Voyage to the headwaters of the mighty Amazon in the heart of Peru's rain forest
aboard the elegant riverboat Delfin II. Slip through an intricate network of jungle
waterways in a skiff, spotting hundreds of bird species as well as caimans, tamarins
and sloths. Skim past massive lily pads, peer up at towering ceiba trees, go fishing
for piranhas, and witness glorious sunsets on the still waters of the Amazon River
basin.
Trip Highlights
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Explore the waterways of the flooded “Mirrored Forest” of Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve with a team of expert naturalists.
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Glide down jungle streams by skiff or kayak, spotting pink and gray dolphins, enormous water lilies, monk saki monkeys, three-toed sloths, piranhas and scarlet macaws.
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Learn about the everyday traditions of the native ribereños on visits to villages at the river’s edge.
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Go on rain forest hikes, birding walks and nocturnal river safaris, and get immersed in the wild atmosphere of the Amazon from the comfort of the intimate Delfin II.
Itinerary - 10 Days
Day 1 — U.S./Lima, Peru
Arrive in Lima in the late evening and transfer to our hotel. Wyndham Costa del Sol
Lima Airport Hotel
Day 2 — Lima/Iquitos/Nauta
After a morning visit to the celebrated Larco Herrera Museum, fly to Iquitos and
continue overland to Nauta, where our ship awaits. Get settled in your elegant,
hardwood-paneled cabin and gather for a welcome dinner of fine Peruvian cuisine
prepared by our onboard chef. Tonight, step out on deck to gaze at the magnificent
night sky over the Amazon. Delfin II (B,L,D)
Days 3 & 4 — Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve
Glide into the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve, one of the largest swathes of
pristine jungle in South America, stretching more than five million square acres. The
reserve floods annually with nutrient-rich waters and is known locally as the Mirrored
Forest for the reflections created by its glass-like waterways. In kayaks or skiffs,
skim along the Pucate River looking for parrots, macaws, and perhaps shaggy-tailed
monk saki monkeys or saddle-back tamarins. Encounter a very different ecosystem
on hikes on terra firma, or explore upriver in a skiff. Reach the junction of the
Maranón and the Ucayali, two powerful rivers that border the reserve and converge
to create the Amazon and later, pay a visit to a village on the river’s edge to learn
about the traditions of the ribereños. Learn about the inspiring work of Minga Peru, a
non-profit that has helped improve health and livelihoods for the people of the
Amazon with the support of the Lindblad-National Geographic Fund. Delfin II (B,L,D
daily)
Days 5 & 6 — Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve
Venture deeper into the rain forest on narrow tributaries, seeking out pink dolphins,
iguanas and giant water lilies. On a birding hike, look for an astounding variety of
species, from tanagers and hummingbirds to oropendolas. As the sun sets, slip
through the forest in a skiff, using a spotlight to find caimans, frogs, fishing bats and
other creatures of the night. From December through May we explore Atun Poza by
skiff, looking for lagoon birdlife, and take a short walk to a local community. From
June through November, hike through the rain forest in search of the soaring ceiba,
or kapok tree. In skiffs, we reach Yanayacu lagoon, the furthest point in our journey
and, with luck, enjoy a chance to swim with pink dolphins. (B,L,D daily)
Days 7 & 8 — Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve
During the wet season, look for massive paiche, the Amazon's largest fish, and
infamous piranhas, an important food source for the local people. As the water
recedes later in the year, explore the spontaneous ecosystems of temporary islands
that appear. Travel by skiff to Puerto Miguel and get acquainted with the culture,
folklore and daily life of the villagers. (B,L,D daily)
Days 9 & 10 — Nauta/Iquitos/Lima/U.S.
Enjoy one last morning excursion by skiff to view wildlife. After lunch, disembark in
Nauta and pay a visit to the town’s manatee rehabilitation center. Return to Iquitos in
time for a late afternoon flight to Lima. After breakfast the next day, transfer to the
airport for your flight home.
Wyndham Costa del Sol Lima Airport Hotel (B, L; B)
Price
Pricing starts at $6,700 per person, double occupancy. Due to limited availability,
single cabins are offered on a request basis only. International airfare to/from Lima
and airfare within Peru are not included in the expedition cost. The group flight
between Lima and Iquitos is approximately $430 (subject to change).
Solo Travelers
Accommodations (hotels, tents and cruise cabins) are based on double occupancy.
If you prefer single accommodations, and if such are available, you can pay a single
supplement fee. If you are traveling alone and wish to share accommodations, we
can assign a roommate of the same gender. If there is no one with whom you can
share, a single supplement fee will apply.
