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- Primary lowland rainforest and giant trees — Old-growth, humid jungle with towering ceiba, mahogany and kapok trees draped in epiphytes. The scale and density feel different from drier parks—walk under cathedral-like canopies and you’ll know why this place is a biodiversity hot spot.
- River canoe trips through winding channels — Canoe or boat rides are the real way to see the reserve: quiet water, close-up wildlife on the banks, and reflections that make mornings magical. My personal favorite — best chance to spot everything from monkeys to harpy-like raptors while drifting slowly.
- Oxbow lakes and blackwater lagoons — These still bodies of water are wildlife magnets: caimans, turtles, and fishing birds hang out here, and the glassy surface makes for great photography and stealthy wildlife
- Primary lowland rainforest and giant trees — Old-growth, humid jungle with towering ceiba, mahogany and kapok trees draped in epiphytes. The scale and density feel different from drier parks—walk under cathedral-like canopies and you’ll know why this place is a biodiversity hot spot.
- River canoe trips through winding channels — Canoe or boat rides are the real way to see the reserve: quiet water, close-up wildlife on the banks, and reflections that make mornings magical. My personal favorite — best chance to spot everything from monkeys to harpy-like raptors while drifting slowly.
- Oxbow lakes and blackwater lagoons — These still bodies of water are wildlife magnets: caimans, turtles, and fishing birds hang out here, and the glassy surface makes for great photography and stealthy wildlife viewing.
- Birding in the canopy — Toucans, parrots and a ridiculous variety of smaller forest birds; dawn here is a nonstop chorus. If you’re into birding, even short walks deliver memorable sightings and colorful vocal displays.
- Mammal encounters — monkeys, sloths and big-cat signs — Howler and spider monkeys are common, two- and three-toed sloths are everywhere if you look up, and you’ll often find peccary and tapir tracks or jaguar sign if you’re lucky. It’s the kind of place where you feel the presence of big mammals even when you don’t see them.
- Night walks and amphibian life — Guided nocturnal hikes turn the forest into a different world: tree frogs that sing back, glowing eyes in the understory, and big insects and spiders you won’t see by day. Bring a headlamp and a patient guide.
- Ranger stations, local guides and rustic trails — Trails are basic but real, and community or ranger-led trips give context to the landscape. Staying or camping near a station is low-key but authentic, and fees/support help local conservation.
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Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past decade, I’ve backpacked through 80+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.