Fishing Tour
Adaptable to several days

Iquitos, the capital of the Peruvian Amazon, is the ideal starting point for venturing into this discipline. Its strategic location allows access to pristine areas with low fishing pressure

 

1. Fishing in National Reserves and Protected Areas

 

The conservation areas near Iquitos offer the best opportunities for catching large, healthy specimens:

• Pacaya Samiria National Reserve: Located south of Iquitos, at the confluence of the Marañón and Ucayali Rivers. Fishing here is strictly catch-and-release, focusing entirely on conservation. It's famous for its high species density and the chance to find paiche and large catfish (bagre).

• Amazon River and its Tributaries: The countless tributaries and lakes (cochas) surrounding Iquitos (such as the Nanay River basin) are excellent for fishing for peacock bass (tucunaré), one of the most sought-after species due to its aggressiveness and striking beauty.

 

2. Expedition Options

 

Sport fishing tours from Iquitos typically last 3 to 7 days and include accommodation either in specialized lodges or aboard expedition river cruises (larger "mother ships" equipped with auxiliary skiffs for fishing).

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• Trolling and Baitcasting: These are the most common techniques for targeting peacock bass (tucunaré) in the lakes (cochas) and the river. Robust equipment is essential due to the explosive force of these species.

• Fly Fishing: Although less common, it is gaining popularity, especially for catching sábalo and peacock bass.

• Bottom Fishing (Giant Catfish): This is done using large bait in the deeper parts of the main river or its tributaries, targeting huge Amazonian catfish (like the dorado or piraíba), which can weigh over 100 kg (220 lbs).

The experience is complemented by the unmatched landscape of the virgin jungle, sightings of pink river dolphins, and opportunities to interact with local communities, making sport fishing in Iquitos a complete nature and culture adventure.