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Peru Delfin II River cruise
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Delfin II Amazon Riverboat 4-Night Itinerary A

5-day/4-night High-Water-Season River Cruise: This river cruise during the Amazon’s high-water season (between November & May), allows you more extensive exploration and access to the jungle’s waterways via skiff and kayak – bringing you up close and personal to the exotic wildlife that calls this ocean of green home.  Discover the vast area of Amazonian jungle and floodable forest of northeastern Peru on this 5-day/4-night Delfin II cruise. Sailing along the Marañón River on board the Delfin II, we will explore the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve to experience some fantastic wildlife watching, make authentic contacts with indigenous peoples, and view unforgettable sunsets that will provide yet additional highlights to this journey of a lifetime.

Reviews

“Everything went off without a hitch. Accomodation was just what we wanted. Clean, great location and within our budget. The dive master was great. ”Sarah Darwin

Highlights

Amazonian city of Iquitos, skiff river expeditions, nocturnal Amazonian safari, kayaking, rainforest canopy suspension bridge walk, swimming with dolphins, shaman ceremony, piranha fishing, the mammal rescue center

Itinerary at a Glance

Day 1: Flight from Lima – Arrival in the Amazonian City of Iquitos – Drive to Nauta Port – Embarkation – Happy Hour & Orientation – Fundo Casual Trek – Nauta Caño Nocturnal Safari
Day 2: Las Palmas Birdwatching & Sloth Expedition – Yanaycu Pucate – Amazon Park Canopy Walkway – Yachay Shaman Ceremony
Day 3: Palm Forest Skiff Expedition – Exploring the Samiria River
Day 4: Samiria River Skiff Expedition – Confluence of Three Rivers – San Francisco Community Visit – Piraña Caño Skiff Expedition – Puerto Prado Nighttime Nature Walk
Day 5: Disembarkation – The Rescue & Rehabilitation Center of River Mammals (ACOBIA) – Airport Departure
Itinerary Map

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1
Flight from Lima – Arrival in the Amazonian City of Iquitos – Drive to Nauta Port – Embarkation – Happy Hour & Orientation – Fundo Casual Trek – Nauta Caño Nocturnal Safari

9:30 am: Flight from Lima to Iquitos, Peru – For travelers who are already in Lima on a Surtrek tour, Surtrek representatives will assist you with your luggage and with checking in for your two-hour flight to the country’s northeastern city of Iquitos, a rustic outpost that offers explorers the most direct and accessible path to the heart of the Amazon. (For travelers just arriving in Peru, you will be able to make your connecting flight to Iquitos within the same Lima international airport).

11:30 am: Arrival in Iquitos – Upon landing at the Iquitos airport, uniformed Delfin Amazon Cruises guides and land staff will be there to welcome you in the luggage claim area.

12:30 pm: Transfer to the Nauta Embarkation Port – At the Iquitos airport, Delfin staff members will assist you with your belongings and then transfer you in an air-conditioned vehicle to the embarkation port in the town of Nauta, an hour-and-a-half away.  This drive through the scenic Peruvian countryside will give you your first glimpse at Amazonian wildlife, ecosystems, and local villages, as well as riverside and jungle landscapes.   

1:00 pm: Lunch – En route to the port in Nauta, you will be served a delicious box lunch consisting of homemade baked goods, Peruvian specialties, hot coffee and fresh juice.

2:00 pm: Arrival in Nauta / VIP Reception – Once we reach Nauta, you’ll be treated to a VIP greeting at Delfin Amazon Cruises’ private port. This dock is situated on the shore of the Marañon River, where the Delfin vessel will be awaiting you to begin your Amazon cruise experience. 

3:00 pm: Embarkation – After boarding the Delfin, crew members will introduce you to your exquisite and cozy suite, specially equipped with all the amenities for an experienced traveler such as 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 complemented with a spacious private terrace, which we are sure you’ll enjoy to the fullest.

4:00 pm: Happy Hour & Orientation – While the Delfin begins to weigh anchor, you can take in fantastic panoramic views from the ship’s elegantly outfitted observation area located on the Delfin’s third, deck. At this time, the barman and staff will provide you with a wide variety of drinks and cocktails including Peru’s finest and most famous cocktail: Pisco sour – a Peruvian grape brandy. Fine regional cigars will also be available.

As you relax with a cold drink, your naturalist guide will conduct a brief orientation, outlining details about the voyage journey ahead. This will include the places you will visit and the wildlife you’ll see, as well as a basic summary of the history and geography of the Amazon basin.

5:00 pm: Pahuachiro – We will head down into the Marañon River to a location known as “Pahuachiro,” a paradisiacal spot that’s ideal place for spending time in search of tropical birds and playful monkeys. As your naturalist guide spots various creatures for you, you’ll find the landscape adorned by the dramatic colors of the sun´s reflections – a great photo opportunity as you witness your first Amazonian rainforest sunset.

7:00 pm: Welcome Dinner – Toast the beginning of a beautiful journey with a sip fine South American wine. Then, sit down to enjoy the innovative Amazonian cuisine, created by the Delfin’s Executive Chef Raul Rodriguez. Tonight’s welcome dinner will combine incredibly fresh and exotic ingredients with refined cooking techniques and unparalleled creativity in dishes made to enchant the senses. Having the Relais & Châteaux’s seal of approval to Delfin’s culinary experience speaks a world about the journey for the senses you’re about to experience.

8:30 pm: Nauta Caño Night Safari – After the delicious dinner, we will again leave the ship, this time to go on a nocturnal safari along Nauta Caño Creek, which is known for squirrel and silver-back tamarillo monkeys, birds, dolphins and sloths! We will troll the riverbanks in search of the gleaming eyes of small caimans, as well as look out for night birds and insects of all colors, shapes and sizes.

10:00 pm: Socializing / Turning in for the Night – Following an already full day, you’ll want to sip a Pisco sour nightcap before retiring perhaps. The perfect spot for this is the Delfin’s Upper Deck, where you’ll hear a symphony of unimaginable sounds that cannot be heard before the sun goes down …just be sure not to stay up too late – you’ll need a good night’s sleep for the activities tomorrow.

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Dinner
Day 2
Las Palmas Birdwatching & Sloth Expedition – Yanaycu Pucate – Amazon Park Canopy Walkway – Yachay Shaman Ceremony

6:00 am: Las Palmas Birdwatching & Sloth Expedition – Never does nature seem more bountiful than in the tropics, and the early morning hours are the best time of day to watch birds, observe their special displays and listen to their songs. 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. We will jump on the skiffs and head to the Las Palmas area, where you’ll find large, age-old palm trees that are home to several species of parrots. This particular spot also has a great number of other bird species. We will look for the famous hoatzins nesting a few feet above water, and perhaps a three-toed sloth or two.

7:00 am: Buffet Breakfast – Returning from your first sunrise in the Amazon, sit down to a sumptuous buffet breakfast featuring a wide variety of dishes, plus Peruvian specialties and fresh fruit juices.

8:30 am: Yanayacu Pucate Skiff Exploration, Paddle Boarding & Swimming with Dolphins – Head out to explore the different creeks and lagoons flowing into the Yanayacu and Pucate rivers. Your guide will use their expert eyes to pinpoint the various hard-to-spot species in this mega-diverse region. Alternatively, sweep along the waters in one of the Delfin’s kayaks or on a stand-up paddleboard to truly absorb the beauty of the Amazonian waters. You’ll even have a chance to swim in the jungle river along with the famous Pink river dolphins.  

11:00 am: Return to the Ship / Onboard Activities – Cold towels await you back on board the Delfin Amazon riverboat. Take this free time to enjoy the ship’s amenities, which include a panoramic exercise room and the observation deck’s outdoor lounge, bar and entertainment center. As an alternative, just slip into the private whirlpool that serves your cabin.

12:30 pm: Lunch – For your mid-day meal, master chef Raul Rodriguez, his diligent assistants, and the Delfin’s experienced pastry and menu creation team will have worked hand in hand to ensure that your gastronomic journey is every bit as exciting as what you have seen in the Amazon this morning. This culinary adventure might just introduce you to local favorites like the spicy Aji charapita sauce, refreshing rosy pink “Camu-camu” juice or freshly caught river fish.

2:00 pm: Free Time – As the ship continues upriver, you’ll have free time to take an after-lunch siesta and simply relax.

3:00 pm: Amazon Park Canopy Walkway – This afternoon, your destination will be the network of suspension bridges hanging high up in the treetops where you can explore the canopy at your leisure. A unique opportunity, this is the only canopy walkway in this area, an experience unequaled in the rainforest! At a height of over 85 feet (25 meters) and extending more than a quarter of a mile (500 meters), the suspended walkway provides a view of the rainforest from the treetops, the best vantage point for observing Amazon wildlife and vegetation. Though this suspended walkway is spread between 14 of the area’s largest rainforest trees and is one of the longest canopy walkways in the world, it is accessible to all and requires no special skills or equipment.

5:30 pm: Return to the Ship / Free Time – Making our way back to the Delfin, you’ll have time to shower, rest up and relax before dinner.

7:00 pm: Dinner – Like all nights, dinner will be simply world class. You will be able to enjoy a menu of fresh, delicious Peruvian fare (with a bit of continental influence), whether served in the dining room or al fresco on deck. Promising to be a culinary feast for the senses, this evening’s dinner will be paired with select South American wines or perhaps a freshly pressed juice.

8:30 pm: Yachay Shaman Ceremony – The village of Yachay is barely a dot on the map, receiving few outside visitors. Even fewer come here to seek out the local Shaman, Carola. Nonetheless, she is known far and wide in the rainforest, though she leads a normal village life with her wood carver husband. What’s different is that Carola serves as a 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.

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Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner
Day 3
Palm Forest Skiff Expedition – Exploring the Samiria River

7:00 am: Buffet Breakfast – Breakfast will be served buffet-style, perhaps featuring cheese, cereal, eggs of any style, ham, yogurt, bread, and muffins, as well as a rotating variety of local dishes such as tapioca mingado (similar to rice pudding) or cecina (a dried meat) and fried chorizo with cocona sauce. The ship’s waiters will also come by the table with tea, coffee and fresh fruit juices.

8:00 am: Palm Forest Skiff Expedition – Today day we will have reached our main goal for the day: The Palm Forest. This site is located in the very heart of the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, Peru’s largest protected area. With a mean annual rainfall of nearly 3,000 millimeters, this reserve is 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 marvelous region!

11:00 am: Return to the Delfin / On Board Activities

12:30 pm: Lunch – From the Delfin lunch buffet, choose from at least a half-dozen options; perhaps an Asian-inspired lunch featuring spring rolls with shrimp, or maybe a dorado fish grilled with peppers and onions. Or what about a Peruvian dish that includes ceviche, fried yucca, stewed beans and corn tamales?

2:00 pm: Free Time – As the ship continues upriver, you’ll have free time to take an after-lunch siesta and simply relax.

3:00 pm: Samiria River Wildlife Expedition – This afternoon, we’ll head off in search of the famous hoatzin birds, the pre-historic so-called “stinky bird,” which you should see nesting just a few feet above water; and, with luck, perhaps we’ll also sight a three-toed sloth or two. The Samiria River can also be home to troops of brown capuchin monkeys mixed up with squirrel monkeys. As the sunsets 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.

5:30 pm: Return to the Delfin / Free Time – Back on board the Delphin, you’ll have time to wash up and relax a bit before dining.

7:00 pm: Dinner – Enjoy a colorful dinner with a picturesque view of the lush rainforest landscape, a gentle reminder that you are in fact cruising the Amazon River. Meals are the Delfin’s way of giving you another sense of the jungle aboard this Amazonian riverboat, while respecting to your dietary needs and preferences. 

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Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner
Day 4
Samiria River Skiff Expedition – Confluence of Three Rivers – San Francisco Community Visit – Piraña Caño Skiff Expedition – Puerto Prado Nighttime Nature Walk

7:00 am: Samiria River Skiff Expedition with Picnic BreakfastToday, as we head out early for some morning wildlife spotting, we’ll have breakfast off the ship. Mooring the skiff in a shaded part of the Samiria River, you can dig into a morning feast of fresh fruit, jars of avocado with soft-boiled egg, pancakes with fruit syrup, and ham & cheese sandwiches – plus hot coffee, of course.

While on the Samiria, your skiff will skim this river and its tributaries, where an abundance of wildlife hides in the deep rainforest. Keep an eye out for blue and yellow macaws, scarlet macaws, toucans, Umbrella birds, monkeys, River others, capybaras and more. Your naturalists and his/her expert eye will pinpoint all the biodiversity of this region. This is also a popular dolphin feeding spot, so we won´t be the only ones enjoying the plethora of fish below.

11:00 am: Return to the Delfin / On Board Activities

12:30 pm: Lunch – Enjoy a colorful gourmet lunch with a picturesque view of the lush rainforest landscape, a gentle reminder that you are in fact cruising the Amazon River.

2:00 pm: Free Time – As the ship continues upriver, you’ll have free time to take an after-lunch siesta and simply relax.

3:00 pm: Confluence of Three Rivers / San Francisco Community Visit – At what’s known as the “Union de los Ríos,” we will make a toast and witness the distinguished colors of three rivers coming together. Will see where the Ucayali River merges with the Marañón River upriver from Iquitos to form the main tributary of the Amazon River. This will be a great photo opportunity as you also witness the Amazon sunset. 

On board our skiffs, we will also visit the community of San Francisco 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 & craft market.

5:30 pm: Piraña Caño Skiff or Kayak Expedition We will head up into the Marañon River to a location known as Piraña Caño. You will have the option of exploring this creek either by kayak or by skiff, which are both fantastic choices! This lovely creek that leads to a lagoon is an ideal place to spend time in search of tropical 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 couple days and have trained your eye a bit! Kayakers will experience the feeling of paddling down the river with only the sounds of the rainforest as your companion. As for skiff riders, the encounters with wildlife will be 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!

7:00 pm: Farewell Dinner – The Delfin will mark your last evening on board the ship by pampering you with Peru’s famed “fusion food,” one of the world’s most unique and delicious cuisines. This gentle blend of immigrant traditions of Peru is truly a comprehensive gastronomic, cultural, and historic adventure. Alternatively, select one of the carefully preparing contemporary international dishes that use the wild choices of fresh ingredients that the Amazon region has in store. In either case, the Delfin will offer exceptional service for your ultimate farewell indulgence.

8:30 pm: Puerto Prado Nighttime Nature Walk – With an orange moon rising, this will be the perfect time for a night walk in the rainforest! As we explore the area looking for brilliantly colored frogs and birds, and we might also find insects of all colors, sizes, and shapes! During these evening hours, you and your guide will continue this night safari by skiff, in search of caiman alligators and night birds.

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Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner
Day 5
Disembarkation – The Rescue & Rehabilitation Center of River Mammals (ACOBIA) – Airport Departure

6:30 am: Buffet Breakfast & Packing – For your final breakfast on board the Delfin, join everyone in the main dining room and order up some eggs any way you like them… even benedict- or omelet-style with your choice of filling. In addition to Peruvian specialties, international breakfast standards like pancakes and French toast will be in the buffet.

Following breakfast, you’ll have time to pack your luggage and take a good last look at the Amazon from the Delfin’s observation deck.

8:00 am: Disembarkation and Ride Back to Iquitos – The crew will bid you farewell as you begin your departure. At the port of Nauta, the Delfin’s ground crew will be waiting to load your luggage and take you by a private air-conditioned vehicle back to the city of Iquitos, about 55 miles (95 km) away by paved road.

9:30 am: The Rescue & Rehabilitation Center of River Mammals (ACOBIA) – On our way back to the Iquitos airport, you will visit the Rescue & Rehabilitation Center of River Mammals (ACOBIA). Here, you will have the chance to see baby manatees and learn about these wonderful creatures and why they are on the endangered species list. There are also some other animals cared for by the center that have been rescued from capture with the intention of turning them into pets and other threatening conditions.

10:30 am: Reaching the Airport & Departure – Reaching the Iquitos Airport, Delfin staff will be on hand to help you with your luggage, get your boarding pass, and help you check in.

The return flight will take you directly to the city of Lima, the capital of Peru, where you will be met by Surtrek representatives if you plan on continuing your tour in Peru (otherwise you will be able to easily catch your connecting flight home or onward).

At the Iquitos airport’s security gate, your guide and Delfin crew will say goodbye. We truly hope that you enjoyed your stay and your Amazon travel experience.

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Breakfast - Lunch

Prices

Price per person
RoomMaster SuiteSuite
5 DaysUS$ 4,500 PPUS$ 4,400 PP
*Price per person based upon double occupancy.
*PP (per person)
Included in the price:
  • All meals while on board (arrival day: box lunch & dinner; cruise days: all meals; departure day: breakfast)
  • All excursions & use of equipment (including rubber boots & rain ponchos)
  • Transfers to/from vessel when arriving on recommended flights to/from Iquitos (Lima-Iquitos: 10:00 a.m.; Iquitos-Lima: 1 p.m.)
  • Entrance fee to Pacaya Samiria National Reserve
  • Selected Beverages: Natural juices, soda, coffee, tea, water, beer, house cocktails, Pisco cocktails & Pisco sours, house wines with lunch and dinner.
Not included in the price:
  • Airfare to/from Iquitos
  • Cost of medical emergencies (including evacuation)
  • Gratuities (amount suggested per guest: USD $120)
  • Any additional transportation services
  • Any additional bar consumption
  • Minibar consumption

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