Explore the flooded Peruvian Amazon for 4 nights in the glorious high water season - quite wonderful!
High Water Wet Season Cruise (Nov-May)
Day 1 - Fly to Iquitos and embark the Delfin I
You will be met at Iquitos airport and transferred to the Delfin I, moored at Nauta, a small riverside town on the banks of the Marañon River.
After settling into your stateroom, Delfin I sets sail. Enjoy the most fantastic panoramic views from the observation area - 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.
We arrive at Pahuachiro, a lovely place to spend some time in search of birds and playful monkeys. The landscape adorned by the usual colours of the sun and is a great photo opportunity as you witness your first Amazon Rainforest Sunset.
Our final stop today is Nauta Caño Creek, known for squirrel and silver back tamarillo monkeys, birds, dolphins, and even sloths! We will skim the riverbanks for small caimans and spiders, as well as insects of all colours, shapes and sizes.
Day 2 - Las Palmas, Yanayacu Pucate, Amazon Natural Park and Yachay
Up early today to experience sunrise in the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, where we observe the birds special displays and listen to their songs. We explore by skiff observing trees favoured by several parrot 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.
We then cruise 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. Opportunity to explore by kayak or paddle board. You will even have the opportunity to swim in the jungle river along with the famous pink dolphins!
We then visit the only Canopy Walkway in the Amazon Natural Park, an experience unequaled in the rainforest! At a height of over 25 meters (85 feet) and extending for 500 meters (one-third of a mile), the Canopy Walkway provides a view of the rainforest from the treetops, the best vantage point for observing Amazon wildlife and vegetation. The Canopy Walkway is accessible to all and requires no special skills or equipment. The suspended walkway is spread between 14 of the area’s largest rainforest trees and is one of the longest canopy walkways in the world. You will observe “Terra Firma” rainforest in all its glory.
Finally today, we visit the remote village of Yachay, where we meet the local 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. 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.
Day 3 - Yanayaquillo and Pianha Caño
This morning we cruise through Yanayaquillo, 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. This is also a popular dolphin feeding spot. We will also try piranha fishing.
We then continue on the Marañon River to Piraña Caño, wehre we explore by kayak or skiff. This lovely creek 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! Sit back and enjoy the beauty of the Amazon forest!
Day 4 - Puerto Miguel Community, Cumaceba and Puerto Prado
This morning, travelling by skiff, we visit the community of Puerto Miguel to meet local villagers who have called Amazonia their home for generations. You may step into a typical school 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.
After lunch, we travel down river to Cumaceba, a 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 including hawks, terns, herons and monkeys. Look out for specific types of Monkeys like the pygmy marmoset, squirrel monkey and our first Monk Saki. This medium-sized monkey with the thick fur and bushy tail looks more like he is dressed for the Arctic than the Amazon.
We arrive in Puerto Prado in time for a night walk! As we explore the area look for frogs and birds, and we found insects of all colors, sizes, and shapes! As night approaches your guide will take you on a night safari in search of caiman alligators and night birds.
Day 5 - Disembark, the Rescue & Rehabilitation Center of River Mammals and onward flight
Disembark after breakfast and transfer to Iquitos airport, via a visit to the Rescue & Rehabilitation Centre of River Mammals where you will meet baby manatees and learn about these wonderful and docile creatures and why they are on the endangered species list. The Delfin staff will ensure you are safety checked-in for your onward flight in Peru, after a wonderful Amazon adventure.