Santa Fe on the Marañón: Kukama community in the Nauta District

Santa Fe is located on the left bank of the Marañón and is a Kukama community in the Nauta District, in Loreto Province and the Department of Loreto. Its riverside location and community identity give the area a distinct geographical and cultural character.

Community and local production

Santa Fe is one of the indigenous communities in the Nauta District that practice artisanal fishing. Fish farming is also among the communities’ activities. The two forms of production differ: fishing involves catching fish, while fish farming involves raising them. Together, they offer a glimpse into local activities connected with life on the river.

Connections to the river and forest

In addition to its location on the Marañón, Santa Fe is associated with secondary forests. The area’s profile therefore encompasses both the river and a connection to a forested landscape. In the Nauta District, the San Jorge del Río Marañón Private Conservation Area protects more than 1,060 hectares of tropical forest and the watershed of the Quebrada Sapira.

Nature and activities in Puerto Prado

In the community of Puerto Prado in the Nauta District, visitors can follow ecological trails and observe wildlife. The Paraíso Natural Iwirati Private Conservation Area covers 100 of the community’s total 522 hectares and was recognized by Peru’s Ministry of the Environment in 2014. The protected area and wildlife observation are two different aspects of this place: one describes the protected land, while the other refers to possible activities for visitors.

The visitor program in Puerto Prado also includes “El Bosque de los Niños” (“Iwiratikuara Ikrantsenkana”). As part of the program, visitors can plant native trees together with children. If you plan to take part in one of these activities, check in advance whether participation is possible on your scheduled date.

Other nature destinations in the Nauta District

The Quebrada Zaragoza in the Nauta District is used for swimming in its cold waters and for walks. These activities offer a different connection with nature from the forest and wildlife observation opportunities in Puerto Prado. If you include both in your plans, make sure to treat them as separate destinations.

The wider travel area around Nauta also offers different nature experiences. The Nauta Caño route follows a river channel separated from the Marañón. Wildlife, especially birds, and the flooded forest are the main attractions there. Conditions and services may vary seasonally.

Boat connections from Nauta

Boat trips from Nauta are listed for two destinations in the Nauta District. Puerto Prado is over 7 km away and takes about 25 minutes to reach. The Comunidad Nativa San Jorge is over 20.5 km away and takes about two hours by boat. In terms of travel time, Puerto Prado is the shorter trip; the journey to the Comunidad Nativa San Jorge takes considerably longer. Both times are approximate and may vary depending on river conditions. Check travel times again before your trip.

From Nauta, you can also reach Control Post No. 1 Yanayacu in the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve: the trip takes three hours by motorboat and one hour by speedboat. Check these travel times again before your trip as well, since river journeys and operating conditions may vary.

Distinguishing places and starting points

For your planning, it is important to note which place each activity is associated with: Santa Fe is on the left bank of the Marañón, Puerto Prado is part of the community of the same name, and the boat connections mentioned depart from Nauta. This makes it possible to distinguish the description of Santa Fe from the other nature destinations in the district. When planning, take note of the stated starting point and approximate travel time for each destination.

Discover more destinations: San Regis, Sucusari, Tamshiyacu, Mazán, Nauta, Yarina, Lagunas, Arica.

View the wider travel guide: Loreto.