All of our itineraries have been carefully crafted to showcase the best flora and fauna that the marañon and Ucayali rivers in the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve have to boast, along with offering ideal soft adventure excursions for travelers to further discover the secrets of the Peruvian amazonia.
Itineraries vary based on whether the travel dates fall in the high water/rainy season or low water/dry season.
All activities are optional, although we encourage all guests to tempt their adventurous side. 2-3 times daily excursions (one in the morning, one in the afternoon) may include but are not limited to kayaking in the calm creeks and lakes, swimming with dolphins, fishing for piranhas at sunset, skirting the riverbanks in search of playful creatures, birdwatching, trail walks, and visits to local communities to interact with the native people. Optional early birdwatching excursions before breakfast are also available for those who are up for the challenge!
ITINERARY HIGH WATER
November – May
DAY 1 – ARRIVE IN THE AMAZON CITY OF IQUITOS – EMBARKATION
Arrive in the Amazon city of Iquitos:
Our crew will be expecting your arrival at the airport, then transfer all together in our comfortable private vehicle. We will start you off with a lunchbox as we begin the journey to Nauta
Arrive in Nauta port:
A small riverside town on the banks of the Marañon River and was the first city founded in the department of Loreto. Once we reach Nauta, you will enjoy a VIP greeting at our private port along the shores of the Marañon River where the vessel awaits you.
Embarkation:
Aboard Delfin, you will be served by our qualified staff who will introduce you to your exquisite and cozysuite, specially equipped with all the amenities for the experienced traveler as yourself. Orthopedic beds, pure cotton sheets, pillows of 100% pure natural latex, cotton bathrobes, air conditioning, and private bathroom with Spanish style hot water showers are all framed with a spacious private terrace we are sure you will enjoy to the fullest.
Happy Hour and orientation:
While the Delfin begins its initial navigation, you will enjoy the most fantastic panoramic views from the elegantly outfitted observation area located on our third deck. Our bartender will be waiting to serve you with an exotic cocktail made with regional fruits and pisco, the beloved national brandy liquor of Peru. Then, your naturalist guide will give you an overview of your journey’s schedule, activities, route, highlights, wildlife and vegetation to keep your eye out for, geographical and historical background, and other useful details.
The third deck features an entertainment center which offers use for film presentations, as well as extensive literature about the area (fauna, flora, etc.) There is also a completely equipped bar so you can test any combination of regional and international liquors and aromas that the bartender will be happy to provide for you to enjoy under the spell of the beautiful Amazonian afternoons and night and the sweet breeze of the rainforest. Moreover, should you have any doubts or questions, our guides are always fully at your service.
Our vessels all have an open bridge policy, so you are welcome to learn about the navigation systems and spend time with the driving captain at any time. Moreover, should you have any doubts or questions, our guides are always fully at your service. After dinner, we invite you to the third deck where you can enjoy stargazing while we cruise into the depths of the Amazon Rainforest.
DAY 2 – BELLUDA CANO CREEK. PM: – DORADO RIVER
Belluda Cano Creek:
Early in the morning, you will head for this spectacular tributary spot within the Pacaya Samiria Reserve in our skiffs where you will also experience an unforgettable encounter with gray and pink river dolphins. As well, the day’s birds will be out and active, flying gracefully across the Amazon skies.
Dorado River:
This afternoon, wildlife will greet you and the biodiversity you will experience will be outstanding. You will have the chance to enjoy some of the myriad bird species, colorful, butterflies and other diverse insects, and noisy monkey troops, and when the night shift strikes, you’ll encounter a whole new world of adventure.
DAY 3 – ZAPOTE RIVER. PM: – PACAYA RIVER
Zapote River:
The morning is a perfect time for kayaking along the calm and inspiring rainforest waters. Our guides will take you upstream; this will be a good chance to spot prehistoric looking iguanas that 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. As you float and paddle down the river, see if you can spot some elusive creatures on your own!
Pacaya River:
This morning, you will have reached our main goal, the Pacaya River at the very heart of the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, Peru’s largest protected area with a mean annual rainfall of nearly 3,000 millimeters, 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 sure to be one of the most beautiful places you’ll ever visit. You will also have the chance to swim in one of the pristine Amazon lagoons in this wonderful region!
DAY 4 – AM: – CLAVERO LAKE. PM: – YARAPA RIVER / PUERTO MIGUEL
Clavero Lake:
We will begin an exploration at Clavero Lake on board of our aluminum skiff, where you will have the chance to get deep into the rainforest and its fantastic diversity of flora and fauna.
Yarapa River / Puerto Miguel:
Next, we will venture along the Yarapa River river, where you can explore the tributary in the kayaks and listen closely for the sounds from within the mysterious jungle. Next, we will venture out on board our skiffs where you will visit the community of Puerto Miguel to meet local villagers who have called Amazonia their home for generations. You may step into a typical schoolhouse where the children will be very happy to have visitors, and then stop by an area to see the women of this community who have a most amazing arts & craft market.
DAY 5 – DISEMBARKATION. – THE RESCUE & REHABILITATION CENTER OF RIVER MAMMALS (ACOBIA). – AIRPORT DEPARTURE
Disembarkation: With heavy hearts, the staff will wish you farewell as you begin your departure. At the port of Nauta, our ground crew will be waiting to take you by our private vehicle back to the city of Iquitos, about 95 kilometers journey by paved road.
The Rescue & Rehabilitation Center of River Mammals (ACOBIA):
On our way from Nauta back to Iquitos airport, you will visit the Rescue & Rehabilitation Center of River Mammals (ACOBIA) where you will have the chance to meet baby manatees and learn about these wonderful and docile creatures and why they are on the endangered species list. You will also have the chance to pet and feed these kind manatees. As well, there are also some other animals cared for by the center that have been rescued from capture with the intention of being turned into pets and other threatening conditions. We welcome you to donate to this ambitious organization and education centeras you wish. Our land personnel will wait for you at the airport and give your boarding passes and help you check in.
Airport departure:
Our staff will be on hand to help you with your luggage and check in at Crnl. FAP Francisco Secada Vignetta International Airport in Iquitos. The return flight will take you directly to the city of Lima, the capital of Peru. At the security gate, your guide and Delfin crew will say goodbye. We truly hope that you enjoyed your stay and Amazon travel experience with us!
ITINERARY LOW WATER
June – October
DAY 1- ARRIVE IN THE AMAZON CITY OF IQUITOS – EMBARKATION
Arrive in the Amazon city of Iquitos:
Our crew will be expecting your arrival at the airport, then transfer all together in our comfortable private vehicle. We will start you off with a lunchbox as we begin the journey to Nauta
Arrive in Nauta port:
A small riverside town on the banks of the Marañon River and was the first city founded in the department of Loreto. Once we reach Nauta, you will enjoy a VIP greeting at our private port along the shores of the Marañon River where the vessel awaits you.
Embarkation:
Aboard Delfin, you will be served by our qualified staff who will introduce you to your exquisite and cozy suite, specially equipped with all the amenities for the experienced traveler as yourself. Orthopedic beds, pure cotton sheets, pillows of 100% pure natural latex, cotton bathrobes, air conditioning, and private bathroom with Spanish style hot water showers are all framed with a spacious private terrace we are sure you will enjoy to the fullest.
Happy Hour and orientation:
While the Delfin begins its initial navigation, you will enjoy the most fantastic panoramic views from the elegantly outfitted observation area located on our third deck. Our bartender will be waiting to serve you with an exotic cocktail made with regional fruits and pisco, the beloved national brandy liquor of Peru. Then, your naturalist guide will give you an overview of your journey’s schedule, activities, route, highlights, wildlife and vegetation to keep your eye out for, geographical and historical background, and other useful details.
The third deck features an entertainment center which offers use for film presentations, as well as extensive literature about the area (fauna, flora, etc.) There is also a completely equipped bar so you can test any combination of regional and international liquors and aromas that the bartender will be happy to provide for you to enjoy under the spell of the beautiful Amazonian afternoons and night and the sweet breeze of the rainforest. Moreover, should you have any doubts or questions, our guides are always fully at your service.
Our vessels all have an open bridge policy, so you are welcome to learn about the navigation systems and spend time with the driving captain at any time. Moreover, should you have any doubts or questions, our guides are always fully at your service. After dinner, we invite you to the third deck where you can enjoy stargazing while we cruise into the depths of the Amazon Rainforest.
DAY 2 – BELLUDA CANO CREEK. PM: – DORADO RIVER
Belluda Cano Creek:
Early in the morning, you will head for this spectacular tributary spot within the Pacaya Samiria Reserve in our skiffs where you will also experience an unforgettable encounter with gray and pink river dolphins. As well, the day’s birds will be out and active, flying gracefully across the Amazon skies.
Dorado River:
This afternoon, wildlife will greet you and the biodiversity you will experience will be outstanding. You will have the chance to enjoy some of the myriad bird species, colorful, butterflies and other diverse insects, and noisy monkey troops, and when the night shift strikes, you’ll encounter a whole new world of adventure.
DAY 3 – ZAPOTE RIVER. PM: – PACAYA RIVER
Zapote River:
The morning is a perfect time for kayaking along the calm and inspiring rainforest waters. Our guides will take you upstream; this will be a good chance to spot prehistoric looking iguanas that 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. As you float and paddle down the river, see if you can spot some elusive creatures on your own!
Pacaya River:
This morning, you will have reached our main goal, the Pacaya River at the very heart of the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, Peru’s largest protected area with a mean annual rainfall of nearly 3,000 millimetres, 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 sure to be one of the most beautiful places you’ll ever visit. You will also have the chance to swim in one of the pristine Amazon lagoons in this wonderful region!
DAY 4 – CLAVERO LAKE. PM: – YARAPA RIVER / PUERTO MIGUEL
Clavero Lake:
We will begin an exploration at Clavero Lake on board of our aluminum skiff, where you will have the chance to get deep into the rainforest and its fantastic diversity of flora and fauna.
Yarapa River / Puerto Miguel:
Next, we will venture along the Yarapa River river, where you can explore the tributary in the kayaks and listen closely for the sounds from within the mysterious jungle. Next, we will venture out on board our skiffs where you will visit the community of Puerto Miguel to meet local villagers who have called Amazonia their home for generations. You may step into a typical schoolhouse where the children will be very happy to have visitors, and then stop by an area to see the women of this community who have a most amazing arts & craft market.
DAY 5 – DISEMBARKATION. – THE RESCUE & REHABILITATION CENTER OF RIVER MAMMALS (ACOBIA). – AIRPORT DEPARTURE
Disembarkation: With heavy hearts, the staff will wish you farewell as you begin your departure. At the port of Nauta, our ground crew will be waiting to take you by our private vehicle back to the city of Iquitos, about 95 kilometres journey by paved road.
The Rescue & Rehabilitation Center of River Mammals (ACOBIA):
On our way from Nauta back to Iquitos airport, you will visit the Rescue & Rehabilitation Center of River Mammals (ACOBIA) where you will have the chance to meet baby manatees and learn about these wonderful and docile creatures and why they are on the endangered species list. You will also have the chance to pet and feed these kind manatees. As well, there are also some other animals cared for by the center that have been rescued from capture with the intention of being turned into pets and other threatening conditions. We welcome you to donate to this ambitious organization and education center as you wish. Our land personnel will wait for you at the airport and give your boarding passes and help you check in.
Airport departure:
Our staff will be on hand to help you with your luggage and check in at Crnl. FAP Francisco Secada Vignetta International Airport in Iquitos. The return flight will take you directly to the city of Lima, the capital of Peru. At the security gate, your guide and Delfin crew will say goodbye. We truly hope that you enjoyed your stay and Amazon travel experience with us!
Itinerary Addendum
All itineraries are subject to change, due to weather and other conditions. All times indicated are approximate, and are also subject to change.
Weather
The weather in Iquitos is warm and humid and the temperature varies between 33 °C (90 °F) and 21 °C (70 °F). The rainy (high water) season is from November to May. The dry (low water) season is from June to October. Each season boastsdramatic difference in plants, animals, and weather.
Clothing
Light and fresh pieces, blouses, long-sleeved shirts, swimwear, shoes with a soft rubber sole for the boat (rubber boots and rain ponchos are provided by us), cardigan or long-sleeved shirts, wind resistant jackets. The days are hot and humid while the night breeze is fresh.
Insects & Mosquitoes
We recommend taking Vitamin B or B-15 a few days before arrival to the jungle. These vitamins are the best natural repellent against insect bites. As well, do not forget to bring conventional repellent and cream for bites. Note: Please note that changes and adjustments in the itinerary may occur due to weather conditions, river conditions, and/or airline issues. We suggest that you coordinate with anticipation with the airline or travel agency through which you have organized your journey with us.
