Delfin II Amazon Cruise

A luxury, first-class Amazonian cruise from Iquitos, Peru. 

A chance to be one of a select group to visit the remote Pacaya Samiria National Reserve - the largest protected wetland reserve in the world and one of the areas of highest bio-diversity - aboard the luxurious Delfin II.

This Amazon riverboat combines traditional design and craftsmanship, with all modern comforts. There are fourteen cabins on board, all carefully designed to be of the utmost comfort; and the Delfin II prides itself on its cuisine and service.

A world of flora and fauna awaits you on either a four or five day cruise ... if you can force yourself to leave the delightful surroundings of the Delfin!

And for an even deeper exploration of this remarkable area - and longer to enjoy the Delfin's fabulous service! - we offer a 10-day trip, that includes seven nights on board, plus two nights in Lima before and after the cruise. 

4-Day Amazon River Cruise

This superb three-night journey takes discerning passengers from Iquitos in Northern Peru, up the Marañon River, to the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve. It is hard to say which is more impressive: the incredible natural world on view ... or the impeccable service and facilities of the Delfin II! 

Please note that the itinerary below is dependent on the river water level, weather conditions, wildlife behavior, and accessibility to locations, so may vary.

Day 1: Sunday: Iquitos - Nauta - Delfin II
(Dinner)

05:00 pm. Arrive in Iquitos

On arrival at Iquitos Airport, you will be welcomed by our guides and then make the 90 minute bus journey to Nauta - the oldest city in the department of Loreto - where the Delfin II is waiting for you.

07:30 pm. Embarkation and Happy Hour

The Delfin II's experienced, friendly crew welcome you to your spacious suites, designed to be both luxurious and environmentally-friendly.

Once you're settled into your accommodation, the Delfin II begins sailing upstream along the Marañon River, towards virgin Amazon rainforest.

As a welcome, the barman has a Pisco sour - Peru's national cocktail - ready for you on the upper deck. 

08:30 pm. Dinner

Dinner is served in our cozy dining room at the stern of the second deck. Peruvian cuisine mixes a wide range of cultural influences and ingredients, and is now gaining international recognition. So your stay onboard the Delfin is a culinary experience as you try the different styles, seasonings and dishes of our gourmet chef, working with fresh, local produce.

09:30 pm. Briefing

On the observation deck, the naturalist guides use charts and videos - as well as their vast personal knowledge - to outline the details of your journey: the itinerary, the wildlife you may see, as well as a some of the history and geography of the Amazon basin.

Finally, with the beauty of a star-filled Amazonian night as a backdrop, the Delfin's multi-talented crew entertain you with a little live music.

Day 2: Monday: Belluda Caño - Dorado River
(All meals) 

06:00 am Breakfast – Buffet

Dawn and dusk are ideal times for nature observation, and an early rise is therefore highly recommended. On your first morning, coffee wakes us up, and pancakes will be a delicious choice for this new morning of adventure and new surprises.

Rainy Season (Dec – May): Belluda Stream exploration. Aboard the skiffs, we explore this black water stream and start learning about the rainforest. You are now in the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve, with the privilege of seeing its amazing wildlife.

From the skiff, you can easily spot parrots, macaws and monkeys, such as the Monk Saki monkey with its gray and black body, naked face and long shaggy tail. You might also see the Saddle-back Tamarin Monkey, whose high chirping notes can easily be confused with those of a flock of birds.

This is also a good spot to see the beautiful Morpho Butterfly that flaps lazily along open corridors through forest or along river edges of lowland forest on sunny days.

Different species of hawks may be sighted including the noisy Laughing Falcon, so named for its loud falsetto call while sitting solitarily in secondary forest and plantations.

Dry Season (Jun – Nov): Hiking at Belluda Cano

During the dry season, you can visit and explore two different kinds of ecosystems: flooded forest and terra firme forest.

After disembarking at an indigenous village, we start hiking. This walk affords excellent opportunities for spotting transitional species such as the Snail Kite, Black-tailed Ant Bird, Manikins, Tanagers, Hummingbirds, Woodpeckers, Nun Birds, Orioles, and Blackbirds. We also see tall trees filled with epiphytes, woody vines and many varieties of palm trees.

After an hour, we reach a lovely lagoon where two dugout canoes await us in the midst of one of the least-visited areas in the world. This lagoon is filled with endangered and unique fresh water fish, such as the Paiche, the largest in the Amazon basin, which can weigh more than 80kg / 170 lb. The paiche is considered a delicacy and you can often hear them when they rise to the surface.

We hope to spot the Peculiar-crested Hoatzin bird with its olive-colored plumage. Hoatzins live in small family groups along forested swamps and oxbow lakes.

We then hike back to the skiffs, where icy towels will refresh us, while we will continue to explore the surrounding wild life.

We have a good chance of finding the smallest monkey in the world, the Pygmy Marmoset, seen only at its sap-sucking sites low on tree trunks.

11:00am Back on board the Delfin II

We continue upstream towards our next destination.

12:30pm Lunch

After emerging from the depths of the forest, you are treated to a world-class, gourmet meal. Our young, innovative chef can delight even the most sophisticated palate, while introducing you to the pleasures of Peru's haute cuisine. The menu features glorious fresh fish and other local delicacies, all prepared with an Amazonian flair and our personal touch.

3:30pm El Dorado River Exploration

We head out in the skiffs to this spectacular spot within the Pacaya-Samiria Reserve for an unforgettable encounter with Gray and Pink River Dolphins. Enjoy a unique opportunity to swim among the dolphins.

On the river, we experience abundant wildlife, and nature in all its exuberance, while we search for the Amazon River’s transitional forest specialties such as Snail Kites, Festive Parrots, endangered Scarlet Macaws, Olive-spotted Hummingbirds, Amazonian Parrotlets, and Wood Creepers, among others.

Prehistoric-looking Iguanas laze in the sun while we travel along the shoreline searching for whatever the jungle has to offer us. Squirrel Monkeys are very active at this time of the day, when they move in large noisy troops at mid to upper levels of primary and secondary lowland forest.

6:30pm Back on board the Delfin II

We continue sailing towards our next destination

8:00pm Dinner

The service continues. Another wonderful treat on the menu are the desserts!

9:30pm Relaxation on board

Our staff and guides are there to answer any question about what we have already seen and visited. While feeling the warm breeze of the Amazon night, our third deck is a great place to chill out listening to the musical sounds of the jungle.

Do not forget to look up at the sky, where the beauty continues, with millions of sparkling stars set against the deep black night ... or perhaps a full moon that lights up the entire river.

Day 3: Tuesday: Pacaya River - Atun Poza Lake
(All meals)

5:30am Wake-up

This morning we start early - with breakfast on board the skiffs - in order to see as much wildlife as possible, in one of Earth's greatest wildernesses.

6:00am Pacaya River (Breakfast)

We have reached our main goal, the Pacaya River, at the very heart of the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve, Peru’s largest protected area, with an average annual rainfall of nearly 3,000mm - by far the largest protected wetland reserve in the world. Filled with lakes, palm swamps and streams, the Reserve becomes a flooded forest in the rainy season ... and may well be one of the most beautiful places you ever visit.

An early rise is very rewarding: you could well see Parrots, Macaws, Toucans, Kingfishers, Black-Collared Hawks, Southern Swallows, White-winged Swallows, and Manikins. Aside from the large variety of birds, you may also see troops of Squirrel Monkeys.

Aboard our comfortable skiffs, we go in search of magnificent views and wildlife opportunities, experiencing spectacular rainforest wilderness, while searching for different species of monkeys, such as small family groups of Red Howler Monkeys, the largest in the Amazon basin, with bright rust-colored fur and a long prehensile tail.

As the sun starts to heat up, we continue along the shores of the Pacaya River, spotting huge ceiba (kapok) trees, mahogany trees, strangler figs, epiphytes such as bromeliads and orchids, palm trees and woody vines.

Breakfast — cold, fresh fruit juice, fresh fruit and light sandwiches with coffee and/or tea— is served as we float along a favored dolphin feeding spot.

After breakfast, you can jump in the water for a very refreshing morning swim, a once-in-a-lifetime experience in the beautiful setting of dark, clean and warm water, deep blue skies, and a light breeze. A perfect moment to enjoy the wild and unique Amazon rainforest at its best.

11:00am Back aboard the Delfin II

We start navigating back down the Puinahua River towards Nauta.

12:30pm Lunch

More delicious combinations are in store for you today. Our chef selects the best ingredients, to prepare a unique meal. So just relax and enjoy, and let yourself be pampered by our staff.

4:00pm Atun Poza Expedition

Rainy Season (Dec – May): Atun Poza by skiff

This afternooon, we cruise in our skiffs along Atun Poza Lake, where we may surprise several species of Egrets, Herons, Hawks, Long-legged Neo-tropical Cormorants fishing for their dinner, and unusual and loud Horned Screamers.

We also have a chance to explore other blackwater lagoons linked to this huge lake, where Wattled Jacanas can be found compete with a wide variety of spiders, grasshoppers, dragonflies, butterflies, moths and beetles living along the grassy edges and lily pads of freshwater swamps and marshes.

We have an excellent chance of seeing social spiders and notice how their webs cover huge parts of a tree.

Dry Season (Jun – Nov): Atun Poza Hiking

This afternoon, we hike through this pristine and unique ecosystem, passing through a classic tropical rainforest, with emergent trees and canopy trees reaching a height of up to 55m / 180ft. Many trees have buttress roots which often extend high up the trunks; while palms are abundant and many of them have stilt roots. Biologically, this kind of forest is probably one of the richest habitats on earth, supporting the most species of plants and animals per unit area.

Our target is the giant ceiba (kapok) tree which is known for the massive diameter of its trunk. If we are lucky, we might see Giant Otters with their large bodies, dark fur with spotted throat, and noisy calls. They nest in a small stream inside this forest and we must be very quiet so as not to scare them away.

This forest is also a very good place for spotting birds such as the Bluish-fronted Jacamar seen in pairs, in middle and lower parts of forest edges; Collared Trogons; and Red-capped Cardinals.

6:30pm Back aboard the Delfin II

7:00pm Briefing & Review

This evening, the guides review all that we have seen and learned, with the help of videos and a slide show on our flat-screen TV. This gives you the chance to see up-close the birds, monkeys, reptiles that we've seen on our journey. This is the time to ask any outstanding questions!

We sail all night long as the Delfin II continues its smooth journey downstream.

Our barman is ready to offer you a wide choice of drinks. Coffee and tea are always available.

8:00pm Farewell Dinner

Leaving behind the wildlife, you continue enjoying our world-class service. Tonight our chef treats you to a grilled dinner, including fresh salads, grilled vegetables, rich sauces, and wonderful combinations of different types of meat.

After dinner, our talented staff entertain you with live music.

Day 4: Wednesday: Amazon Headwaters; Puerto Miguel Village; Nauta - Iquitos
(Breakfast & Lunch)

07:00 am. Breakfast – Buffet

08:00 am. Puerto Miguel Village & Yarapa River

This morning, we visit the village of Puerto Miguel which is a chance to see life in a local Amazon community. We can visit the school, where the pupils and their teacher are happy to welcome you, as well as a villager's house. And there is a chance to admire - and buy - the traditional craftsmanship.

We then explore the narrow Yarapa River by lancha to enjoy the abundant wildlife on the river and in the surrounding rainforest. Species ranging from Squirrel and Capuchin Monkeys, Heron and Egret, and Green Iguanas are regularly seen here. 

We reach Uvos Lagoon, so called for the fruit that grows wild on the shores. If we are lucky, we will see Pink River Dolphin, which often feed in these waters. 

10:30 am. Return to Delfin II & Lunch

Once back on board, there is time for final enjoyment of the luxurious features of your cabin, or the publicareas of the boat, before packing up in readiness for disembarkation.

The last delicious meal of your journey will be lunch on board. 

01:00 pm. Nauta

We disembark at a jetty in Nauta, where a bus is waiting to take you back to Iquitos.

02:40 pm. Manatee Rescue Center

On the way to Iquitos Airport, we visit the Rescue & Rehabilitation Center of River Mammals, where we can learn more about this peaceful, endangered species, the work being done to protect them ... and possibly help in the feeding of rescued baby manatees!

05:30 pm. Iquitos Airport

Our ground staff assist with check in, before bidding a fond farewell.

5-Day Amazon Riverboat Cruise

The Delfin II's four-night cruise departs from Nauta, a small riverside port upstream from Iquitos, and takes passengers up the Marañon River and into the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, where there are plenty of excursions to enjoy this unique environment.

Please note that the itinerary below is dependent on the river water level, weather conditions, wildlife behavior, and accessibility to locations, so may vary.

Day 1: Wednesday: Iquitos - Nauta - Delfin II
(Dinner)

05:00 pm. Arrive in Iquitos

On arrival at Iquitos Airport, you will be welcomed by our guides and then make the 90 minute bus journey to Nauta - the oldest city in the department of Loreto - where the Delfin II is waiting for you.

07:30 pm. Embarkation and Happy Hour

The Delfin II's experienced, friendly crew will welcome you to your spacious suites, designed to be both luxurious and environmentally-friendly.

Once you're settled into your accommodation, the Delfin will begin sailing upstream along the Marañon River, towards virgin Amazon rainforest.

As a welcome, the barman will have a Pisco sour - Peru's national cocktail - ready for you on the upper deck. 

08:30 pm. Dinner

Dinner is served in our cozy dining room at the stern of the second deck. Peruvian cuisine mixes a wide range of cultural influences and ingredients, and is now gaining international recognition. So your stay onboard the Delfin will be a culinary experience as you try the different styles, seasonings and dishes of our gourmet chef, working with fresh, local produce. 

09:30 pm. Briefing

On the observation deck, the naturalist guides use charts and videos - as well as their vast personal knowledge - to outline the details of your journey: the itinerary, the wildlife you may see, as well as a some of the history and geography of the Amazon basin.

Finally, with the beauty of a star-filled Amazonian night as a backdrop, the Delfin's multi-talented crew entertain you with a little live music.

Day 2: Thursday: Belluda Caño - Dorado River 
(All meals) 

06:00 am Breakfast – Buffet

Dawn and dusk are ideal times for nature observation, and an early rise is therefore highly recommended. On your first morning, coffee wakes us up, and pancakes will be a delicious choice for this new morning of adventure and new surprises.

Rainy Season (Dec – May): Belluda Stream exploration.

Aboard the skiffs, we explore this black water stream and start learning about the rainforest. You are now in the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve, with the privilege of seeing its amazing wildlife.

From the skiff you can easily spot parrots, macaws and monkeys, such as the Monk Saki Monkey with its gray and black body, naked face and long shaggy tail. You might also see the Saddle-back Tamarin Monkey, whose high chirping notes can easily be confused with those of a flock of birds.

It is also a good spot to see the beautiful MorphoButterfly that flaps lazily along open corridors through forest or along river edges of lowland forest on sunny days.

Different species of hawks may be sighted including the noisy Laughing Falcon, so named for its loud falsetto call while sitting solitarily in secondary forest and plantations.

Dry Season (Jun – Nov): Hiking at Belluda Cano

During the dry season, you can visit and explore two different kinds of ecosystems: flooded forest and terra firme forest.

After disembarking at an indigenous village, we start hiking. This walk affords excellent opportunities for spotting transitional species such as the Snail Site, Black-tailed Ant Bird, manikins, tanagers, hummingbirds, woodpeckers, Nun Birds, orioles, blackbirds, etc. We also see tall trees filled with epiphytes, woody vines and many varieties of palm trees.

After an hour, we reach a beautiful lagoon, where two dugout canoes await us in the midst of one of the least-visited areas in the world. This lagoon is filled with endangered and unique freshwater fish, such as the Paiche, the largest in the Amazon basin, which can weigh more than 80kg /170 lb. The paiche is considered a delicacy, and you can often hear them when they rise to the surface.

We hope to spot the Peculiar-crested Hoatzin bird with its olive-colored plumage. Hoatzins live in small family groups along forested swamps and oxbow lakes.

We then hike back to the skiffs, where icy towels will refresh us, while we will continue to explore the surrounding wildlife.

We have a good chance of finding the smallest monkey in the world, the Pygmy Marmoset, seen only at its sap-sucking sites low on tree trunks.

11:00am Back aboard the Delfin II

We continue upstream towards our next destination.

12:30pm Lunch

After emerging from the depths of the forest, you will be treated to a world-class gourmet meal. Our young, innovative chef can surprise even the most sophisticated palate, introducing you to the pleasures of Peru's haute cuisine. The menu features glorious fresh fish and other local delicacies, all prepared with an Amazonian flair and a personal touch.

3:30pm El Dorado River Exploration

We head out in the skiffs to this spectacular spot within the Pacaya-Samiria Reserve for an unforgettable encounter with Gray and Pink river dolphins. Enjoy a unique opportunity to swim among these dolphins.

On the river, we experience abundant wildlife and nature in all its exuberance while we search for the Amazon River’s transitional forest specialties such as Snail Kites, Festive Parrots, endangered Scarlet Macaws, Olive-spotted Hummingbirds, Amazonian Parrotlets, and Wood Creepers.

Prehistoric-looking iguanas laze in the sun while we travel along the shoreline searching for whatever the jungle has to offer us. Squirrel Monkeys are very active at this time of the day, when they move in large noisy troops at mid- to upper-levels of primary and secondary lowland forest.

6:30pm Back aboard the Delfin II

We continue sailing towards our next destination

8:00pm Dinner

The service continues. Desserts are also a wonderful treat on our menu.

9:30pm Relaxation on board

Our staff and guides are there to answer any question about what we have already seen and visited.

While feeling the warm breeze of the Amazon night, our third deck is a great place to relax to the musical sounds of the jungle. Do not forget to look up at the sky, where the beauty continues, with millions of sparkling stars set against the deep black night or perhaps a full moon that lights up the entire river.

Day 3: Friday: Atun Poza Lake - Pacaya River 
(All meals)

7:00am Breakfast – Buffet

As usual, our dining room and kitchen staff are waiting for you; fresh ground coffee grown in the highlands of the Amazon and local fruits await you this morning.

8:00am Atun Poza Expedition

Rainy Season (Dec – May): Atun Poza by skiff:

This morning we cruise in our skiffs along Atun Poza Lake, where we may surprise several species of egrets, herons, hawks, Long-legged Neo-tropical Cormorants fishing for their dinner, and unusual and loud Horned Screamers.

We also have a chance to explore other black water lagoons linked to this huge lake, where Wattled Jacanas can be found compete with a wide variety of spiders, grasshoppers, dragonflies, butterflies, moths and beetles living along the grassy edges and lily pads of freshwater swamps and marshes.

We have an excellent chance of seeing social spiders and how their webs embrace huge parts of a tree.

Dry Season (Jun – Nov): Atun Poza Hiking:

Today we hike through this pristine and unique ecosystem, in a classic, tropical rainforest with emergent trees and canopy trees reaching up to 55m / 180ft in height. Many trees have buttress roots which often extend high up the trunks; while palms are abundant and many of them have stilt roots. Biologically, this kind of forest is probably one of the richest habitats on earth, supporting the most species of plants and animals per unit area.

Our target is the giant Ceiba (Kapok) tree, which is known for the massive diameter of its trunk. If we are lucky, we may see Giant Otters with their large bodies, dark fur with spotted throat and noisy calls. They nest in a small stream inside this forest and we must be very quiet, so as not to scare them away.

This forest is also a very good place for spotting birds such as the Bluish-fronted Jacamar, seen in pairs in middle and lower parts of forest edges; Collared Trogons; and Red-capped Cardinals.

11:00am Back aboard the Delfin II

We continue up the Puinahua River towards the Pacaya River, our destination at the very heart of the Pacaya Samiria Reserve, for further exploration of the largest wetland reserve in the world.

12:30pm Lunch

More delicious combinations are in store for you today. Our chef selects the best ingredients, to prepare a unique meal. So just relax and enjoy, and let yourself be pampered by our staff.

4:00pm Pacaya River Expedition

We have reached our main goal, the Pacaya River, at the very heart of the Pacaya- Samiria National Reserve, Peru’s largest protected area with a mean annual rainfall of nearly 3,000mm, by far the largest protected wetland reserve in the world. Filled with lakes, palm swamps and streams, the Reserve becomes a flooded forest in the rainy season, and may well be one of the most beautiful places you visit.

Aboard our comfortable skiffs, we are witness to magnificent views and wildlife opportunities, experiencing spectacular rainforest wilderness, while searching for different species of monkeys, such as small family groups of Red Howler Monkeys, the largest in the Amazon basin, with bright rust-colored fur and a long prehensile tail.

At sunset, you are sure to be astonished by the beautiful colors of the sky and the reflection of the jungle in the black water of the Pacaya River, which is why it has been called the 'forest of reflections': it is hard to know where the jungle begins and the water ends.

Once it is dark, we can hear the second installment of the jungle symphony. Armed with powerful spot lights, we will start our night safari in search of Night Herons; Pauraques; Spectacled Owls; up to a dozen species of frog, croaking from the river’s edge; and Fish Bats flying over the water scooping up fish.

Spectacled and Black Caimans are also found in these pristine waters, and our guides will point them out to you.

Stargazing at this time is unique; while fireflies light up the jungle around us.

7:30pm Back aboard the Delfin II

8:30pm Dinner

After our night safari, we quell your appetite with wonderful dishes. Our first class service continues while you enjoy the wonders of your surroundings!

Day 4: Saturday: Caro Curahuayte Lagoon - Jungle Hike
(All meals)

7:00am Wake up call

This morning we start early in order to see as much wildlife as possible, in one of Earth's greatest wildernesses.

8:00am Fishing at Caro Curahuayte Lake or Exploring the Shores of Emergent Islands

Rainy Season – Fishing at Caro Curahuayte

On board our skiffs, we head to a beautiful lake in a spectacular location, where we expect to catch some fish, mainly Piranhas. During the rainy season, the forest is flooded and many trees flower and bear fruit in conjunction with the flooding. Many fish, including piranhas, swim among the flooded tree trunks devouring the fruit or chewing at their bark.

Obviously, the piranhas’ reputation as super-carnivores is an exaggeration! There are 25 different species of piranha in the Amazon basin, including black, white and red bellied.

Dry Season – In search of shore-birds

On board the skiffs, we search for shore-birds. When the river is very low, broad white sandy beaches emerge and river islands form, creating a special ecosystem that harbors Sandpipers, Terns that hover and dive to catch fish, Black Skimmers with their peculiar low flight over the water's surface, Egrets, Jabirus, Wood Storks, and Kingfishers.

11:30am Back on board the Delfin II

We will start navigating back down the Puinahua River towards Iquitos.

12:30pm Lunch

By now, you know the routine; our kitchen staff welcomes you again, surprising you with a very sophisticated meal and a well balanced menu. There is also time for dessert. Coffee will be served at the bar on the Observation deck.

3:30pm Visit the Yanallpa Community

This afternoon, we have the opportunity to visit this riverside community to interact with local villagers and to witness their unique way of life. We learn about all the fruit trees in the area and how the villagers harvest them.

5:30pm Back on board the Delfin II

We continue down the Puinahua River towards the Ucayali River.

6:30 PM Briefing and Slide Show

This evening, the guides review all that we have seen and learned, with the help of videos and a slide show on our flat-screen TV. This gives you the chance to see up-close the birds, monkeys, reptiles that we've seen on our journey. This is the time to ask any outstanding questions!

We sail all night long as the Delfin II continues its smooth journey downstream.

Our barman is ready to offer you a wide choice of drinks. Coffee and tea are always available.

8:00pm Farewell Dinner

Leaving behind the wildlife, you continue enjoying our service, as a world class traveler deserves. Tonight our chef treats you to a grilled dinner, including fresh salads, grilled vegetables, rich sauces, and wonderful combinations of different types of meat.

Our talented staff will delight you with some live music before bed.

Day 5: Sunday: Amazon Headwaters; Puerto Miguel Village; Nauta - Iquitos 
(Breakfast & Lunch)

07:00 am. Breakfast – Buffet

08:00 am. Puerto Miguel Village & Yarapa River

This morning, we visit the village of Puerto Miguel which is a chance to see life in a local Amazon community. We can visit the school where the pupils and their teacher are happy to welcome you, as well as a villager's house. And there is a chance to admire - and buy - the traditional craftsmanship.

We then explore the narrow Yarapa River by lancha to enjoy the abundant wildlife on the river and in the surrounding rainforest. Species ranging from Squirrel and Capuchin Monkeys, Heron and Egret, and Green Iguanas are regularly seen here. 

We reach Uvos Lagoon, so called for the fruit that grows wild on the shores. If lucky, we may see Pink River Dolphin, which often feed in these waters. 

10:30 am. Return to Delfin II & Lunch

Once back on board, there is time for final enjoyment of the luxurious features of your cabin, or the public areas of the boat, before packing up in readiness for disembarkation.

The last delicious meal of your journey will be lunch on board. 

01:00 pm. Nauta

We disembark at a jetty in Nauta, where a bus is waiting to take you back to Iquitos.

02:40 pm. Manatee Rescue Center

On the way to Iquitos Airport, we visit the Rescue & Rehabilitation Center of River Mammals, where we can learn more about this peaceful, endangered species, the work being done to protect them ... and possibly help in the feeding of rescued baby manatees!

05:30 pm. Iquitos Airport

Our ground staff assist with check in, before bidding a fond farewell.

10 Day Amazon Riverboat Cruise

Explore Peru’s Upper Amazon rain forest on this 10-day journey, which includes 7 nights aboard the beautiful Delfin II, book-ended by 2 nights in Lima. Skim past massive lily pads, peer up at towering ceiba trees and witness glorious sunsets on our journey to the headwaters of the mighty Amazon in the heart of Peru’s Pacaya-Samiria Reserve.

Every day we slip through an intricate network of jungle waterways aboard motorized skiffs, spotting hundreds of bird species as well as sloths, tamarins and caimans. 

With its hardwood floors, rattan-draped sofas, wooden slate hammocks and graceful, modern design, Delfin II is more than comfortable as our base for exploration. The only ingredients used by Delfin II's chef that are not local are olive oil and balsamic vinegar – even the chocolates placed on your pillow each night are made on board daily.

The Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve is an immense seasonal flood forest is delimited by two rivers, which meet in the easternmost corner of the reserve to form the Amazon River. Over 60% of the birds in Peru reside in the reserve, while rare pink river dolphins swim its waters, and red howler monkeys swing through its jungle canopy. We’ll even get a chance to meet the native people – called ribereños – who rely on sustainable fishing, hunting and agriculture, just as their ancestors did.

Day 1: Saturday: Arrive Lima, Peru

Arrive in Lima and spend the night at the Costa del Sol Ramada.

Day 2: Sunday: Lima - Iquitos - Nauta - Delfin II
(Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Fly to Iquitos today and drive via bus (1½ hours) to the riverside town of Nauta, where we embark Delfin II.

Once on board, you are welcomed by hardwood floors, rattan sofas, wooden-slat hammocks and a graceful, modern design. The enthusiastic Naturalists and Expedition Leader will set the informal tone for your expedition. And our chef will introduce you to Peru’s haute cuisine and local delicacies, all prepared with an Amazonian flair.

Day 3: Monday: Exploring the Pacaya-Samiria Reserve
(All meals)

The Pucate River is one of the three main rivers in the reserve. Never does nature seem more bountiful than here in the tropics. The wildlife and the biodiversity are tremendous, and with experienced naturalists at your side, understanding will come easier.

Aboard the skiffs and kayaks we explore this black water stream, looking for parrots, macaws and perhaps monkeys, such as the monk saki with its gray and black body, naked face and long shaggy tail. You might also see the saddle-back tamarin whose high chirping notes can easily be confused with those of a flock of birds. 

Day 4: Tuesday: Exploring the Pacaya-Samiria Reserve
(All meals)

Experience one of the principal ecosystems within the Amazon basin: terra firma. Disembark and hike to see the vegetation and wildlife, distinctly different from the seasonally flooded forests.

For those not interested in hiking, it is well worth traveling up-river by skiff. We reach an important junction of the Amazon headwaters, where the Ucayali & Marañon rivers merge to form the mighty Amazon River.

Visit the Sapuena Village to learn about the life of the ribereños—those who live on the riverbanks.

Day 5: Wednesday: Exploring the Pacaya-Samiria Reserve
(All meals)

Today we venture to find the giant Amazonian water lily Victoria regia. This beautiful aquatic plant grows in small lagoons known as cochas.

Hike a trail with excellent bird watching, and learn about caciques and oropendolas. At the junction of the El Dorado River, look for dolphins and see abundant birdlife. Sharp eyes may find an iguana lazing in the sun and sloths hanging in the upper canopy. A watch is also kept for squirrel monkeys.

We return to Delfin II after sunset in order to see nocturnal life along the river. We will be prepared with a spotlight!

Day 6: Thursday: Exploring the Pacaya-Samiria Reserve
(All meals)

Sail further into the heart of the Pacaya-Samiria Nature Reserve. From December through May explore Atun Poza by skiff. Look for lagoon birds such as egrets, herons, jacamars, ringed kingfishers and various raptors. If the river levels are sufficiently low, a short walk to a local community will be offered.

From June through November, hike through a rich ecosystem, passing through a classical tropical rain forest. Biologically, this kind of forest is one of the richest habitats on earth, supporting the most species of plants and animals per unit area. Our goal is to reach the giant ceiba or kapok tree with its immense trunk diameter.

By skiff we depart for our furthest point in the journey, up the Pacaya River to Yanayacu lagoon. The waters of this lake originate in the very heart of the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve. This rain-forest wilderness is home to red howler and capuchin monkeys, three-toed sloths and numerous species of parrots.

Today, with luck, we may swim in the vicinity of Amazonian pink river dolphins!

Day 7 & 8: Friday & Saturday: Exploring the Pacaya-Samiria Reserve
(All meals)

We coninue exploring by kayak and skiff. From January through July, rivers flood and lowland forests have more than three feet of standing water at the base of trees. Flowering and fruiting coincides with this flooding and many fish, including piranhas, swim around the trees to feed on the fallen fruit (so the super-carnivore reputation of piranhas as a bloody-thirsty fish is quite exaggerated!).

From July through December, search for the shorebirds that appear only at this time of year. When the river is very low, huge white sandy beaches emerge and young, sometimes temporary river islands form, creating special ecosystems favorable to sand pipers, terns and kingfishers.

By skiff we stop at Puerto Miguel Village to learn about their culture, traditions and folklore.

Back on board, our talented staff on Delfin II will delight you with some live music.

Day 9: Sunday: Nauta - Iquitos - Lima
(Breakfast & Lunch)

After lunch we disembark and return to Iquitos by bus. There may be time to visit the Manatee Rehabilitation Center, before flying to Lima.

In Lima, we proceed to the Costa del Sol Ramada for the night.

Day 10: Monday: Depart Lima
(Breakfast)

After breakfast this morning, we proceed to the airport in Lima for flights home or onto other adventures. 

Peru Amazon Tour Prices: Delfin II

4 Day Amazon River Cruise:

~ Bunk Bed Cabin:                         $2,099

~ Suite:                                          $2,659

~ Master Suite:                              $2,799*

5 Day Amazon River Cruise:

~ Bunk Bed Cabin:                         $2,739

~ Suite:                                          $3,449

~ Master Suite:                              $3,649*

10 Day Amazon River Cruise**:

~ Suite:                                       $5,769

~ Suite Single Occupancy:           $8,689

~ Master Suite:                           $6,879*

* Master Suites are located at front of vessel and offer king-size beds and panoramic views.

** 10-day Cruise includes seven nights on board the Delfin II and two nights in the Costa del Sol Ramada hotel in Lima.

Price Policy:
 - All prices listed are PER PERSON in DOUBLE OCCUPANCY Cabins
 - Published Prices for 2013 Amazon Cruises only
 - Single Supplement 50% in addition to adult rate unless stated otherwise
 - 7 year minimum age on all departures
 - Children under 11 years of age receive a 20% discount

Included:
 - All meals
 - Expert, bilingual guides and excursions
 - Transfer to / from Iquitos airport (only for recommended flights)
 - Pacaya Samiria National Reserve Entrance Ticket

Not Included:
 - Bar Purchases
 - International or Domestic Airfares
 - Airport Taxes
 - Cost of medical emergencies including evacuation
 - Gratuities
 - Souvenirs or additional services
 - Travel Insurance
 - Cost of relevant visas
 - Anything else not listed as included

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Delfin II Amazon Cruiseship: Specifications

Built in: 2009

Type of vessel: River vessel

Port of embarkation: City of Nauta

Vessel´s registry: Peru

Length: 135 feet (41 mts)

Beam: 32 feet (9.30 mts)

Draft: 8’25” feet (2.25 mts)

Capacity: 28 passengers + 2 Tour Conductors (bunk bed cabin)

Generators: 2 Caterpillar – 55KW each (encapsulated for noise reduction)

Engine: Caterpillar 250 HP eco-electronic

Cruising Speed: Average 8-20 knots

Water: Water treatment plant with 7.0 cubic meter capacity

Sewage Waters: Sewage treatment plant

Radio Communication: VHF, UHF and satellite phone onboard

Launch Boats: 3 aluminum 12 passenger skiffs equipped with four-stroke low emission engines + radio communication with main vessel, life jackets and flares.

Kayak Specifications

The Delfin carries 5 Native 16'' Kayaks on board for use on fishing expeditions or soft adventure, free of charge.

N.B. Delfin operates a strict catch-and-release fishing policy. 

Amazon Cruiseship Delfin II: 4-Day Itinerary Departure Dates:

2013

~ Sun, 13th - Weds, 16th Jan

~ Sun, 31st March - Weds, 3rd April

~ Sun, 2nd - Weds, 5th June

~ Sun, 16th - Weds, 19th June

~ Sun, 28th - Weds, 31st July

~ Sun, 4th - Weds, 7th Aug

~ Sun, 11th - Weds, 14th Aug

~ Sun, 18th - Weds, 21st Aug: SOLD OUT

~ Sun, 22nd - Weds, 25th Sept

~ Sun, 3rd - Weds, 6th Nov

Amazon Cruiseship Delfin II: 5-Day Itinerary Departure Dates:

2013

~ Weds, 31st Jul - Sun, 4th Aug

~ Weds, 7th - Sun, 11th Aug

 

Amazon Cruiseship Delfin II: 10-Day Itinerary Departure Dates:

2013

~ Sat, 13th - Mon, 22nd April: ONE CABIN AVAILABLE

~ Sat, 20th - Mon, 29th April

~ Sat, 4th - Mon, 13th May

~ Sat, 11th - Mon, 20th May

~ Sat, 18th - Mon, 27th May

~ Sat, 25th May - Mon, 3rd June

~ Sat, 29th June - Mon, 8th July

~ Sat, 6th - Mon, 15th July

~ Sat, 13th - Mon, 22nd July

~ Sat, 20th - Mon, 29th July

~ Sat, 24th Aug - Mon, 2nd Sept

~ Sat, 31st Aug - Mon, 9th Sept

~ Sat, 7th - Mon, 16th Sept

~ Sat, 14th - Mon, 23rd Sept

~ Sat, 5th - Mon, 14th Oct

~ Sat, 12th - Mon, 21st Oct

~ Sat, 19th - Mon, 28th Oct

~ Sat, 26th Oct - Mon, 5th Nov

~ Sat, 9th - Mon, 18th Nov

~ Sat, 16th - Mon, 25th Nov

~ Sat, 23rd Nov - Mon, 2nd Dec

~ Sat, 30th Nov - Mon, 9th Dec

~ Sat, 21st - Mon, 30th Dec

~ Sat, 28th - Mon, 6th Jan, 2014

Amazon Cruiseship Delfin II: 4-Day Itinerary Departure Dates:

2014

~ Sun, 5th - Wed, 8th Jan

~ Sun, 12th - Wed, 15th Jan

~ Sun, 19th - Wed, 22nd Jan

~ Sun, 26th - Wed, 29th Jan

~ Sun, 2nd - Wed, 5th Feb

~ Sun, 9th - Wed, 12th Feb

~ Sun, 23rd - Wed, 26th Mar

~ Sun, 6th - Wed, 9th Apr

~ Sun, 13th - Wed, 16th Apr

~ Sun, 20th - Wed, 23rd Apr

~ Sun, 25th - Wed, 28th May

~ Sun, 22nd - Wed, 25th Jun

~ Sun, 27th - Wed, 30th Jul

~ Sun, 3rd - Wed, 6th Aug

~ Sun, 14th - Wed, 17th Sep

~ Sun, 21st - Wed, 24th Sep

~ Sun, 12th - Wed, 15th Oct

~ Sun, 26th - Wed, 29th Oct

~ Sun, 9th - Wed, 12th Nov

~ Sun, 16th - Wed, 19th Nov

~ Sun, 23rd - Wed, 26th Nov

~ Sun, 14th - Wed, 17th Dec

~ Sun, 21st - Wed, 24th Dec

~ Sun, 28th - Wed, 31st Dec

Amazon Cruiseship Delfin II: 5-Day Itinerary Departure Dates:

2014

~ Wed, 8th - Sun, 12th Jan

~ Wed, 15th - Sun, 19th Jan

~ Wed, 22nd - Sun, 26th Jan

~ Wed, 29th Jan - Sun, 2nd Feb

~ Wed, 5th - Sun, 9th Feb

~ Wed, 12th - Sun, 16th Feb

~ Wed, 19th - Sun, 23rd Feb

~ Wed, 9th - Sun, 13th Apr

~ Wed, 16th - Sun, 20th Apr

~ Wed, 28th May - Sun, 1st Jun

~ Wed, 25th - Sun, 29th Jun

~ Wed, 30th Jul - Sun, 3rd Aug

~ Wed, 6th - Sun, 10th Aug

~ Wed, 17th - Sun, 21st Sep

~ Wed, 24th - Sun, 28th Sep

~ Wed, 15th - Sun, 19th Oct

~ Wed, 29th Oct - Sun, 2nd Nov

~ Wed, 12th - Sun, 16th Nov

~ Wed, 19th - Sun, 23rd Nov

~ Wed, 26th - Sun, 30th Nov

~ Wed, 10th - Sun, 14th Dec

~ Wed, 17th - Sun, 21st Dec

~ Wed, 24th - Sun, 28th Dec

~ Wed, 31st Dec - Sun, 4th Jan

Amazon Cruiseship Delfin II: 10-Day Itinerary Departure Dates:

2014

~ Sat, 22nd Feb - Mon, 3rd Mar

~ Sat, 1st - Mon, 10th Mar

~ Sat, 8th - Mon, 17th Mar

~ Sat, 15th - Mon, 24th Mar

~ Sat, 26th Apr - Mon, 5th May

~ Sat, 3rd - Mon, 12th May

~ Sat, 10th - Mon, 19th May

~ Sat, 17th - Mon, 26th May

~ Sat, 28th Jun - Mon, 7th Jul

~ Sat, 5th - Mon, 14th Jul

~ Sat, 12th - Mon, 21st Jul

~ Sat, 19th - Mon, 28th Jul

~ Sat, 16th - Mon, 25th Aug

~ Sat, 23rd Aug - Mon, 1st Sep

~ Sat, 30th Aug - Mon, 8th Sep

~ Sat, 6th - Mon, 15th Sep

 

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