Upper Amazon Aboard the Delfin II
Discover the enchantment of the world’s most biodiverse rainforest Venture to the headwaters of the mighty Amazon in the heart of Peru’s rainforest aboard the elegant riverboat Delfin II. Slip through an intricate network of jungle waterways in a skiff or a kayak spotting diverse birds as well as caimans, tamarins, and sloths. Skim past massive lily pads, peer up at towering ceiba trees, and witness glorious sunsets on the still waters of the Amazon River basin. Interact with the local ribereños, people who continue to live close to their traditions in remote jungle villages.
Highlights
• Explore the seasonally flooded forest of Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve at the headwaters of the Amazon with a team of experienced naturalists
• See elusive, iconic Amazon wildlife like pink river dolphins, monk saki monkeys, piranhas, and scarlet macaws
• Meet the welcoming ribereños, natives of the reserve, and learn about their ways of life along the river
• Get photo tips in the field from a Lindblad-National Geographic certified photo instructor
• Explore even more—seamlessly combine your Amazon expedition with an exploration of Galápagos or Machu Picchu & Peru’s Land of the Inca
Arrive in Lima in the late evening and transfer to our conveniently located hotel, Wyndham Costa del Sol Lima Airport Hotel.
After breakfast, fly to Iquitos and continue overland to the riverside village of Nauta, where the Delfin II 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. (B,L,D)
Spend this week exploring 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 Maranon 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 glassy water. Set out into this remarkable wilderness on daily excursions by skiff, kayak, and, when the water level permits, hikes on dry land. Skim past giant lily pads afloat on black-water lakes, and venture deep into the rainforest on narrow tributaries. Spot sloths and monkeys, including variably colored saddleback tamarins, noisy howlers, and shaggytailed 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. Enjoy an opportunity to swim in a lake in the reserve’s interior. Seek out victoria amazonica, a giant water lily that grows in small lagoons. Go on a bird-watching hike, listening for the vocal oropendola and then looking for its telltale yellow tail. Watch the sun set and listen to a cacophonous symphony of nocturnal animals calling out across the treetops. Then slip through the forest in a skiff as night falls, using a spotlight to find caimans, frogs, fishing bats, and other creatures of the night. 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 one of the local communities and see the projects that we support through a local nonprofit, including a variety of handicrafts, women’s health initiatives, and sustainable farming. (B,L,D DAILY)
Disembark in Nauta, stopping at the Amazon Rescue Center on the drive to Iquitos. Fly to Lima, where we visit Museo Larco and celebrate with a farewell dinner. Overnight at the Wyndham Costa del Sol Lima Airport Hotel. (B,L,D)
After breakfast, transfer to the airport in Lima for your flight home. (B)
Itineraries are subject to change.
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Vessel Type: Luxury River Boat
Length: 36 metres
Passenger Capacity: 28 (in 14 suites)
Built: 2009
A perfect ship for touring along the Amazon river.
Public Areas: Outdoor areas include the well-designed, comfortable Top Deck, where sofas and chairs invite you to linger with a good book or a pair of binoculars. Enjoy drinks at the bar and unwind on cool, wooden-slat hammocks. The Top Deck is where the natural history staff will give their presentations with maps, large flat-screen plasma and digital technology. There is a small reference Library and the Bridge, where you are welcome to meet the captain and officers.
Meals: The air-conditioned dining room’s large windows provide panoramic views. A different visual presentation greets you at every meal, which are served in a single seating with unassigned tables. Meals on Delfin II are to be savored. Often special dishes will include sustainable products of the rain forest and sauces made with exotic regional fruits. The chef prepares dishes equal to any five-star restaurant.
Suites: Elegant, air-conditioned guest suites on the Main and Upper Decks all offer exceptional vistas. Each spacious suite has a minimalist décor with a luxurious overtone. Enjoy complimentary organic sun block, insect repellent, body lotion, shampoo and conditioner.
Expedition Equipment: 10-person skiffs — with individual seat cushions and plenty of leg room. Rain ponchos are kept handy in the skiffs and distributed if needed. Rubber boots are provided before an excursion if deemed necessary.
Special Features: Guests may swim directly from the skiffs using the convenient swim ladder, weather permitting.
Special Offers
CELEBRATE LIFE'S MILESTONES
Celebrate a milestone with a group of eight or more and enjoy a special amenity package including: 5% savings on voyage fares, custom group photo, US$150 shipboard credit for the group, and other special gifts. Milestone celebration to be communicated at time of booking.
10% OFF BACK-TO-BACK VOYAGES
Save 10% on consecutive departures, applicable on voyage fares only and not valid on extensions or airfare. Valid for new bookings only, subject to availability, and may not be combined with other offers. Call for details.
SAVE 5% TRAVELING AS A GROUP
Save 5% when traveling as a group of eight or more people. Valid on voyage fares only and not applicable on extensions or airfare. Deposit, final payments, and cancellation policies for group travel vary from our regular policies. Valid for new bookings only, subject to availability, and may not be combined with other offers. Call for details.
COMBINING OFFERS
Combine now and save!
Certain offers may be combinable, up to two savings opportunities, except where noted otherwise. For example, travel with a group of 8 or more on back-to-back expeditions, and take advantage of both savings.
BRINGING THE KIDS
We believe sharing an expedition with your kids or grandkids is a life-enhancing experience. So take $715 off for each child under the age of 18.
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
