Duration 5 Days &
4 Nights
Departures Fixed Departures, please see the chart
Airfares Not included, available upon request
Customizable YES, feel free to ask for extra services
DAY 1 ARRIVE IQUITOS
05:00 pm. Arrive at Iquitos. After arriving at Iquitos International
Airport, you will be assisted by our guides and transported by bus
for about 1 ½ hours, heading northwest toward Nauta (the
oldest city in the department of Loreto). Nauta lies between Iquitos
and the Marañon River, where the DELFIN is waiting for you.
07:30 pm. Arrive Nauta and board the DELFIN. Upon arriving at the
port of Nauta, you will board the DELFIN, assisted by our
experienced crew. They will help you settle into your wood-paneled,
comfortable twin-bedded cabin provided with orthopedic mattresses
and natural cotton sheets and towels, silent A/C units and private
bathrooms with fine wooden furnishings, hot showers and a variety
of environmentally friendly amenities for your ultimate indulgence.
It will become clear that you are traveling where few have gone
before. In fact, you are part of a select group of seasoned world
travelers who visit remote Pacaya-Samiria Reserve, five million
acres of protected, flooded forest, roughly the size of a small
Central American country. A world of flora and fauna awaits you.
08:30 pm. Dinner is served in our cozy dining room located at the
back of the ship’s second deck. Because of its cultural diversity,
Peruvian cuisine is considered one of the world’s finest,
making the country an attractive culinary destination. Aside from
providing you with your first rainforest adventure, the Delfin is
also a unique culinary experience, offering the best of Amazonian-Peruvian
cuisine in a cosmopolitan gourmet setting. Our chef prides himself
in serving dishes in different styles and seasoned with a wide variety
of herbs and spices, as well as exotic fruits.
09:30 pm. Briefing and time to relax On the top observation deck,
our guides will use charts and short videos displayed on our flat
LCD screen to conduct a brief orientation, outlining details of
your journey, including the places you will visit, the wildlife
you will see, as well as a summary of the
history and geography of the Amazon basin.
Finally, under the beauty of an Amazonian night filled with hundreds
of stars or perhaps a full moon, and wafted by the gentle breeze
of the rainforest, our multitalented staff will briefly entertain
you with a little live music. (D)
DAY 2 BELLUDA CAÑO – DORADO RIVER
06:00 am. Breakfast – Buffet. Dawn and dusk are ideal times
for nature observation, and an early rise is therefore highly recommended.
On your first morning, coffee will wake us up, and pancakes will
be a delicious choice for this new morning of adventure and new
surprises.
Rainy Season (Dec – May) - Belluda Stream exploration. Aboard
the skiffs, we will explore this black water stream and start learning
about the rainforest. You are now in Pacaya Samiria national reserve,
where you will have the chance to see its amazing wildlife. From
the skiff you can easily spot parrots, macaws and monkeys, such
as the monk Saki monkey with its gray and black body, naked face
and long shaggy tail. You might also see the saddle back tamarin
monkey, whose high chirping notes can easily be confused with those
of a flock of birds.
It’s also a good spot to see the beautiful morpho butterfly
that flaps lazily along open corridors through forest or along river
edges of lowland forest on sunny days. Different species of hawks
will also be found and if we are lucky we’ll see the noisy
“laughing falcon,” named after its loud falsetto call
while sitting solitary in secondary forest and plantations.
Dry Season (Jun – Nov) Hiking at Belluda Cano: During the
dry season, you can visit and explore two different kinds of ecosystems:
flooded forest and terra firme forest. After disembarking at this
native village we’ll start our morning hike. This walk affords
excellent opportunities for spotting transitional species such as
the snail kite, black tailed ant bird, manikins, tanagers, hummingbirds,
woodpeckers, nun birds, orioles, blackbirds, etc.
You’ll also see tall trees filled with epiphytes, woody vines
and many varieties of palm trees. After an hour we’ll reach
a lovely lagoon where two dugout canoes await us in the midst of
one of the most remote, least visited areas in the world. This lagoon
is filled with endangered and unique fresh water fish, such as the
paiche, the largest in the Amazon basin, which can weigh more than
80kg. (170 lb). The paiche is considered a delicacy and you can
often hear them when they rise to the surface. We hope to spot the
peculiar crested hoatzin bird with its olive-colored plumage. Hoatzins
live in small family groups along forested swamps and oxbow lakes.
We will then hike back to the skiffs, where icy towels will refresh
us, while we will continue to explore the surrounding wild life.
We will have a good chance of finding the smallest monkey in the
world, the pygmy marmoset, seen only at its sap-sucking sites low
on tree trunks.
11:00 am. Back to the boat. We will continue upstream towards our
next destination.
12:30 pm. Lunch. After emerging from the depths of the forest,
you’ll be treated to a world-class gourmet meal.
Our young and innovative chef will surprise your sophisticated palates,
while introducing you to the pleasures of Peru´s haute cuisine.
Our gourmet menu has been designed especially to please you. The
menu features glorious fresh fish and other local delicacies, all
prepared with an Amazonian flair and our personal touch.
03:30 pm. El Dorado River exploration: We will head for this spectacular
spot within the Pacaya-Samiria Reserve In the skiffs, where you
will also experience an unforgettable encounter with gray and pink
river dolphins. Enjoy a unique opportunity to swim among the dolphins.
On the river you will experience abundant wildlife and nature in
all its exuberance while we search for the Amazon River’s
transitional forest specialties such as snail kites, festive parrots,
endangered scarlet macaws, olive spotted hummingbirds, Amazonian
parrotlets, and wood creepers, among others.
Prehistoric looking iguanas 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.
06:30 pm. Back to the boat We will continue sailing towards our
next destination
08:00 pm. Dinner. The service continues. Desserts are also a wonderful
treat on our menu.
09:30 pm. Relaxation on board. Our staff and guides will be there
to answer any question about what we have already seen and visited.
While feeling the warm breeze of the Amazon night, our third deck
is the right choice before you fall asleep to the musical sounds
of the jungle. Don´t forget to look up at the sky, where the
feast continues, with millions of sparkling stars set against the
deep black night or perhaps a full moon that lights up the entire
river. (B, L ,D)
DAY 3 ATUN POZA LAKE – RIO PACAYA
07:00 am. Breakfast – Buffet : As usual, our dining room
and kitchen staff are waiting for you; fresh ground coffee grown
in the highlands of the Amazon and local fruits await you as you
continue your jungle experience.
08:00 am. Atun Poza expedition
Rainy Season (Dec – May) Atun Poza by skiff: This morning
we will cruise in our skiffs along a lake called Atun Poza, where
we will surprise several species of egrets, herons, hawks, long-legged
neotropical cormorants fishing for their dinner, and unusual and
loud horned screamers. We will also have a chance to explore other
black water lagoons linked to this huge lake, were wattled jacanas
compete with a wide variety of spiders, grasshoppers, dragonflies,
butterflies, moths, beetles, etc. living along the grassy edges
and lily pads of freshwater swamps and marshes. We will have an
excellent opportunity of seeing social spiders and how their webs
embrace huge parts of a tree.
Dry Season (Jun – Nov) hiking at Atun Poza: Today we will
hike through this pristine and unique ecosystem, passing through
a classic tropical rainforest with emergent trees and canopy trees
reaching up to 55 mt in height. Many trees have buttress roots which
often extend high up the trunks while palms are abundant and many
of them have stilt roots. Biologically, this kind of forest is probably
one of the richest habitats on earth,
supporting the most species of plants and animals per unit area.
Our target is the giant ceiba or kapok tree with its large diameter.
If we’re lucky, we’ll also see giant otters with their
large bodies, dark fur with spotted throat and noisy calls. They
nest in a small stream inside this forest and we must be very quiet,
because if they hear us they will swim away. This forest is also
very good for spotting birds such as the bluish-fronted jacamar
seen in pairs in middle and lower parts of forest edges, or collared
trogons, red capped cardinals, etc.
11:00 am. Back to the vessel. We will continue up the Puinahua
River towards the Pacaya River, our destination at the very heart
of the Pacaya Samiria Reserve, for further exploration of the largest
wetland reserve in the world.
12:30 pm. Lunch. More delicious combinations are in store for you
today. Our chef has selected the best ingredients, preparing a unique
meal, so just relax and enjoy and let yourself be pampered by our
staff.
04:00 pm. Pacaya River expedition. We have reached our main goal,
the Pacaya River, at the very heart of the Pacaya-Samiria National
Reserve, Peru’s largest protected area with a mean annual
rainfall of nearly 3,000mm, 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.
Aboard our comfortable skiffs, we will explore magnificent views
and wildlife opportunities, experiencing spectacular rainforest
wilderness, while searching for different species of monkeys, such
as small family groups of red howler monkeys, the largest in the
Amazon basin, with its bright rust-colored fur and long prehensile
tail.
At sunset, you’ll be will be astonished by the beautiful colors
of the sky and the reflection of the jungle in the black water of
the Pacaya River, which is why it has been called the forest of
reflections: it’s hard to know where the jungle begins and
the water ends. Once it is dark, you’ll hear the second installment
of the jungle symphony. Armed with powerful spot lights, we’ll
start our night safari in search of night herons, pauraques, spectacled
owls, up to a dozen species of croaking from the river’s edge,
and fish bats flying over the water scooping up fish.
Spectacled and black caimans are found in these pristine waters,
and our guides will point them out to you. Stargazing at this time
is unique while fireflies light up the jungle around us.
07:30 pm. Back to the boat
08:30 pm. Dinner. After our night safari, we will calm your appetite
with wonderful dishes, so let the heart of the jungle captivate
yours. Our first class service continues while you enjoy the wonders
of your surroundings (B, L, D)
DAY 4 CARO CURAHUAYTE LAGOON – JUNGLE HICK
07:00 am. Wake up call. This morning we will start very early and
breakfast will be ready for you, in order to see as much wildlife
as possible, in one of the earth´s greatest wilderness.
08:00 am. Fishing at Caro Curahuayte Lake or Exploring the Shores
of emergent Islands
Rainy Season – Fishing at Caro Curahuayte: On board our excursion
skiffs, we will head for a beautiful lake to a spectacular spot,
where we expect to catch some fish, mainly piranhas. During the
rainy season, the forest is flooded and many trees flower and bear
fruit in conjunction with the flooding.
Many fish, including piranhas, swim among the flooded tree trunks
devouring the fruit or chewing at their skins. Obviously, the piranhas’
reputation as super-carnivores is an exaggeration! There are 25
different species of piranha in the Amazon basin, including black,
white and red bellied.
Dry Season – In search of shore-birds: On board the skiffs
we will search for shore-birds. When the river is very low, broad
white
sandy beaches emerge and river islands form, creating a special
ecosystem that harbors sandpipers, terns that hover and dive to
catch fish, black skimmers with their peculiar low flight over the
water´s surface, egrets, jabirus, wood storks, and kingfishers.
11:30 am. Back to the Boat. We will start navigating back down
the Puinahua River towards Iquitos.
12:30 pm. Lunch. By now, you’ll know the routine; our kitchen
staff welcomes you again, surprising you with a very sophisticated
meal and a well balanced menu. There’s also time for dessert.
Coffee will be served at the bar on the Observation deck.
03:30 pm. Visit the Yanallpa Community. This afternoon you will
have the opportunity to visit this riverside community, this will
be your first interaction with local villagers and to meet their
unique way of life. This is time to bring along any presents you
have and will like to give out to the people and children’s,
(papers, books, pencils, colors, T-shirts) they will really appreciate
them and will be very pleased. You will learn about all fruit trees
and how they harvest them.
05:30 pm. Back to the vessel. We will continue down the Puinahua
River towards the Ucayali River.
06:30 pm. Briefing and Slide Show. At this time our guides will
review all that we have seen and learned, with the help of videos
and a slide show on our flat-screen TV. This will give you the chance
to see up close the birds, monkeys, reptiles, etc. This is the time
to clear up any doubts. We will sail
all night long as the Delfin continues its smooth journey downstream.
Our barman is ready to offer you a wide choice of drinks. Coffee
and tea are always available.
08:00 pm. Farewell Dinner. Leaving behind the wildlife, you will
continue enjoying our service, as a world class traveler deserves.
Tonight our chef and kitchen staff will treat you to a grilled dinner,
including fresh salads, grilled vegetables, magical sauces, and
wonderful combinations of different types of meat. Our talented
staff will delight you with some live music before you retire. (B,
L, D)
DAY 5 AMAZON RIVER – YARAPA RIVER – PUERTO
MIGUEL COMMUNITY
07:30 am: Breakfast – Buffet. This will be your last breakfast
with us, so dare to try all the things you resisted: natural,
fresh fruit juices, fresh fruit, cereals, fresh ground coffee.
08:00 am. Yarapa River Exploration and Puerto Miguel Village Visit
On board our skiffs we will stop at the village of Puerto Miguel
to meet local villagers. You will have the chance to learn about
their culture, traditions and folklore. You may also visit one of
the villager’s homes, to see how they live and the simplicity
of their lifestyle and purchase some of the handcrafts they make.
10:30 am. Back to the vessel. We will continue sailing down the
Amazon River. This is also the time to gather all of your things
pack and pack your bags.
12:30 pm. Lunch. As usual, you’ll enjoy the diversity of
our culinary choices. Our kitchen staff will be there for any special
requests.
13:30 pm. Disembark at Nauta. We will disembark at our port in
Nauta, where a bus will be waiting to take you back to Iquitos.
04:30 pm. Arrive at Iquitos Airport. Our personnel will help you
check in, and say goodbye.
05:30 pm. Flight departs for Lima
PLEASE NOTE: Due to the ever-changing nature of
the rainforest, day-by-day activities may vary due to local conditions
GENERAL INFORMATION
• The weather in Iquitos is warm and humid with average annual
maximum temperature of 33°C (95°F) and minimum of 21°C
(70°C)
• The dry season is from May to November. The wet season is
from December to April
• The seasons feature differences in the plant and animal
life as well as in the climate.
• All activities are subject to change due to weather conditions
and time of year.
• River and tributary levels may vary and thus navigation
times and excursions may need to be modified at the captain´s
discretion.
• Bring comfortable soft-soled shoes, light-weight trousers
and long-sleeved tops, hat, sunglasses, lightweight raingear, sunscreen,
mosquito repellant, BINOCULARS, camera and spare batteries.
• We recommend taking Vitamin B or B-12 15 days before your
arrival to the jungle; these have been proven as the most effective
natural repellent of all, even though please don´t forget
to bring one along with you.
• Do not forget to include some items that you can give away
to the locals. (T-shirts, pens and paper are especially prized).
• Do not forget to change soles in small bills Lima Airport.
We are sure you´ll enjoy very much shopping in the Puerto
Miguel´s arts and craft market and in this way you will help
them with the family economy.
• Tipping is expected by the crew and the guides, envelopes
will be provided in your cabin (suggested amount is USD$120 per
passenger)
LUGGAGE:
Each passenger is allowed 20 kg. each (44 lbs.) by the airlines
policies, plus carry-on luggage, photo, video camera and
binoculars. We, at our VIP Lounge in the Port of Nauta have storage
for oversized luggage or things you will not want to
carry during your stay on board. We strongly suggest light luggage
or soft bags that can be properly store under the
beds for making your stay more comfortable while you are cruising.
Rates Include Delfin II:
All meals while on board. All excursions. Transfer to/from vessel
when arriving on recommended flights to Iquitos (17:00 hrs)
Entrance Fee to Pacaya Samiria National Reserve.
Rates Do Not Include Delfin II: Air Tickets to and from Iquitos.
Cost of Medical Emergencies (including evacuation)
Delfin II: Bar and Boutique purchases. Gratuities
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