge located 400km upriver from Iquitos in northern Peru, the purity of the wilderness invites you to leave the chaos and clutter of civilization far behind.
"Going on the boat towards the reserve felt like being on the way to freedom...disconnecting from all the things we don't need and at the same time (re)connecting to nature."
-Mariekun, tripadvisor.com
The Tapiche Reserve is located several hundred kilometres from Iquitos in forest which has not been exploited. Getting to Tapiche thus involves a long fast boat ride- lots of fun in and of itself, but also a way to observe the changing patterns of the forest between Iquitos and Tapiche, as well as a load of wildlife along the way.
-Mark W., tripadvisor.com
The journey from Iquitos, Peru to the Tapiche Jungle Reserve takes approximately 12 hours from door to door, including rest and meal breaks, transportation transfers, and possibly some wildlife watching as we progress deeper into the forest. This is a general estimate, so please understand that actual travel time during your trip may vary. The journey is a unique opportunity for visitors to observe firsthand the impact of humans on the rainforest. It also helps guests understand the pace of river life and the transportation and logistical challenges that local people face every day.
The forest closer to civilization is short and thin, and in some areas it has been completely cleared for agriculture or livestock. The diversity of tree species is relatively low as secondary forests follow the same general growth pattern. We stop for lunch halfway between Iquitos and the lodge in Requena, the largest town in the area. Requena is the hub of wood laundering operations and a funneling point for all other products coming out of the jungle, from plant products to jungle animals. This is a rare glimpse into the world of today’s river residents going about their daily lives—no costumes or calculated show performances.
As we continue navigating up the winding network of glassy blackwater rivers, villages become sparser, trees become taller and thicker, and birds and pink and grey dolphins greet us as we pass. We may stop the boat to appreciate reptiles and land mammals that choose to reveal themselves along the way. Try to keep count of the toucans and macaws as they fly high above the river, and take in the fresh scents from the forest carried by the breeze. When the river gradually narrows and the trees form vibrant green walls hugging the winding waterway, we’ve arrived to the Tapiche Reserve.
Contact us to begin booking your jungle adventure.
Banner photo: Sunset at the Tapiche Reserve, Peru
© Deborah Chen