Delfin II - 5 day Amazon Cruise

From Iquitos to Iquitos OR From Iquitos to Iquitos
  • Amazon Jungle
  • Peru
  • Wildlife and Nature
  • Luxury
  • Small Ship Cruising
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Tour Description

Join us on this 5 day luxury Amazon Cruise adventure to explore one of the most biodiverse places on the planet.

The cruise includes a visit to the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve which is the largest protected area in Peru accessible only by water and is home to diverse and unique wildlife. Discover Clavero lagoon, Magdalena and Dorado River, where you can enjoy the spectacular scenery of lush forests and exotic wildlife such as three-toed sloth, caimans, river otters and Amazon monkeys. Besides, experience an unforgettable encounter with grey and pink river dolphins. 

High Water Season: From November to May - at this time more explorations will be done via skiff boats
Low Water Season: From June to October - this time allows for more trail walking in the jungle

Viva's Best Bits...

Casual sophistication at its best - The 14 cabins of Delfin II include 4 Master Suites with 180° panoramic windows and 10 Suites, including 2 sets of Suites that can be interconnected to accommodate families

Listen to the birdsong, birdwatch, and spot plenty of wildlife including infamous; Anaconda, Rainbow Boas, Tarantulas, Poison Frogs and the famous Pink Dolphins, plus the ever so elusive 2 Toed Sloth!

Relax & Adventure all in one - Walk, hike, cruise, fish and kayak, with great food and comfort, as you explore the "mirror forest," the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, the largest protected flooded forest in the world.

Tour Itinerary

Day 1
Iquitos

Low water season

Arrive to the Amazon city of Iquitos:
Our crew will be expecting your arrival at the airport, then transfer all together in our comfortable private vehicle. We will start you off with a lunchbox as we begin the journey to Nauta.

Arrive to Nauta port:
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 our private port along the shores of the Marañon River where the vessel awaits you.

Embarkation:
Aboard Delfin, you will be served by our qualified staff who will introduce you to your exquisite and cozy suite, specially equipped with all the amenities for an experienced traveler like yourself. Orthopedic beds, pure cotton sheets, pillows of 100% pure natural latex, cotton bathrobes, air conditioning, and a private bathroom with Spanish-style hot water showers are all framed with a spacious private terrace we are sure you will enjoy to the fullest.

Orientation:
While the Delfin begins its initial navigation, you will enjoy the most fantastic panoramic views from the elegantly outfitted observation area located on our third deck. Your naturalist guide will give you an overview of your journey’s schedule, activities, route, highlights, wildlife, and vegetation to keep your eye out for, geographical and historical
background, and other useful details.

Marañón River:
We 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 colors of the sun´s reflections is a great photo opportunity as you witness your first
Amazon Rainforest Sunset.

Day 2
Samiria River

On your first morning with us, 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. We will jump on the skiffs and head to this area with large trees and old palm trees as well, these components favor the presence of several parrot species. This particular spot also has a great number of other birds of different species. We will look for the
famous hoatzins nesting a few feet above water, and perhaps a sloth or two of the three toed kind.

At nightfall, your naturalist guides will invite you to board the skiffs. At night, the Amazon wildlife totally changes. You will search for alligators, bats and more nocturnal creatures that are so interesting and unique as daytime.

Day 3
Amazon Natural Park and Yanayacu

Amazon Natural Park:
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.

Yanayacu Pucate:
You will start cruising through the Yanayacu and Pucate Rivers, 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 his expert eye to pinpoint all the biodiversity of this region. If you want to interact directly with the waters of the Amazon, go out on one of our kayaks or paddle boards. You will even have the opportunity to see the famous pink dolphins!

Day 4
Fundo Casual Confluence & Piranha Creek

Fundo Casual:
The walk at Fundo Casual jungle trail will take you deep into the rainforest on terra firme (non-flooded forest) where your guide will point out the dynamic creatures and vegetation of the Amazon. Be sure to keep an attentive eye open for spotting surprises! Its almost unbelievable how with every step you find something along the way. Almost
definitely Anaconda, Rainbow Boas, Tarantulas, Poison Frogs, and most recently porcupines have been spotted. This is one of the very few places in the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve Amazon Rainforest where you will spot the ever so elusive 2-toed sloth.
On your visit to this community we will be welcomed by smiling faces and friendly people. Around the community, people who are happy to show you the process of peeling and grating cassava, while another may invite you in for a look at the tools he uses to process the rice (grown locally). A day in the life 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.

Confluence of the 3 rivers:
Better known as the “Unión de los Ríos” we will toast and witness the distinguished colors of the 3 rivers. It is known that the Ucayali River, which in turn confluences with the Marañón River upstream of Iquitos, Peru, to form what countries other than Brazil consider to be the main stem of the Amazon River. Great photo opportunity as you witness your first Amazon Rainforest Sunset.

Piranha Creek
We head down into the Marañon River to a location known as Piraña Caño. We had the option to explore the creek either by kayak or by skiff, and they were 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 reflections by whichever mode of transportation is stunning. So sit back and enjoy the beauty of the Amazon forest!

Day 5
Disembarkation

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

Amazon Forever:
On our way from Nauta back to Iquitos airport, you will visit the Rescue & Rehabilitation Center of River Mammals (Amazon Forever) 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 center that have been rescued from capture for the intention of being turned into pets and other threatening conditions. We welcome you to donate to this ambitious organization and education center as you wish. Our land personnel will wait for you at the airport and give you your boarding passes and help you check in.

Airport departure:
Our staff will be on hand to help you with your luggage and check-in at Crnl. FAP Francisco Secada Vignetta International Airport in Iquitos. The return flight will take you directly to the city of Lima, the capital of Peru. At the security gate, your guide and Delfin crew will say goodbye. We truly hope that you enjoyed your stay and Amazon travel experience with us!

Day 1
Arrive to the Amazon city of Iquitos Embarkation (High water season itinerary)

(High water season itinerary)
Arrive at the Amazon city of Iquitos:
Our crew will be expecting your arrival at the airport, then transfer all together in our comfortable private vehicle. We will start you off with a lunchbox as we begin the journey to Nauta.

Arrive at Nauta port:
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 our private port along the shores of the Marañon River where the vessel awaits you.

Embarkation:
Aboard Delfin, you will be served by our qualified staff who will introduce you to your exquisite and cozy suite, specially equipped with all the amenities for an experienced traveler like yourself. Orthopedic beds, pure cotton sheets, pillows of 100% pure natural latex, cotton bathrobes, air conditioning, and a private bathroom with Spanish-style hot water showers are all framed with a spacious private terrace we are sure you will enjoy to the fullest.

Orientation:
While the Delfin begins its initial navigation, you will enjoy the most fantastic panoramic views from the elegantly outfitted observation area located on our third deck. Your naturalist guide will give you an overview of your journey’s schedule, activities, route, highlights, wildlife and vegetation to keep your eye out for, geographical and historical background, and other useful details.

Enjoy a beautiful and interesting documentary at the indoor lounge: Rivers of the Sun.

Day 2
Yanallpa Dorado River

Yanallpa:
Here in the Amazon Rainforest, we can have dry mornings with beautiful sunrises. This is all we need to have a successful pre-breakfast exploration of the forest! The early morning hours are the best time of day to watch birds, observe their special displays and listen to their songs. We will jump on the skiffs and head to the shores of the Ucayali River. This area is green with large trees and old palm trees as well, and these components favor the presence of several parrot species. This particular spot also has a great number of other birds of different species. 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!

Dorado River:
We will look for the famous hoatzins nesting a few feet above the water, and perhaps a sloth or two of the three-toed kind. The Dorado River can also be home to troops of brown capuchin monkeys mixed up with squirrel monkeys. As the sun sets our aim will be looking for black and white caiman, fishing bats, and Noisy Nights Monkeys where you will encounter a whole new world of adventure.

After dinner, join us on a movie night at the indoor lounge.

Day 3
Pacaya River

Pacaya River:
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 3,000 millimeters, 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 is sure to be one of the most beautiful places you’ll ever visit. You will also have the chance to explore one of the pristine Amazon lagoons in this wonderful region!

Day 4
Yarapa River - Community Visit - Amazon Confluence Fundo Casual

Yarapa River:
Along the Yarapa River, you will get to explore this tributary intimately. Listen closely to the sounds from within the mysterious jungle. We travel downriver to this wide creek that leads to an attractive hidden lagoon. As we absorb the beauty of the landscape, we will have the chance to reflect on the wildlife. Hawks, terns, herons, and monkeys which are part of our everyday excursions are readily close by; in this area, we will notice many more inhabitants of the Amazon, the rivereños. People being an important part of this complex bionetwork only reinforce the fact that we are part of their lives and how our presence here and now could make a difference to the future of this magical land of the Incas. Look out for specific types of Monkeys like the pygmy marmoset, squirrel monkey, and our first Monk Saki. This medium-sized monkey with thick fur and a bushy tail looks more like he is dressed for the Arctic than the Amazon.

On board our skiffs, you will visit a community to meet local villagers who have called Amazonia their home for generations. You may step into a typical schoolhouse where the children will be very happy to have visitors, and then stop by an area to see the women of this community who have a most amazing arts & crafts market.

Fundo Casual:
The walk at Fundo Casual jungle trail will take you deep into the rainforest on terra firme (non-flooded forest) where your guide will point out the dynamic creatures and vegetation of the Amazon. Be sure to keep an attentive eye open for spotting surprises! It's almost unbelievable how with every step you find something along the way. Almost definitely, Anaconda, Rainbow Boas, Tarantulas, Poison Frogs, and most recently porcupines have been spotted. This is one of the very few places in the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve Amazon Rainforest where you will spot the ever so elusive 2-toed sloth.

Day 5
Disembarkation in Natua Airport departure

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

Amazon Forever:
On our way from Nauta back to Iquitos airport, you will visit the Rescue & Rehabilitation Center of River Mammals (Amazon Forever) 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 center that have been rescued from capture for the intention of being turned into pets and other threatening conditions. We welcome you to donate to this ambitious organization and education center as you wish. Our land personnel will wait for you at the airport and give you your boarding passes and help you check-in.

Airport departure:
Our staff will be on hand to help you with your luggage and check-in at Crnl. FAP Francisco Secada Vignetta International Airport in Iquitos. The return flight will take you directly to the city of Lima, the capital of Peru. At the security gate, your guide and Delfin crew will say goodbye. We truly hope that you enjoyed your stay and Amazon travel experience with us!

What’s Included

Accommodation
  • Included Copy 20 4 nights on board Delfin II in a Suite
  • Included Copy 31 Master Suite Cabin upgrade available
Food
  • Included Copy 20 All meals while on board
  • Included Copy 20 Natural juices, soda, coffee, tea, water, beer, house cocktails, pisco cocktails & sours, house wine
Fees & Services
  • Included Copy 20 All excursions & equipment (including rubber boots & rain ponchos)
  • Included Copy 20 Transfers to/from vessel when arriving on recommended flights to/from Iquitos
  • Included Copy 20 Entrance fee to Pacaya Samiria National Reserve
  • Included Copy 31 3 night cruises also available
  • Included Copy 7 Flights, Visa and reciprocity fees (if applicable), tips, travel insurance
Transportation

Delfin II

30 Passengers

Activities

  • Included Sail on the Amazon river
  • Included Enjoy the sunrise at Pacaya Samiria National Reserve
  • Included Walk through the Amazon rainforest
  • Included Photograph river dolphins,caimans and exotic bird species
  • Included Community visit
Click here for dates & prices
Duration

5 days

Price from

$4,700 USD

Per person, sharing

Departure dates are available on request