Upper Amazon: A River Expedition (6 Days)
Embark on an unforgettable journey aboard the 42-guest riverboat Delfin III. Navigate winding jungle waterways by skiff or kayak, seeking out an array of diverse wildlife. Glide past giant lily pads, gaze up at majestic ceiba trees, and soak in breathtaking sunsets reflected on the tranquil lakes hidden within the vast Amazon. Connect with local ribereños communities, whose lives and culture we help sustain through our visit.
Enhance your journey by combining this Amazon expedition with an exploration of Machu Picchu, Cusco, and the Sacred Valley—three UNESCO World Heritage Sites—either before or after your voyage.
Highlights
• Explore the seasonally flooded forest of Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve at the confluence of the Amazon River with a team of experienced naturalists
• Meet the welcoming ribereños, natives of the reserve, and learn about their ways of life along the river
• Watch for elusive Amazon wildlife like pink river dolphins, monk saki monkeys, and piranhas, while getting photo tips from a National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions Certified Photo Instructor
• Explore even more: combine your Amazon expedition with a voyage to Machu Picchu on Wild Peru Escape: Amazon and Machu Picchu
Arrive in Lima, Peru’s thriving capital, and transfer to the convenient Wyndham Costa del Sol, connected to the airport. Most international flights arrive in the late evening. Opt to arrive early for a Lima pre-voyage extension staying at the iconic Country Club Lima Hotel. The extension adds just a day to the expedition and gives you a chance to rest, relax, and see this UNESCO World Heritage designated city.
Arrival Time: Anytime.
Arrival City: Lima, Peru
After breakfast, fly to Iquitos in the Peruvian Amazon basin, and continue overland to the riverside village of Nauta, where the Delfin IIl awaits. Settle into your cabin and gather for a welcome dinner of fine Peruvian cuisine on board. Tonight, step out on deck to gaze at the magnificent Amazon night sky.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Explore the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve, a pristine swath of jungle stretching more than five million acres and harboring some of the Amazon’s most fascinating flora and fauna. The reserve is bordered by the Marañón and the Ucayali, two powerful rivers that converge to create the famed Amazon, which floods annually with nutrient-rich waters and is known locally as the Mirrored Forest for the reflections created by its seasonal glassy water.
Set out into this remarkable wilderness on daily excursions by skiff, kayak, and, when the water level permits, hikes on dry land. Look for sloths and monkeys, including variably colored saddleback tamarins, noisy howlers, and shaggy-tailed monk saki monkeys. Watch for an astounding variety of birds, from tanagers and hummingbirds to parrots and endangered scarlet macaws. In the river, look for massive paiche fish, the Amazon’s largest; rare pink dolphins; and the infamous piranhas.
One of the unexpected joys of traveling in the Upper Amazon of Peru is the interaction we have with the local ribereños, the traditional people who live on the riverbanks. Visit the local non-profit Minga Peru, including a program of handicraft development, radio broadcasts, women’s health initiatives, and efforts in sustainable farming.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Disembark in Nauta, stopping at the Amazon Rescue Center on the drive to Iquitos. Fly to Lima and connect for flights home. Ask your expedition specialist about options to extend your stay, including an overnight at the Wyndham Costa del Sol Lima Airport hotel.
Departure Time: After 7:00 PM local time
Departure City: Lima
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Itineraries are subject to change.
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Vessel Type: River Vessel
Length: 169 feet / 51.5 meters
Passenger Capacity: 42
Built / Reimaged: 2015 / 2017
Delfin III offers an exceptional way to experience Peru’s Upper Amazon, sailing the Ucayali and Marañón rivers year-round with elegance and comfort. Purpose-built to blend luxury with authenticity, this 42-guest, all-suite ship showcases the best of Amazonian-Peruvian culture. It features sustainably crafted furnishings, hand-made textiles, and original art sourced from local communities, which are actively supported through guest contributions. With 30 attentive crew—most hailing from the region—and induction into the prestigious Relais & Châteaux group, Delfin III promises a journey that is both immersive and indulgent.
Spread across three decks, the ship features 21 beautifully appointed suites in four categories, including the stunning 597-square-foot Andes Suite with wraparound windows at the bow. Guests can unwind in the panoramic dining room, the open-air sun deck with whirlpool, or the air-conditioned lounge and presentation room. A wellness spa, small gym, and the welcoming open bridge complete the experience. Whether relaxing in the comfort of your suite or taking in the view from a shaded deck chair, life aboard Delfin III is serene, stylish, and deeply connected to the surrounding rainforest.
Inclusions
• All accommodations, meals, and non-alcoholic beverages aboard ships
• Use of snorkeling equipment, wet suits, and kayaks (where available)
• Services of our expert expedition team and guest speakers
• Services of a ship physician on most voyages
• Certain hotels and meals ashore as indicated in the itinerary
• Round-trip transfers based on group flights
• Shore excursions, sightseeing, entrance fees, and special access permits
• Taxes, service charges, and tips (except for ship’s crew, at our guests’ discretion)
Exclusions
• Air transportation (except when we indicated in the itinerary, as included) Extensions
• Passport, visa, and immigration fees
• Travel Protection Plan
• Special and unique excursions such as scuba diving, flightseeing, etc. (where offered)
• Alcoholic beverages (alcohol is included on select ships)
• Items of personal nature
• Phone and Internet Service
• Laundry
• Gratuity for ship’s crew, at our guests’ discretion (crew tips are included on select ships)
River Boat
Our Associates Include
