Delfin Amazon Cruises
Iquitos – Pacaya Samiria National Reserve – Iquitos
4 days / 3 nights Program

Day 1 (Friday) Arrive in Iquitos (dinner)

05:00 pm. Arrive 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 will 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.

08:00 pm. Happy hour
Just before dusk, as the DELFIN starts its journey into the rainforest, our barman and staff will provide you with a wide variety of drinks and cocktails including Peru’s finest and most famous cocktail, the pisco sour, made of Pisco, a Peruvian grape brandy. Fine regional cigars will also be available.

08:30 pm. Dinner
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, while you enjoy an after dinner drink and a fine Amazonian cigar.

Day 2 (Saturday) Yanallpa – Dorado River (breakfast – lunch – dinner)

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.

07:00 am. Yanallpa exploration, Belluda Stream or Jungle walks 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 the 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 as it sits solitary in secondary forest and plantations.

Dry Season (Jun – Nov) Hiking at the community of Yanallpa
During the dry season, you can visit the community of Yanallpa 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 lbs). The paiche is considered a delicacy, and you can often hear them when they rise to the surface. We’ll also look for 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 continue exploring the surrounding wildlife. There’s a good chance of spotting 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, 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.

07:00 pm. Back to the boat
We will continue sailing towards our next destination

07:30 pm. Happy Hour
Our bar is open and our barman is waiting to serve you new combinations of regional fruits and drinks, while you relax aboard the Delfin as we continue our journey up the Ucayali River towards the Puinahua River.

08:00 pm. Dinner
The service continues. Wine pairings will includes some of the best South American vintages.
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, fine cigars and after dinner drinks will be available 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.

Day 3 (Sunday) Pacaya River – Atun Poza Lagoon (breakfast – lunch – dinner)

05:30 am. Wake up call
This morning we will start very early and breakfast on board the skiffs, in order to see as much wildlife as possible in one of the earth´s greatest wilderness.

06:00 am. Rio Pacaya – breakfast on board
We have reached our main goal, the Pacaya River, 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 have ever visited. An early rise is very rewarding: you’ll see parrots, macaws, toucans, kingfishers, black collared hawks, southern swallows, white winged swallows, and manikins. Aside from the large variety of birds, you’ll also see troops of squirrel monkeys. Aboard our comfortable skiffs, we will go in search of 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. As the sun starts to heat up, we will continue along the shores of the Pacaya river, spotting huge ceiba or kapok trees, mahogany trees, strangler figs, epiphytes such as bromeliads and orchids, palm trees and woody vines. Breakfast—cold, fresh fruit juice, fresh fruit and light sandwiches with coffee and/or tea—will be served as we float amidst a favored dolphin feeding spot. After breakfast, you can jump in the water for a very refreshing morning swim, a once in a lifetime experience in the beautiful setting of dark, clean and warm water, deep blue skies, and a light breeze, just a perfect moment to enjoy the wild and unique Amazon rainforest at its best.

11:30 am. Back to the Boat
We will start navigating back down the Puinahua River towards Nauta.

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.

04:00 pm. Atun Poza expedition
Rainy Season (Dec – May) Atun Poza by skiff: On our adventure this afternoon 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, where 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: This afternoon 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 by a small stream inside this forest, but 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.

06:30 pm. Back to the vessel

07:00 pm. Briefing and review
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 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.

Day 4 (Monday) Yarapa River – Puerto Miguel Village – Nauta (Breakfast – lunch)

07:00 am. Breakfast – Buffet
The smell of fresh ground toasted coffee will be the wakeup call this morning and as usual you will continue enjoying all the different types of local fresh fruit for a good start to the morning.

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. After visiting the village, we will explore the Yarapa river, where there’s a good chance that you’ll see squirrel and capuchin monkeys, herons, egrets and green iguanas. We will reach a beautiful lagoon called Uvos, named after a fruit that grows wild along its shores. Pink river dolphins ply its waters in search of fish. The forest also boasts abundant flora including a variety of bromeliads and orchids. Monkeys love these surroundings.

11:00 am. Back to the vessel
We will continue sailing downstream to the confluence of the Ucayali and the Marañon, birthplace of the Amazon river. Dolphins delight in this special setting. This is also the time to gather all of your things, pack your bags and check out.

12:30 pm. Lunch
This will be your last lunch with us, so our chef will treat you to a real feast of flavors and colors, having designed a sophisticated menu featuring the best of Amazonian haute cuisine.

13:30 pm. disembark at the port of Nauta
We will disembark at our port in Nauta, where a bus will be waiting to take you back to Iquitos.

03:30 pm. Arrive at Iquitos Airport
Our personnel will help you check in, and say goodbye.

05:30 pm. Flight departs for Lima
All activities are subject to change due to weather conditions and time of year. River and tributaries level may vary and thus navigation times and excursions may need to be modified at the captain´s discretion.

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, sun glasses, lightweight rain gear, sunscreen, mosquito repellant, BINOCULARS, camera and spare batteries.
- Don´t forget to include some items that you can give away to the locals. (T-shirts, pens and paper are especially prized)
- Tipping is expected by the crew and the guides, envelopes will be provided in your cabin (suggested amount is USD 100 per passenger)

PRICE PER PERSON

4 days/ 3nights Program per person in Double Occupancy

Children Policy: 7 years old minimum on all departures. Child aged 11 or under will receive a 20% discount.

Rates Include: All meals while onboard - All excursions - Transfers to/from vessel when arriving on recommended flights – Entrance Fee to Pacaya Samiria National Reserve and Yanallpa Private Natural Reserve

Rates Do Not Include: Air Tickets to and from Iquitos - Bar and Boutique Purchases - Cost of Medical Emergencies
including Evacuation - Tipping (Amount suggested per guest): USD 110

2010 Departures Dates:

January:      01, 08, 15, 22, 29

February:    05, 12, 19, 26

March:        05, 12, 19, 26

April:          02, 09, 16, 23, 30

May:           07, 14, 21, 28

June:          04, 11, 18, 25

July:           02, 09, 16, 23, 30
August:       06, 13, 20, 27
September: 03, 10, 17, 24
October:      01, 08, 15, 22, 29
November:   05, 12, 19, 26
December:   03, 10, 17, 31