Delfin II Amazon Cruise

You will arrive in the Amazon city of Iquitos, the crew will be expecting your arrival at the airport, then transfer all together in the comfortable private vehicle. You will enjoy a lunchbox 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 you reach Nauta, you will enjoy a VIP greeting at the private port along the shores of the Marañon River where the vessel awaits you. Aboard Delfin, you will be served by the qualified staff who will introduce you to your suite, specially equipped with all the amenities for the experienced traveler as yourself. Orthopedic 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. While the Delfin begins its initial navigation, you will enjoy the most fantastic panoramic views from the elegantly outfitted observation area located on the 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. You 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. Nauta Caño Creek is known for squirrel and silver back tamarillo monkeys, birds, dolphins, and even sloths! You will skim the riverbanks for small caimans and spiders, as well as insects of all colors, shapes and sizes.

On your first morning on the boat, we recommend getting up early to appreciate one of the most important zones of the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve. The early morning hours are the best time of day to watch birds, observe their special displays and listen to their songs. You 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. 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. 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! 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 the “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. After dinner, you will enjoy a Shamanism lecture from the guides.

You will start cruising through the creeks of Yanayaquillo, peeking into different creeks and lagoons. This is one of the best preserved and protected zones of the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve. This is also a popular dolphin feeding spot so you won't be the only one enjoying your happy meal here. You will also try piranha fishing. Later on, you will head down into the Marañon River to a location known as Piraña Caño. You will have 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! 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!

On board the skiffs, you will continue exploring the Amazon Rainforest in search of wildlife. There are unique creatures hanging on the trees and amazing landscapes. Along the Yarapa River, you will get to explore this tributary intimately. Listen closely for the sounds from within the mysterious jungle. You travel down river to this wide creek that leads to an attractive hidden lagoon. As you absorb the beauty of the landscape, you 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 you will notice many more inhabitants of the Amazon, the rivereños. People being an important part of this complex bionetwork only reinforce the fact that you are part of their lives and how your 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 your first Monk Saki. This medium-sized monkey with the thick fur and bushy tail looks more like it is dressed for the Arctic than the Amazon.

With heavy hearts, the staff will wish you farewell as you begin your departure. At the port of Nauta, the ground crew will be waiting to take you by our private vehicle back to the city of Iquitos, about a 95 kilometers journey by paved road. On your 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 invite you to donate to this ambitious organization and education center as you wish. The land personnel will wait for you at the airport and give your boarding passes and help you check in. The return flight will take you directly to the city of Lima, the capital of Peru. At the security gate, your guide and the Delfin crew will say goodbye.