Upper Amazon Summary
- Explore with veteran expedition leaders and local guides indigenous to the region
- Get out daily to explore by skiff or walk through the glorious rain forest
- Make personal kayak explorations.
Discover a profusion of wildlife
Three-toed sloths, piranhas, squirrel monkeys, tamarins, and white-throated toucans. The tell-tale snort of a pink river dolphin makes all eyes turn to see it glide through mysterious tannin-rich waters. You may see hundreds of birds roosting and feeding along the riverbanks. The wildlife of Amazon is remarkable in its abundance and staggering diversity. Each day you will set out in search of new creatures in this unique habitat.Every day is active and engaging
We want to bring you the best of the Amazon in the most thoughtful, engaging ways possible. Every day you can join a motorized skiff outing for either a landing to walk in the rain forest (water levels permitting) among towering tropical trees or to cruise into remote tributaries, much like the early explorers. If kayaking appeals to you, Delfin II is equipped with a fleet of easy-to-use kayaks for personal, water-level encounters with this magical habitat. Visit the local people who reside along the river—one of the most enriching parts of the voyage. Or spend time on board to enjoy the open decks and panoramic views from Delfin II.Travel in excellent company
Lindblad staffs your voyage with a seasoned Lindblad expedition leader and a team of local naturalists. Born in towns along the river and educated in Iquitos, all are fluent in English and have deep knowledge of the river environment and interesting stories about life here to share. They are adept at spotting and identifying wildlife—and their enthusiasm for the jungle’s creatures is infectious.Day-to-Day Itinerary
Day 1: U.S. / Lima, Peru
Arrive in Lima in the late evening and transfer to our conveniently located hotel, Wyndham Costa del Sol Lima Airport Hotel.
Day 2: Lima / Iquitos / Nauta / Embark
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)
Day 3-8: Exploring the Pacaya-Samiria Reserve
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. Bordered by the Marañón and the Ucayali, these two powerful rivers 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 rain forest on narrow tributaries. Spot 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.
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 non-profit, including a variety of handcrafts, women’s health initiatives, and sustainable farming. (B,L,D DAILY)
Day 9: Nauta / Disembark / Iquitos / Lima
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)Day 10: Lima / U.S.
After breakfast, transfer to the airport in Lima for your flight home. (B)
Dates & Rates
| Dates | Suites | Master Suites |
|---|---|---|
| Saturday, January 13, 2024 | $8,575 | $10,910 |
| Saturday, January 20, 2024 | $8,778 | $10,690 |
| Saturday, January 27, 2024 | $8,778 | $10,690 |
| Saturday, February 17, 2024 | $8,691 | $10,210 |
| Saturday, February 24, 2024 | $8,422 | $10,210 |
| Saturday, March 23, 2024 | $8,424 | $10,410 |
| Saturday, March 30, 2024 | $8,575 | $10,910 |
| Saturday, April 6, 2024 | $8,422 | $10,210 |
| Saturday, May 4, 2024 | $8,510 | $10,410 |
| Saturday, May 11, 2024 | $8,336 | $10,490 |
| Saturday, May 18, 2024 | $8,653 | $10,910 |
| Saturday, June 29, 2024 | $8,510 | $10,410 |
| Saturday, July 6, 2024 | $8,872 | $10,410 |
| Saturday, July 13, 2024 | $8,424 | $10,210 |
| Saturday, July 20, 2024 | $8,252 | $9,830 |
| Saturday, August 31, 2024 | $8,252 | $9,830 |
| Saturday, September 14, 2024 | $8,424 | $10,210 |
| Saturday, September 21, 2024 | $8,252 | $10,020 |
| Saturday, September 28, 2024 | $8,252 | $9,830 |
| Saturday, November 2, 2024 | $8,565 | $10,220 |
| Saturday, November 9, 2024 | $8,170 | $9,830 |
| Saturday, December 7, 2024 | $8,170 | $9,830 |
| Saturday, December 14, 2024 | $8,170 | $9,830 |
The Ship
Delfin II
Delfin II is a stately riverboat, recently built for the express purpose of exploring deep into the Peruvian Amazon at the headwaters of this mighty river—and doing so in modern tropical style. She comfortably accommodates 28 guests in 10 suites and four master suites. At 120 feet, she is perfectly sized to sail along the upper Amazon River.