Peruvian Amazon Cruise

Upon your arrival to Jorge Chavez International Airport, meet the representative and transfer to your hotel. 

Breakfast at the hotel. Today is yours at leisure to explore the exciting city of Lima. You may want to visit the Larco Museum, an eighteenth-century Viceregal mansion that houses more than 3,000 years of Peru's pre-Columbian history, take a day trip to the Palomino Islands to visit a sea lion rookery and penguin colony, visit the Huaca Pucllana, a pre-Hispanic archaeological site in Miraflores, or enjoy a full day tour of the Barranco quarter including the Pedro de Osma Museum and MATE museum. Overnight in Lima. (B)

After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the airport for your flight to the city of Iquitos. Upon arrival, private transfer with a box lunch as you begin the journey 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 we reach Nauta, you will enjoy a VIP greeting at a private port along the shores of the Marañon River where the vessel awaits you.Aboard Delfin, you will be introduced to your cozy suite equipped with all the latest amenities including a private terrace. Enjoy panoramic views from the elegantly outfitted observation area on the third deck where your naturalist guide will give you an overview of your journey’s schedule activities, route, highlights, wildlife and flora to keep your eye out for, geographical and historical background, and other useful details. You will have the opportunity 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 colors of the sun’s reflections provides a fantastic photo opportunity as you enjoy your first Amazon rainforest sunset. The walk at Fundo Casual jungle trail will take you deep into the rainforest on terra firme (nonflooded forest) where your guide will point out some of the most remarkable creatures and plants. Nearly every step brings a new exciting surprise, including rainbow boas, brightly colored poison frogs, and porcupines. This is one of the very few places in the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve Amazon Rainforest where you will spot the elusive 2-toed sloth (B, L, D)

The early morning hours are the best time of day to watch birds, observe their special displays and listen to their songs. Board a skiff with your guide and head to the shores of the Ucayali River. This lush area is home to parrots and many other types of birds. Perhaps spot a large flock of red-bellied macaws, as well different types of raptors, woodpeckers and swallows. If you are very lucky you will hear loud and distinctive sounds of blue and yellow macaws! We will look for the famous hoatzins nesting a few feet above water, and perhaps a sloth or two of the three toed kind. Enjoy a marvelous skiff ride into one of the most awe-inspiring sections of the upper Amazon, the YanaYacu-Pucate area. See black collared hawks perching on trees, caped herons, lesser kiskadees, and great egrets. Then continue to Yanayaquillo for kayaking and piranha fishing before visiting Yachay. The village of Yachay 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. (B, L, D)

Enjoy cruising through one of the best preserved and protected zones of the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve as your expert guide illuminates the biodiversity of the area. Try your hand at piranha fishing as well. This is also a popular dolphin feeding spot so we won´t be the only one enjoying our meal here. Known as the “Unión de los Ríos,” this area is where three rivers come together, each with their own distinct color. Visit a small village, so isolated that a canoe is necessary to get from place to place. Meet the friendly residents of this community and learn about their daily life; you may be invited to learn about peeling and grating cassava or to see how local rice is grown and harvested. Enjoy a taste of this simple lifestyle and savor the peaceful tranquility of the village before returning to the Delfin for dinner. (B, L, D)

Say farewell to the Amazon as you transfer via private vehicle back to Iquitos. En route to Iquitos, visit the Rescue and Rehabilitation Center of River Mammals where you will have the chance to meet baby manatees and learn about these wonderful endangered creatures as well as other animals that have been rescued from dangerous situations. Upon arrival at the Iquitos airport, you will be assisted with your luggage and check in to your flight to Lima and then on to your next destination. (B)