Wild Peru Escape: Amazon and Machu Picchu Cruise

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.

Arriving in Cusco, drive through the Sacred Valley to Chinchero, a typical Andean village where National Geographic Grantee Nilda Callañaupa joins us for lunch and a demonstration of Inca weaving traditions. Continue to Ollantaytambo and board our late afternoon scenic train to Machu Picchu and check in at our hotel. We stay for two nights at Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel, with Andean-style casitas set inside a private mountainside reserve with 300 species of orchids. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Take the full day to explore Machu Picchu, the Inca royal retreat introduced to the world by Hiram Bingham in the April 1913 National Geographic magazine. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Return to Ollantaytambo by train and continue to Cusco, where we explore the ornate 17th-century cathedral and Plaza de Armas, the sacred Inca Temple of the Sun, and other treasures of this burgeoning cultural capital and center of the Inca universe, where colonial buildings stand atop Inca foundations. Check in at Palacio del Inka in the historic center. Dinner is on your own tonight to explore nearby restaurants or rest and relax at the hotel. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast, fly via Lima to Iquitos in the Peruvian Amazon basin, 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. 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, where we visit Museo Larco and celebrate with a farewell dinner before late-night 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.

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.

Vessel Type: River Vessel

Length: 169 feet / 51.5 meters

Passenger Capacity: 42

Built / Reimaged: 2015 / 2017

The Delfin III offers 22 suites with the highest levels of comfort for up to 44 passengers, making it the largest cruise. On the first deck, there are 9 Suites complete with floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows as well as 2 spacious Corner Suites facing the front of the ship. The second deck is comprised of 10 Upper Suites and the largest of all, the Owner’s Suite. The top deck features beautiful indoor and outdoor lounge areas, a sundeck with plunge pool, a spa and gym, and of course the bar.

CANOPY LOUNGE

In the heat of the Amazonian afternoons, the air-conditioned Canopy Lounge keeps you connected to the rainforest with floor-to-ceiling, panoramic windows and locally inspired decor. Here, cultural performances, lively discussions with expert naturalists, Peruvian cooking classes, and nightly entertainment around the bar enrich and delight as the ship’s staff cater to your every whim.

DELFIN III SUITES

When not enjoying the comforts of the social areas, if you are on board, chances are you'll be relaxing in your equally comfortable suite or stateroom. Both spacious and well-appointed, her on board accommodations all offer individual climate control, daily housekeeping with turndown service, the finest bed linens and duvets as well as a pillow menu, luxuriously soft robes and slippers, all natural therapeutic bath amenities, copious amounts of storage space, telescopes for star-gazing, and much more.

ANDES DINING ROOM

In the Andes Dining Room, the ship’s expert culinary team will present you with dazzling creations prepared from local ingredients, each dish infused with flavors and inspiration from the rainforest around you. As you take in the passing scenery, you’ll delight in menus featuring roasted meats, lightly grilled fish, fresh vegetables, sun-ripened tropical fruits, and decadent desserts.

BOUTIQUE

This vessel features artwork by Peru’s leading contemporary artists as well as authentic and locally driven craftwork - from the wood carved furniture to the hand woven palm leaf ceilings. If any artwork strikes your fancy, you may purchase it and we will have it shipped to the comforts of your home.

RAINFOREST SPA

Since ancient times, the Amazon rainforest has been the ultimate source of mystique-filled cures and exotic elixirs. In the serene Rainforest Spa, this tradition continues with indulgent remedies. Yucamani stone massages, soothing avocado wraps, invigorating coffee-cacao scrubs that promote wellness and rejuvenation for the mind and body. For those that prefer to relax with a good work out, never fear, there is also an on board gym.

SUN DECK

The open-air Sun Deck is the hub of activity on the Delfin III. Here you can practice yoga or savor a rich Peruvian coffee as you watch the sunrise. Curl up with a book on a cushioned chaise or go for a dip in the sparkling plunge pool. And in the evening, gather in the shaded lounge to sip Pisco Sours as you revel in the sounds of the jungle coming to life.

GYM

To compliment your daily excursions in the rainforest, we welcome you to enrich your body while on board by making use of our exercise space. Whether you enjoy aerobic exercises or cardio, our Gym resources are available at your disposal. Better yet, the floor to ceiling window allows so you never miss a second of the vibrant jungle scenery outside.

SHORE EXCURSIONS

For all short transport (such as from the vessel to land for hiking) and wildlife seeking excursions, you will travel via skiff boats. Our skiffs are quick to launch, stable to ride, and ready to navigate into the most hidden corners of the Amazon. Each skiff seats 15 passengers and come with their own expert naturalist guide, captain, and features all safety regulations.