Amazon Cruise aboard Delfin III

Arrive to the Amazon city of Iquitos: Our crew will be expecting your arrival at the airport, then transfer all together by our comfortable private vehicle over paved road to the city of Nauta, 95 kilometers away. Nauta is literally the "end of the road" where you will embark the Delfin. Along the way, you will see vibrant "terra firma" (non-flooded forest) and various aspects of daily jungle life. Arrive to Nauta port: 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 we reach Nauta, you will enjoy a VIP greeting at our private port along the shores of the Marañon River where the vessel awaits you. Aboard Delfin, you will be served by our qualified staff who will introduce you to your exquisite and cozy suite. Orthopedic beds, pure cotton sheets, pillows of 100% pure natural latex, cotton bathrobes, air conditioning, and private bathroom with Spanish style hot water showers. 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 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

Meals:  L,D

We will look for the famous hoatzins nesting a few feet above water, and perhaps a sloth or two of the three toed kind. The Samiria River can also be home to troops of brown capuchin monkeys mixed up with squirrel monkeys. Our skiffs skim 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 so we won't be the only one enjoying the plethora of fish below. Later we visit the Amazon Natural Park where 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 “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. You will have the opportunity to get to know Carola. She is a spiritual caretaker and healer to literally hundreds of jungle dwellers spread over many roadless miles. Her prestige and position are beyond reproach. 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.

Meals:  B,L,D

Today we 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. Your guide will use his expert eye to pinpoint all the biodiversity of this region. 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! On your visit to this community we will be welcomed by smiling faces and friendly people. Around the community, people who are happy to show you the process of peeling and grating cassava, while another may invite you in for a look at the tools he uses to process the rice (grown locally). Later today the walk at Fundo Casual jungle trail will take you deep into the rainforest on terra firme (non-flooded forest) where your guide will point out the dynamic creatures and vegetation of the Amazon. Be sure to keep an attentive eye open for spotting surprises! It's almost unbelievable how with every step you find something along the way. Almost definitely Anaconda, Rainbow Boas, Tarantulas, Poison Frogs, and most recently porcupines have been spotted. This is 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.

Meals:  B,L,D

Along the Yarapa River, you will get to explore this tributary intimately. Listen closely for the sounds from within the mysterious jungle. We travel down river to this 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. Hawks, terns, herons and monkeys which are part of our everyday excursions are readily close by; in this area we will notice many more inhabitants of the Amazon, the rivereños. People being an important part of this complex bionetwork only reinforce the fact that we are part of their lives and how our 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 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. Better known as the “Unión de los Ríos” this afternoon we will toast and witness the distinguished colors of the 3 rivers. It is known that the Ucayali River, which in turn confluences with the Marañón River upstream of Iquitos, Peru, to form what countries other than Brazil consider to be the main stem of the Amazon River. There are excellent photo opportunities as the sunsets.

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning after breakfast the staff will wish you farewell as you begin your departure. On our 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 welcome you to donate to this ambitious organization and education center as you wish. Staff will be on hand to help you with your luggage and check in at Francisco Secada Vignetta International Airport in Iquitos. The return flight will take you directly to the city of Lima, the capital of Peru. At the security gate, your guide and Delfin crew will say goodbye. NB* The itineraries are subject to change due to weather conditions at certain times of the year. The water levels of the rivers also vary from time to time, as well as the hours of sailing. Excursions may be modified at the discretion of the Delfin Crew.

Meals:  B