Delfin II

Dry Season Low Water Cruise (Jun-Oct) - 3 nights

Day 1 - Embark Delfin II at Nauta

You will be met at Iquitos Airport and transferred to the Delfin II at the riverside town of Nauta, on the banks of the Marañon River. After setting sail, enjoy panoramic views from the observation area and an exotic cocktail made with regional fruits and pisco. 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. 

Day 2 - Belluda Caño, Dorado River & night walk

Early morning visit by skiff to Bellluda Cano Creek, a spectacular tributary within the Pacaya Samiria Reserve where you will experience an unforgettable encounter with grey and pink river dolphins as well as many birds flying gracefully across the Amazon skies.

After lunch , we explore the El Dorado River where wildlife will greet you and the biodiversity you will experience will be outstanding. You will have the chance to observe a myriad bird species, colourful, butterflies and other diverse insects, noisy monkey troops, and when the night shift strikes, you’ll encounter a whole new world of adventure on a night walk.

Day 3 - Clavero Lake, Yarapa River & village visit

After breakfast, we explore Clavero Lake on board of our aluminium skiff, where you will have the chance to get deep into the rainforest and its fantastic diversity of flora and fauna.

In the afternoon, venture along the Yarapa River, where you can explore the tributary in the kayaks and listen closely for the sounds from within the mysterious jungle. Next we will venture out on board our skiffs where you will visit the community of Puerto Miguel to meet local villagers who have called Amazonia their home for generations. Perhaps visit a typical school and an area to see the women of this community have a most amazing arts & craft market.

Day 4 - Rescue & Rehabilitation Centre & onward flight

Disembark after breakfast. On our way to Iquitos airport, visit the Rescue & Rehabilitation Centre of River Mammals 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.

Continue to Iquitos Airport for an assisted check-in for your onward flight. 

Low Water Dry Season Cruise (Jun-Oct) - 4 nights

DAY 1 - Embarkation at Nauta

You will be met at Iquitos Airport and transferred to the Delfin II at the riverside town of Nauta, on the banks of the Marañon River. After setting sail, enjoy panoramic views from the observation area and an exotic cocktail made with regional fruits and pisco. 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. 

DAY 2 - Belluda Cano Creek & Dorado River   

Up early today as we explore Belluda Cano Creek by skiff, a spectacular tributary spot within the Pacaya Samiria Reserve where you will experience an unforgettable encounter with grey and pink river dolphins. As well, the day’s birds will be out and active, flying gracefully across the Amazon skies.

In the afternoon, discover the Dorado River where wildlife will greet you and the biodiversity you will experience will be outstanding. You will have the chance to observe a myriad bird species, colourful, butterflies, insects and noisy monkey troops. In the evening, we take a night walk to encounter a whole new world of adventure.

DAY 3 - Zapote River & Pacaya River

This morning we kayak on the calm and inspiring rainforest waters. Your guides will take you upstream where you will encounter prehistoric looking iguanas that laze in the sun while we travel along the shoreline searching for whatever the jungle has to offer us. Squirrel monkeys are very active at this time of the day, when they move in large noisy troops at mid to upper levels of primary and secondary lowland forest. As you float and paddle down the river, see if you can spot some elusive creatures on your own!

We arrive at the Pacaya River at the heart of the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, Peru’s largest protected area with a mean annual rainfall of nearly 3,000 millimeters and 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 quite beautiful. You will also have the chance to swim in one of the pristine Amazon lagoons in this wonderful region!

DAY 4 - Clavero Lake, Yarapa River & village visit

After breakfast, we will begin an exploration at Clavero Lake by skiff, where you will have the chance to get deep into the rainforest and its' fantastic diversity of flora and fauna. We continue on the Yarapa River, exploring the tributary in the kayaks and listening to the sounds from the mysterious jungle.

After lunch, venture by skiff to the community of Puerto Miguel to meet local villagers who have called Amazonia their home for generations. Perhaps stop at the local school and then meet the women of this community who have a most amazing arts & craft market.

DAY 5 - Amazon Rescue & Rehabilitation Centre & onward flight

Disembark after breakfast. On our way to Iquitos airport, visit the Rescue & Rehabilitation Centre of River Mammals 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.

Continue to Iquitos Airport for an assisted check-in for your onward flight. 

Wet Season High Water (Nov-May)

Day 1 - Arrive Iquitos and transfer to Delfin II

You will be met at Iquitos Airport and transfer to the Delfin II moored in Nauta, a small riverside town on the banks of the Marañon River.

After settling into your luxury riverboat, Delfin II sets sail - enjoy the most fantastic panoramic views from the observation area with your naturalist guide giving an overview of your journey’s schedule, activities, route, highlights, wildlife and vegetation to keep your eye out for, geographical and historical background, and the program for the next following day.

Later, take a walk on the Fundo Casual jungle trail deep into the rainforest on terra firme (a non-flooded forest) where your guide will point out the creatures and vegetation of the Amazon, including anaconda, rainbow boas, tarantulas, poison frogs and porquepines. This is also one of the very few places in the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve Amazon Rainforest where you will spot the ever so elusive 2-toed sloth.

Our final destination 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 colors, shapes and sizes.

Day 2 - Las Palmas, Yanayacu Pucate, Amazon Natural Park and Yachay

An early start to experience sunrise in the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, the best time to observe birds, with their special displays and tweets. Explore the area by skiff observing several parrot species. This particular spot also has a great number of other birds of different 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 continue cruising on 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. Explore by kayak or paddle board. You will even have the opportunity to swim in the jungle river along with the famous pink dolphins!

After lunch, we visit the Amazon Natural Park, where you take a nature 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. 

Finally today we visit the remote village of Yachay. A special event is meeting 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. 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, Piaña Caño, Puerto Prado and night safari

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. 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 cruise on the Marañon River to Piraña Caño. Explore the creek either by kayak or skiff. 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! Kayakers will endure the feeling of paddling down the river with only the noises of the forest as your companion. As for the skiff riders, the encounters with wildlife are abundant. So sit back and enjoy the beauty of the Amazon forest!

As the day draws to a close and an orange moon rising your guide will take you on a night safari in search of caiman alligators and night birds.

Day 4 - Rescue & Rehabilitation Centre & onward flight

Disembark after breakfast. On our way to Iquitos airport, visit the Rescue & Rehabilitation Centre of River Mammals 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.

Continue to Iquitos Airport for an assisted check-in for your onward flight. 

 

High Water Wet Season (Nov-May)

Day 1 - Arrive Iquitos and transfer to Delfin II

You will be met at Iquitos Airport and transfer to the Delfin II moored in Nauta, a small riverside town on the banks of the Marañon River.

After settling into your luxury riverboat, Delfin II sets sail - enjoy the most fantastic panoramic views from the observation area with your naturalist guide giving an overview of your journey’s schedule, activities, route, highlights, wildlife and vegetation to keep your eye out for, geographical and historical background, and the program for the next following day.

Set sail on the Marañon River to 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. We arrive at 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, Yanayaquillo and Yachay

An early start to experience sunrise in the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, the best time to observe birds, with their special displays and tweets. Explore the area by skiff observing several parrot species. This particular spot also has a great number of other birds of different 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 continue cruising on 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. Explore by kayak or paddle board. You will even have the opportunity to swim in the jungle river along with the famous pink dolphins!

After a delicious lunch 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. Your guide will use his expert eye to pinpoint all the biodiversity of this region. This is also a popular dolphin feeding spot.

Finally today we visit the remote village of Yachay. A special event is meeting 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. 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 - Amazon Natural Park and the Palm Forest

This morning we take a nature 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. 

Se continue to the Palm Forest at the very heart of the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, Peru’s largest protected area with a mean annual rainfall of nearly 3,000 millimeters, 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 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!

Day 4 - Samiria River, confluence of 3 rivers, Pirana Cano and night safari

Travel this morning by skiff on the Samiria River and its tributaries, where an abundance of wildlife hides in the deep rainforest, such as blue and yellow macaws, scarlet macaws, toucans, umbrella birds, monkeys, and river others, capybaras and more. Our naturalists and his expert eye pinpoint all the biodiversity of this region. This is also a popular dolphin feeding spot. 

We continue to the confluence of 3 rivers, better known as the “Unión de los Rios”, each with a different colour. It is known the Ucayali River, which in turn confluences with the Marañón River upstream of Iquitos, 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.

We then travel by skiff to visit the community of San Francisco and meet local villagers who have called Amazonia their home for generations. We also meet the women of this community who have a most amazing arts & craft market.

After lunch, we sail on the Marañon River to Piraña Caño, exploring by kayak or skiff. 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! Kayakers will endure the feeling of paddling down the river with only the noises of the forest as your companion. As for the skiff riders, the encounters with wildlife are abundant. 

Our final destination today is Puerto Prado, where as night approaches your guide will take you on a night safari in search of caiman alligators and night birds.

Day 5 - Disembarkation and transfer to Iquitos Airport 

Disembark after breakfast. On our way to Iquitos airport, visit the Rescue & Rehabilitation Centre of River Mammals 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.

Continue to Iquitos Airport for an assisted check-in for your onward flight.