Ship Offering This Itinerary

DELFIN I

The Delfin I is built of fine tropical woods and has a chic décor highlighted by native and contemporary artworks. It is the culmination of its owners’ dream to combine luxury and tradition on the Amazon.
The deluxe Delfin I defines pampering, carrying only 8 guests in 4 stylish king-size suites with private decks, two of which boast their own jacuzzis. The renowned local chef prepares Peruvian Creole cuisine and regional specialties. And when not out on river and shore excursions, the boat’s upper observation decks with their cushioned sofas and reclining chairs are perfect for day-time viewing and night-time star-gazing.
In the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve you will experience not only stunning scenery but an incredible diversity of wildlife. Under the expert guidance of the vessel’s naturalists you will join an extensive range of activities including canopy and trail walks, bird watching, nature cruises by skiff, piranha fishing, swimming with dolphins, and visits to indigenous communities.

Day 1 Iquitos to Nauta Port, Embarkation Amazon

Overview:

You will be met by a South America Travel Centre representative on arrival at Iquitos Airport, Peru for scenic drive through the Peruvian countryside to the small city of Nauta, the oldest town in the state of Loreto.  This village, founded in the 1930s, is very important to the local river communities as it is the port where they come to sell their produce.  Upon arrival, you will be assisted by the crew to check in and settle into your cabin which is waiting to take you on your amazing Amazon journey.

As the vessel departs you can relax with a drink and watch the sun setting over the river, before enjoying a first night welcome dinner of Peruvian regional dishes, followed by a selection of exotic Amazonian fruits.  Whilst enjoying some live music on the upper deck, you might like to enjoy a nightcap before retiring to your cabin.

Day 2 Amazon River – Fundo Casual and Yanayacu-Pucate River, Pacaya-Samira Reserve

On your first morning be up early to appreciate the abundant wildlife in the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve. After breakfast set out on the walk along the Fundo Casual jungle trail which will take you deep into the rainforest on terra firme (non-flooded forest) and your guide will point out the dynamic creatures and vegetation of the Amazon.

In the afternoon explore one of the best preserved and protected zones of the National Reserve via the ‘black water’ rivers.  Aboard the aluminium skiffs you will start cruising through the Yanayacu and Pucate Rivers, with the opportunity to get deep into the rainforest up different creeks and lagoons and observing the diversity of flora and fauna.  Along with myriad bird species, colourful butterflies and diverse insects, you may see two different species of freshwater dolphins found in the Amazon – including the unusual pink dolphin. The people of the Amazon believe that these dolphins turn into humans to steal handsome men or pretty women from their villages during celebrations. If you want to truly experience the waters of the Amazon, you can go out on one of the paddle boards or go for a swim in the river along with the dolphins.

Day 3 Amazon River – Amazon Park, Nauta Caño Creek, Pacaya-Samiria Reserve

Begin your morning with an adventurous to visit a private nature and fishing reserve.  To reach it, you will walk through primary forest and then board a canoe to slowly paddle through tranquil Tawampa Lake, a black-water lagoon with giant arapaima fishes (known locally as paiche).  Early in the morning, the symphony of sounds is enchanting.  Your destination this morning is a network of suspension bridges high up in the treetops where you can explore the canopy at your leisure.

In the afternoon, you will visit Nauta Caño Creek.  Nauta Caño is known as the ‘Mirrored Forest’ due to its glistening black water lagoons.  Cruising is the best way to experience the diversity of the wildlife that populates these rivers allowing you to sail quietly near shore, exploring marshes, streams and oxbows.  On board the excursion skiffs, head to a beautiful lake where you can fish for piranhas.  During the rainier season, the river floods and the low forest has more than a metre of water at the base of the trees.  Flowering and fruiting times coincide with this high water and fish, including the piranhas, swim in to devour the fruit or chew at their outer coverings.

As night approaches, your guide will take you on a night safari in search of caiman alligators and night birds.

Day 4 San Francisco Village, Manatee Rescue Centre

Enjoy a final breakfast aboard, before climbing into the skiffs to visit the native village of San Francisco where you will meet the local villagers who have called Amazonia their home for generations.  As you stroll around the local community, you will have the chance to learn a little about their culture, traditions and folklore and to see how they live and appreciate the simplicity of their lifestyle.

Once back on board continue downstream and head towards Nauta.  This remote city, accessible only by river or air, is a bustling place that was once a rich centre of the rubber industry.  It still boasts some stylish mansions dating from the days of its ‘rubber boom’, among them the Casa de Fierro (Iron House) that was designed by Gustave Eiffel for the Paris Exhibition of 1889 and later sent out unassembled to be rebuilt on its present site.

On the way to Iquitos Airport, there will be time to visit the Manatee Rescue Centre where biologists and volunteers care for endangered Amazon manatees.  Here you will have the chance to meet baby manatees and also see how the manatees are cared for and are prepared for re-introduction into their natural habitat.

You will then be taken to the airport where you will be assisted with check-in. Bid farewell to your guide and the crew before your onward flight.