| Other Name: | Santiago de Nauta |
| Settlement Type: | City |
| Subdivision Type: | Country |
| Subdivision Name: |  Peru |
| Subdivision Type1: | Region |
| Subdivision Name1: | Loreto |
| Subdivision Type2: | Province |
| Subdivision Name2: | Loreto |
| Subdivision Type3: | District |
| Subdivision Name3: | Nauta |
| Established Title: | Founded |
| Established Date: | 1830 |
| Leader Title: | Mayor |
| Leader Name: | Jose Daniel Saboya Mayanchi |
| Unit Pref: | Metric |
| Elevation M: | 111 |
| Population Total: | 34,762 population |
| Population As Of: | 2022 |
| Population Density Km2: | auto |
| Timezone1: | PET |
| Utc Offset1: | -5 |
| Blank Name: | Climate |
| Blank Info: | Af |
| Website: | www.muninauta.gob.pe |
Established by Manuel Pacaya–Samiria, a leader of the Kokama people, following the 1830 uprising at the Jesuit mission of Lagunas, Nauta soon became the primary commercial hub of the Peruvian selva baja (known also as Omagua, or the Amazonian lowlands).[1] In 1853, a Brazilian-owned paddle steamer made it all the way to Nauta.[2]
Nauta is the primary destination of the only major road leading out of Iquitos, and is a staging area for several ecotourism lodges and ships on the Marañòn River. Boats take passengers from Nauta to the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve.
Towards the end of the second decade of the 19th century, Chief Manuel Pacaya, leader of a group of Cocama natives in the town of La Laguna (now Lagunas, on the Huallaga River), frustrated and tired of the mistreatment they received from authorities, along with his group, constructed a raft. They abandoned the said town and headed to the Ucayali River. After many days of navigation, they anchored and camped on the banks of the Marañón River near its confluence with the Ucayali River. While clearing the area where they would camp, they found an abandoned large jar that, due to its size, was called "MAUTA" in their native language, giving rise to the name of the place. Since they liked the location, they decided to settle there. They approached Mr. Damián Najar, Subprefect of Maynas based in Moyobamba, to request authorization to establish a town there. During this process, the name "MAUTA" was changed to "NAUTA," which means sailor or navigator.[3]
The Subprefect responded to the request with a document dated December 17, 1829, addressed to the Governor of Misiones based on the official communication from the Prefect of the department, giving the following instructions:
On the same date, Don Damián Najar also sends a letter to Father Mariano, the priest of San Regis, informing him of the authorization given to Don Manuel Pacaya to establish the town of Nauta "to serve the republic as a separate government or district," with the obligation that within one year, he must have constructed the necessary buildings for the inhabitants, both for their social needs and divine worship, declaring them subject to the parish of San Regis.[4]
The official founding of Nauta began on April 30, 1830. On the same day, the new Subprefect of the Province of Maynas, Don Carlos del Castillo, appoints citizen Juan Gosendi as the first interim Governor of the new town of Nauta, instructing him to: [5] It can be said that this document constitutes a sort of first regulation for the urban planning of Nauta.
Even though Nauta has an indigenous origin, from its beginnings, it adhered to the spirit of the foundations of Spanish-style towns, as this was in accordance with the full political, administrative, and religious control of the Maynas Missions that still persisted at the time despite the establishment of the republican era. In 1832, the construction of the Main Church (now Ukamara Theater) began, making this infrastructure the first historical and religious monument in this part of the Amazon, thus promoting the significance that the newly founded town was acquiring.
Having started with a few indigenous families and being one of the early pioneering settlements in the Loreto region, Nauta quickly began its development not only in terms of population but also in all its economic and social activities. This is due to its river connection with other populated centers existing at the time, situated not only along the Marañón River but also along the Amazon River and even with the Amazonian villages in Brazil. These connections increased the flow of small watercraft such as rafts, canoes, and even ships.
Nauta is home to many unique features of nature.[6] One example is the Sapi Sapi lagoon, where many exotic animals are found, such as the Yellow-spotted river turtle, the pirarucu fish, crocodiles, and the Arrau turtle.[7] For those interested in seeing these animals up close, the option to take a boat around the lagoon is available. According to legend, there was once a mysterious mermaid that attracted locals with her clothing and natural beauty.Another attraction is the Playa del Amor, located on the outskirts of Nauta and surrounded by jungle. Another highlight is the Quebrada Gasparito, another natural area that can be accessed by canoe and is known to be a relaxing getaway spot.
At the center of town is another attraction, the Plaza de Armas (see Plaza de Armas). It is characterized by the diversity of mythical statues made up by local residents that represent the native culture of the area. The Iglesia de Nauta, which is now used as a local parish theater, can also be found in the plaza, along with a school and bronze bust both named after Manuel Pacaya. A few streets past the plaza is the local marketplace where local customers and merchants from all over come to exchange goods.
Nauta is also the access point to the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve. In order to enter the reserve, a permit must be purchased from the National Institute of Natural Resources (INRENA). Interested parties may enter by river through the community of 20 de febrero. Visitors will find that the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve is one of the most biologically diverse places on the planet.[8]
In 2013, residents of Nauta created a children's rap video in the Kukama-Kukamiria dialect, in collaboration with Radio Ucamara. The local radio station has been involved in conserving the language for "a few years," and "started managing a school called Ikuar, with the goal of teaching the language through songs and traditional story telling."[9]