Day 1 Iquitos/Cruise
AM: Arrive to the Amazon city of Iquitos. You will be picked up from the airport and transferred to the port in time to board your cruise. Begin your trip with a panoramic tour of Iquitos city. After the tour, travel 95km over paved road to the city of Nauta, to embark on the Delfin II. Along the way, you will see vibrant “terra firma” (non-flooded forest) and various aspects of daily jungle life.
Delfin II offers comfortable beds, pure cotton sheets, pillows of 100% pure natural latex as well as cotton bathrobes. The cabins have a private bathroom as well as a spacious private terrace we are sure you will enjoy to the fullest.
While Delfin II begins its primary navigation, you will enjoy the most fantastic panoramic views from the elegantly outfitted observation area located on the 3rd deck. The bartender will be waiting to serve you with an exotic cocktail made with local fruits and pisco. Your naturalist guide will give you an overview of the journey’s schedule, activities, route, highlights, wildlife, and vegetation to keep your eye out for, geographical and historical background, and other useful details. The 3rd deck features an entertainment centre which offers use for film presentations, as well as extensive literature about the area (fauna, flora, etc.) There is also a completely equipped bar where you can test any combination of regional and international liquors and aromas. Moreover, should you have any doubts or questions, our guides are always entirely at your service. Furthermore, the vessel has an open bridge policy, so you are welcome to learn about the navigation systems and spend time with the driving captain at any time.
After dinner, go to the third deck where you can enjoy stargazing while you cruise into the depths of the Amazon rain forest.
PM: Yacapana Island, the birthplace of the Amazon- As you begin sailing downstream, pass by Yacapana Island. Here, you can see the confluence of the Ucayali and Maranon, the birthplace of the Amazon River.
Day 2 Cruise
AM: Belluda Caño Creek- early today, you will head to a spectacular river spot within the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve to experience an unforgettable encounter with Grey and Pink River Dolphins. Birds will be out and active, flying gracefully across the Amazon skies.
PM: Dorado River- see abundant wildlife and nature while searching for the Amazon River’s transitional forest icons such as Snail Kites and festive Parrots. It is also possible to see the endangered Scarlet Macaws, olive spotted hummingbirds, Amazonian Parrots, and Wood Creepers, among others. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to fish Piranha! When the night shift strikes, you’ll encounter a whole new world of adventure! As night approaches, your guide will take you on a night safari in search of Caiman’s and night birds.
Day 3 Cruise
AM: Pacaya River- this morning you will take a small boat to Pacaya River at the very heart of the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, Peru’s largest protected area. This reserve is 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 one of the most beautiful places you’ll ever visit. You will also have the chance to swim in one of the pristine Amazon lagoons in this wonderful region!
PM: Ucayali River- later in the day you will experience even more diversity in the Amazon River Basin. This afternoon you will venture up the Ucayali River and explore several small canyons and tributaries known as some of the best areas for fishing. Be on the lookout for squirrel Monkeys feeding in the treetops at the edge of the river.
Day 4 Cruise
AM: Yarapa River- today you will have the chance to explore one of our main cores of the National Reserve. You will have the chance to get deep into the rainforest and its fantastic diversity of flora and fauna. Enjoy watching some of the myriad bird species, colourful butterflies and other diverse insects, noisy monkey troops and active Pink and Grey River Dolphins. You will also visit the community of Puerto Miguel to meet local villagers who have called Amazonia their home for generations. You may step into a typical schoolhouse where the children will warmly welcome you. Later you’ll visit the women of this community who have a most amazing arts & craft market.
PM: Fundo Casual- start the afternoon in one of the highlight areas of the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve. The walk at Fundo Casual jungle trail will take you deep into the rainforest on the non-flooded forest where your guide will point out the creatures and vegetation of the Amazon. Be sure to keep an attentive eye open for identifying surprises!
In the afternoon, explore Nauta Caño Creek and its various delights via skiff. Your guide will point out animals such as the sloths, various bird species, and perhaps even squealing Monkeys! If you wish, you can also kayak through the calm waters this afternoon, skimming the riverbanks on your own to play your own game of “I spy”.
Day 5 Iquitos
AM: Disembarkation- today you will be transferred back to Iquitos airport for your ongoing flight. On the way, visit the Rescue & Rehabilitation Centre of River Mammals (ACOBIA). Here you will meet baby manatees and learn about these wonderful and docile creatures and why they are on the endangered species list. You will also have the chance to pet and feed these kind manatees. 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.