Delfin I – Amazon Cruise – Peru

• Arrive Iquitos – Nauta - Embarkation

  AM: ARRIVE IN IQUITOS
  Our crew will be expecting your arrival at the airport, from where you'll hop aboard our comfortable private vehicle as we begin a panoramic tour of Iquitos city, with a tasty lunchbox provided.
  After the tour we will travel by paved road to the city of Nauta about an hour's drive away. Along the way, you will see vibrant "terra firma" (non-flooded forest) and various aspects of daily jungle life. Upon reaching Nauta you will enjoy a VIP greeting at our private port along the shores of the Marañon River where the Delfin I awaits you.

  PM: EMBARKATION FROM NAUTA
  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 the experienced traveler as yourself. Orthopaedic beds, pure cotton sheets, pillows of 100% pure natural latex, cotton bathrobes, air conditioning, and 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.

  MARAYALI / PAUHUACHIRO
  Our first excursion will be done by skiff where we visit our first location populated by sloths, iguanas, and recently a new favorite location for anteaters. Birdwatchers are likely to check off their bucket list, the yellow-rumped caciques and the very elegant egrets.

  HAPPY HOUR AND 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. Our bartender will be waiting to serve you with an exotic cocktail made with regional fruits and pisco, the beloved national brandy liquor of Peru. Then, 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.
  The third deck features an entertainment center which offers use for film presentations, as well as extensive literature about the area (fauna, flora, etc.) There is also a completely equipped bar so you can test any combination of regional and international liquors and aromas that the bartender will be happy to provide for you to enjoy under the spell of the beautiful Amazonian afternoons and night, and the sweet breeze of the rainforest. Moreover, should you have any doubts or questions, our guides are always fully at your service.

  CONFLUENCE OF THE 3 RIVERS
  Better known as the “Union de los Rios” 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.
  Our vessels all have an open bridge policy, so you are welcome to learn about the navigation systems and spend time with the driving captain at any time. Moreover, should you have any doubts or questions, our guides are always fully at your service. After dinner we invite you to the third deck were you can enjoy stargazing while we cruise in to the depths of the Amazon Rainforest.

• Amazon

  AM: FUNDO CASUAL
  This morning, we hike the Fundo Casual jungle trail, taking us deep into the rainforest on terra firme (non-flooded forest). Biologically, this kind of forest is one of the richest habitats on earth, supporting a vast number of plant and animal species. Among the flora is the giant Ceiba (kapok) tree, recognizable by the girth of its trunk, along with many smaller medicinal plants, which the guides will point out on the hike.
  As for the fauna, this rainforest is very good for spotting birds such as the Bluish-fronted Jacamar, Collared Trogons and Red-capped Cardinal.

  PM: YANAYACU PUCATE / SHAMANA
  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 paddle boards. You will even have the opportunity to swim in the jungle river along with the famous pink dolphins!
  Afterwards we will visit the village of San Regis is a flyspeck on Peru's Amazon River 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.

• Amazon

  AM: AMAZON PARK CANOPY WALK
  The Amazon jungle canopy contains a large percentage of the Amazon's wildlife and vegetation, so this morning we visit the the only canopy walkway in the Pacaya-Samiria area, in order to gain a unique viewpoint of the terra firme rainforest ecosystem, from a height of over 25m / 85 ft. The walkway extends for 500m / one-third of a mile, between 14 large trees, and is one of the longest in the world; and yet no special skills or equipment are needed to enjoy it.

  PM: NAUTA CAÑO EXPEDITION
  At certain times of the year, the water level of the Amazon can rise as much as 10m / 30ft, flooding huge areas of forest. This seasonally flooded forest is known as varzea and is ideal for exploration by boat. So, this afternoon we head out in the lanchas to explore a narrow creek called Nauta Caño, a side branch of the Marañon River, which enters part of the Pacaya-Samiria National Park. This creek is part of a system of lagoons, marshes and oxbow lakes which are excellent for wildlife-watching.
  In one of the lakes, we will stop for a spot of fishing ... for Piranha! There are 25 species of this notorious fish in the Amazon region, many of which like to swim among the base of trees to eat fruit and chew at bark, when the forest is flooded. They are therefore not as blood-thirsty as their reputation suggests, but still it is a real thrill to catch one.
  After dusk, we can appreciate the sounds of the nighttime jungle symphony. It is also a great time to spot different, nocturnal species, using spotlights, such as: Night Herons; Spectacled Owls; Nightjars; Fish Bats; Spectacled and Black Caiman; and up to a dozen species of frogs. The occasional flash of light from a firefly completes the spectacle.

• Amazon

  AM: YARAPA RIVER
  Along the Yarapa River river, you will get to explore this tributary intimately. We start the morning with a relaxing skiff ride and listen closely for the sounds from within the mysterious jungle. In the High Water season (Nov - May) you will have the option to kayak here also and additionally have the option to visit the Amazonas Village, where you can take a short jungle walk to meet local villagers who have called Amazonia their home for generations.

  PM: SAN FRANCISCO VILLAGE
  Low Water (Jun - Oct)
  This afternoon we go on a short jungle walk and visit the village of San Francisco which is a chance to see life in a local Amazon community. Here we will visit a market featuring amazing arts and crafts from the local women.

  PM: PIRAÑA CAÑO CREEK
  High Water (Nov - May)
  This morning we depart for the lovely creek of Piraña Caño. This creek leads to a lagoon that is an ideal place to spend the morning 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! You’ll see why the Peruvian Amazon jungle has earned its title as one of the most biologically diverse areas on Earth!

• Disembarkation: Rescue & Rehabilitation Center of River Mammals

  AM: DISEMBARKATION IN NAUTA
  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.

  THE RESCUE & REHABILITATION CANTER OF RIVER MAMMALS (ACOBIA)
  On our 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. 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 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 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!

Deluxe Suite

Located on the main deck, two spacious Deluxe Suites of 360 square feet are wrapped by 180° panoramic windows stretching from floor to ceiling. They feature private terraces of 320 square feet each with cool water plunge pools, which makes Delfin I the first and only river vessel with this luxurious feature.

DECK PLAN:

WHAT’S INCLUDED

• All meals while on board (arrival day: lunchbox and dinner; cruise days: all meals; departure day: breakfast) 
• All excursions & 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 
• Natural juices, soda, coffee, tea, water, beer, house cocktails, pisco cocktails & sours, house wines with lunch and dinner.

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED

• Air tickets to/from Iquitos 
• Cost of medical emergencies (including evacuation) 
• Gratuities (amount suggested per guest: USD $120) 
• Any additional transportation services 
• Any additional bar consumptions
• Boutique purchases 
• Minibar consumptions

TRANSPORTATION

Your cruise package includes transfers from/to the Iquitos Airport to/from the port of Nauta, where the vessel will depart and set sail from. These included transfers are offered only when arriving and departing with our recommended LATAM Airlines flights, which is approximately 10:00 a.m. for the Lima-Iquitos flight and approximately 1:00 p.m. for the Iquitos-Lima flight.

Any additional services are not included. 

Here are some occurrences that may arise where Delfin Amazon Cruises may assist for an additional charge:

• Supposing the passenger arrives earlier than the recommended arrival time on the departure day of their cruise. We may arrange them to be privately taken from Iquitos airport into the city, enjoy a comprehensive and expertly led city tour, and/or taken to a restaurant. 
• Supposing the passenger arrives later than the recommended arrival time on the departure day of their cruise, and needs private transportation to the port of Nauta and then a private boat to catch the vessel.

Please note that this itinerary dependent on the river water level, weather conditions, wildlife behavior, and accessibility to locations, so may vary. All times indicated are approximate, and are also subject to change.