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Amazon Cruise

Departure Date:: Departs most Saturdays
Price:: from AUD 4,835/pp

Discover the rich rainforest ecosystem of the Amazon aboard a boutique Delfin vessel. Spanning more than 5 million acres, the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve is the largest protected flooded forest in the world. Spot incredible wildlife from the comfort of your vessel or explore ashore with a number of soft adventure excursions.

Day 1 – Lima

Arrive in Lima and transfer to your hotel (included). The rest of the day is yours to explore Peru’s capital city.

Day 2 – Lima > Iquitos > Nauta

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Iquitos (flight at additional cost). Upon arrival in Iquitos, you will be met by crew for your transfer to Nauta. Nauta is a small riverside town on the banks of the Marañon River and was the first city founded in the department of Loreto. Once you reach Nauta, you will enjoy a VIP greeting at the private port along the shores of the Marañon River where the vessel awaits you.

While the Delfin begins its initial navigation, you will enjoy the most fantastic panoramic views from the elegantly outfitted observation area. Your naturalist guide will give you an overview of your journey’s schedule, activities, route, highlights, the region’s wildlife and vegetation, geographical and historical background, and other useful details.

Head down into the Marañon River to a location known as Pahuachiro. This lovely spot is an ideal place to spend some time in search of birds and playful monkeys. As your naturalist guide spots various creatures for you, the landscape adorned by the usual colours of the sun’s reflection is a great photo opportunity as you witness your first Amazon Rainforest Sunset.

After dinner, enjoy a night safari at Nauta Caño Creek. Nauta Caño Creek is known for squirrel and silver back tamarillo monkeys, birds, dolphins, and even sloths! Skim the riverbanks for small caimans and spiders, as well as insects of all colours, shapes and sizes. (L,D)

Overnight: Aboard Delfin III

Note: Recommended arrival flight is Lima to Iquitos LA2240 @ 0945. Due to the morning flight, at least one night in Lima beforehand is recommended. Speak to your Reservations Consultant or preferred travel advisor for assistance with flights and accommodation (if you wish to extend your time in Lima).

Day 3 – Las Palmas > Amazon Natural Park > Yachay

We recommend getting up early to appreciate one of the most important zones of the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve. Never does nature seem more bountiful than in the tropics, and early rising is always rewarding since wildlife is most abundant and active with the rising of the sun. The early morning hours are the best time of day to watch birds, observe their special displays and listen to their songs. You will jump on the skiffs and head to an area with large trees and old palm trees, these components favour the presence of several parrot species. This particular spot also has a great number of other birds of different species. Look for the famous hoatzins nesting a few feet above water, and perhaps a sloth or two of the three-toed kind.

In the afternoon, you will have the opportunity to have a natural walk to learn about medicinal plants. The Peruvian Amazon region is considered the largest pharmaceutical reserve in the world with 965 species of wild plants and 59 cultivated plant species that local people use to cure and to prevent many illnesses. You will see that “Terra Firma” forest of a local ribereño is eye-opening to how far we have come in this day and age and a reflection of how simple yet rewarding life is for others.

The village of Yachay is a flyspeck that receives few outside visitors, and even fewer come to seek out the Shaman, Carola. Carola is known far and wide in the rainforest, leading a normal village life with her wood carver husband, while at the same time acting as spiritual caretaker and healer to literally hundreds of jungle dwellers spread over many roadless miles. Her prestige and position are beyond reproach. The role of shaman is often misunderstood in the west, associated with black magic, and spells. While these things all have their place, the actual practitioners are as varied as in any profession. Carola is known as a “White” shaman, a healer and spiritual guide. (B,L,D)

Overnight: Aboard Delfin III

Day 4 – Yanayaquillo > Piranha Cano

This morning, you will start cruising through the creeks of Yanayaquillo, peeking into different creeks and lagoons. This is one of the best preserved and protected zones of the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve. Your guide will use their expert eye to pinpoint all the biodiversity of this region. This is also a popular dolphin feeding spot. You will also have the opportunity to try piranha fishing.

Later today, your cruise heads down into the Marañon River to a location known as Piraña Caño. You have the option to explore the creek either by kayak or by skiff (both fantastic choices!). This lovely creek which leads to a lagoon is an ideal place to spend some time in search of birds and playful monkeys. As your naturalist guide spots various creatures for you, also try to pinpoint some yourself now that you’ve been in the jungle for a few days and have trained your eye a bit! Kayakers will endure the feeling of paddling down the river with only the noises of the forest as your companion. As for the skiff riders, the encounters with wildlife are abundant. The landscape adorned by the usual colors of the sun’s reflection by whichever mode of transportation is stunning. So sit back and enjoy the beauty of the Amazon forest! (B,L,D)

Overnight: Aboard Delfin III

Day 5 – Nauta > Iquitos

With heavy hearts, the staff will wish you farewell as you begin your departure. At the port of Nauta, ground crew will be waiting to take you by private vehicle back to the city of Iquitos, about 95 kilometres journey by paved road.

On your way from Nauta back to Iquitos airport, you will visit the Rescue & Rehabilitation Center of River Mammals (ACOBIA) where you will have the chance to meet baby manatees and learn about these wonderful and docile creatures and why they are on the endangered species list. As well, there are also some other animals cared for by the centre that have been rescued from capture for the intention of being turned into pets and other threatening conditions.

Delfin’s land personnel will wait for you at the airport and give your boarding passes and help you check in. We truly hope that you enjoyed your stay and Amazon travel experience! (B)

Note: Recommended departure flight is Iquitos to Lima LA2241 @ 1235. Speak to your Reservations Consultant or preferred travel advisor for assistance with flights.