Peru contains the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve in the Amazon Rainforest.
The reserve lies in the Loreto Region of northeastern Peru and protects a vast area of seasonally flooded forest, rivers, lakes, and wetlands. It is one of Peru’s largest protected areas and is often called the “jungle of mirrors” because calm floodplain waters can reflect the surrounding forest.
Pacaya-Samiria supports numerous aquatic and terrestrial species, including river dolphins, manatees, giant river otters, turtles, monkeys, and many birds. Its ecosystems are shaped by annual flooding from the Pacaya and Samiria river systems.
The reserve also illustrates the importance of community participation in Amazon conservation. Local communities are involved in regulated resource use and monitoring. It is distinct from Peru’s nearby Alto Mayo and Manu protected areas, which protect different Amazonian and Andean landscapes.