Peru Expedition – Arapaima fishing in the heart of the Amazon
Deep in the Peruvian Amazon lies one of the last untouched regions of South America – a place where not only nature and culture, but also spectacular fish species await passionate anglers. Among them, one giant stands at the top of the list: the arapaima, also known as the king of the jungle.
We have been organizing regular expeditions to this remote region since 2014. Over the years, the program has been meticulously developed. Crucial factors such as licenses, logistics, partnerships with local communities, and cooperation with the Peruvian fisheries authority played an essential role. The result is one of the few legal opportunities worldwide to fish for wild Arapaimas in their natural environment – under scientific supervision and with strict rules to protect the population.
Why Peru for your Arapaima fishing trip?
Compared to neighboring countries such as Ecuador and Brazil, Peru offers decisive advantages: access to relatively untouched upper reaches of the Amazon, remarkable biodiversity, and the legal possibility to fish for arapaima as part of sustainable projects. In Peru, special permits can be obtained through close cooperation with authorities and scientific support. DNA samples, scale analyses, and observations help to better understand and preserve this ancient fish species.
Arrival in the heart of the rainforest – starting point for an unforgettable fishing adventure!
The journey to the Arapaima destination is an expedition in itself. The starting point is usually Frankfurt or Amsterdam, from where a long-haul flight takes you to Ecuador. After a night in Quito, the journey into the jungle begins the next day – by domestic flight, speedboat, and possibly an additional overnight stay in an indigenous village. Depending on the route, the journey takes around three days. Those seeking seclusion and adventure will find exactly what makes a real fishing vacation here.
The camp – rustic, functional, authentic
On site, participants can expect a well-equipped jungle camp with two base camps, which alternate depending on the involvement of the local community. The camps consist of elevated wooden platforms with palm roofs, a kitchen house with a cook and storage facilities, as well as simple, weather-protected sleeping areas. There is no running water; showers are taken traditionally at the river—an experience that adds a special touch to the wilderness. Nevertheless, a refrigerator, grill, and excellent catering are available. It is not a comfort camp—but that is precisely what makes it so appealing.
Arapaima fishing with bait!
Targeted fishing for arapaima requires patience, precision, and a high degree of sensitivity when handling these majestic fish. Circle hooks are used, preferably with natural bait such as chopped wolf fish (ayumaras), including peacock bass. The local waters – lagoons, oxbow lakes, and tributaries – are so shallow in places that sight fishing is possible. The key factor is that arapaimas regularly come to the surface to breathe air – a weakness that becomes an opportunity.
Depending on the water level, fishing is done either from the shore or by kayak. Especially during high water, paddling through lagoons and casting precisely is an intense experience. The fight itself is powerful: large fish make explosive runs, jump, and shake their heads – a real challenge for the equipment. Average catches range from 1.60 m to over 2 m, with occasional specimens over 2.40 m and weighing 130 kg being landed.
Spin fishing for Arapaima – a challenge with a thrill
Although fishing with natural bait is most effective, spin fishing is also promising. Large swimbaits, rubber fish, or slowly guided surface lures are used here. The adrenaline rush when a massive arapaima suddenly emerges from the depths and attacks a bait is unforgettable – even if the success rate for spin fishing is lower than for still fishing.
Catch & Release – Protecting the Arapaima is the focus
Respectful treatment of the fish is at the heart of every expedition. Trained guides give a detailed briefing before each fishing trip. Drills should be short and controlled, and photo sessions should always take place with the fish half in the water—because arapaimas are sensitive. Injuries to internal organs caused by improper handling can be fatal. It is particularly important to observe the fish’s breathing behavior: only when the fish has caught its breath again may it be released back into the wild.
Peacock Bass and more – variety for your fishing holiday
In addition to arapaima, the surrounding waters also offer excellent opportunities for fishing other species. Peacock bass are particularly popular, with their aggressive hunting behavior and powerful fights. The ideal conditions for spin fishing for these colorful fish are in the morning or at midday – a perfect complement to arapaima fishing.
A fishing adventure for explorers
Die Arapaima-Expedition ist keine einfache Reise. Sie erfordert körperliche Fitness, Anpassungsfähigkeit und Teamgeist – etwa beim gemeinsamen Kajakangeln. Doch gerade diese Ursprünglichkeit macht sie einzigartig. Wer sich darauf einlässt, erlebt nicht nur unvergessliche Fänge, sondern auch tiefe Naturverbundenheit und Emotionen, wie sie nur echte Abenteuer wecken können. Selbst Angler mit jahrzehntelanger Erfahrung zeigen sich ergriffen – sei es durch den Fang eines lang ersehnten Traumfisches oder durch das Erlebnis, den Regenwald auf eine Weise zu erfahren, die nur wenigen vorbehalten ist.
