With its dark waters and surrounded by a varied ecosystem very characteristic of the lowland jungle, we find Lake Zungarococha, located on the right bank of the Nanay River, a tributary of the Amazon River, in the Loreto region.
Its name originates from the time when there was an abundance of the “Zungaro” fish in the place, whose name the first settlers linked to the word “cocha” or lake, thus naming it Zungarococha Lake.
The town of Zungarococha, founded in 1965, is located on its banks, which has 800 inhabitants. Further ahead is the Corrientillo Creek, where visitors can visit to enjoy its refreshing waters. And a short distance away you can taste traditional stews in the small Corrientillo lagoon.
This lake is large and its water level varies according to the rising or emptying season of the rivers. Likewise, it is ideal for leisure and recreational activities, such as swimming, canoeing, boating, gliding, sport fishing, among others, in the middle of beautiful landscapes.
Meditate in the sleeping waters of the lake. The natural environment of this corner of the world that is embraced by a great ecosystem typical of the Amazon to give peace and silence to enjoy one of the best tourist landscapes in Iquitos.
Visit the Corrientillo Gorge. Very close to Lake Zungarococha is this beautiful ravine where locals offer traditional stews and in whose waters travelers take the opportunity to cool off from the heat.
Take boat, canoe and slide rides. Traditional and known for its dark and serene waters, this lake is one of the best places to visit in Iquitos and undertake small excursions in the boats offered by the natives.
Enjoy the afternoon doing sport fishing. For those who have already explored the tourist landscape, fishing is a good option in this Peruvian nature reserve.
Lake Zungarococha is located just over 10 km from the Iquitos airport. By car it is possible to get there from the city in just 20 minutes. For the most daring, walking is also an option, but it is important to know that to reach this beautiful tourist site in Iquitos on foot it is necessary to walk for around two hours, under the usual and typical conditions of the low jungle: heat.
If you have the budget, it is best to get to Lake Zungarococha by vehicle. At the Iquitos airport they will offer you transportation to the lagoon so you can save your best energy to use once you are at the destination.
This great tourist destination in Peru has considerably improved its water service in the last 20 years. However, even though tap water is drinkable, it is always advisable to drink bottled water. This avoids any discomfort that could dampen the possibility of enjoying the most beautiful and touristic natural reserves in the area.
Since boating, canoeing, fishing, and swimming may require this, we always recommend carrying additional clothing. This will help you not have to limit your desire and you can get wet again and again in the dark waters of the lagoon, to end the day with a comfortable and dry change of clothes.
Always carrying sunscreen is key to visiting any tourist area surrounded by jungle. Accompanying with sunglasses and good footwear will never hurt.
To complete the list of essential elements, it is worth noting that in this tourist site you will need extra-strong repellent that will keep away the mosquitoes that come out from 5:00 pm. Some experienced and cautious travelers also choose to consume vitamins before traveling to avoid bites.
Pacaya Samiria National Reserve: It is located 308 kilometers from the city and is surrounded by the Marañón River and the flow of the Ucayali. It is home to almost a thousand varieties of animals and species recorded in its flora. In the reserve you can take a cruise to explore the Amazon from the comfort of a boat, visit a native community, take a night walk if you are looking for adventure, visit the El Dorado Lagoon where you can witness some of the most beautiful sunsets . To get there you must first take a bus to the city of Nauta and then a boat to the reserve. If you are looking to book a tour at a lower price, it is best to do so by arriving at the same Reservation.
Reserve our guided trips to Machu Picchu by contacting our travel experts and you will be closer to completing your adventure:
Many are the routes that take you to Machu Picchu, but none is like the Inca Trail Tours, the most famous pedestrian path in the Americas. After flying from the capital of Perú, Lima, you will arrive in Cusco to walk for four days along a path through forests and dense fog, millenary stone steps and discovering the ruins of ancient fortifications and Inca cities, and all the time enjoying majestic views.
If you want to visit Machu Picchu, we recommend you to book your Machu Picchu ticket in advance, so you will enjoy your vacation in Machu Picchu without any problem.
