Peruvian Amazon Cruise Experience

Upon arrival at Iquitos Airport, our team will be ready to welcome you and transfer you together in a comfortable private vehicle. We will provide a packed lunch as we begin the journey to Nauta, a small riverside town situated on the banks of the Marañón River. Upon reaching Nauta, you will receive a VIP greeting at our private port on the riverbank, where the vessel awaits your boarding. Once aboard Delfin, our attentive staff will introduce you to your elegant and cosy suite, fully equipped with all necessary amenities. As the vessel sets off, you can relax in the stylish observation area on the third deck, enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding rainforest. Your naturalist guide will offer an overview of the itinerary, highlighting key activities, wildlife, vegetation, and providing geographical and historical context. We will then navigate down the Marañón River to Pahuachiro, a tranquil spot ideal for birdwatching and observing playful monkeys. As the sun sets, the landscape is bathed in warm colours, offering excellent photo opportunities and your first Amazon rainforest sunset. During the high water season, the night brings a different experience as the rainforest’s nocturnal creatures emerge. You will have the chance to search for caimans, bats, and other fascinating wildlife after dark. Overnight accommodation is on board the vessel.

On your first full day, we rise early to explore Caño, one of the most vital areas within the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve. The morning is the best time to witness the rainforest’s abundant wildlife—birds are especially active, offering a chance to observe their unique behaviours and songs. We board skiffs to navigate through large trees and ancient palms, habitats favoured by numerous parrot species. Here, we’ll seek out hoatzins nesting just above the water and may spot a three-toed sloth resting nearby.Later, we visit the Amazon Natural Park to meet Carola, a respected spiritual healer known locally as a ‘white’ shaman. Her role as a guide and healer is deeply valued among the jungle communities she serves.In the afternoon, we cruise along the Yanayacu and Pucate Rivers, exploring creeks and lagoons within one of the best-preserved sections of the reserve. Your guide will highlight the rich biodiversity of the area. If you wish, you can paddle on a kayak or stand-up paddleboard, with the chance to see the famous pink dolphins in their natural habitat.After dinner, depending on the season, we offer either a night safari along Nauta Caño or a guided walk through the rainforest to discover its nocturnal creatures. We spend the night aboard the vessel.

In the morning, we explore Nauta Caño Creek, a rich habitat known for squirrel and silver-backed tamarillo monkeys, a variety of birds, dolphins, and sloths. We’ll scan the riverbanks for small caimans, spiders, and a colourful array of insects. During the low water season, we take advantage of the calm waters to fish for piranhas and learn about this fascinating species. You’ll visit a local riverside community where friendly residents will welcome you warmly. Around the village, you can observe traditional cassava peeling and grating, and see the tools used for processing locally grown rice. This glimpse into the daily life of a ribereño offers a meaningful perspective on a simple yet fulfilling way of life.In the afternoon, we walk the Fundo Casual jungle trail through terra firme forest, where your guide will highlight the diverse wildlife and plant life of the Amazon. Keep a keen eye out—recent sightings here include anacondas, rainbow boas, tarantulas, poison frogs, porcupines, and the elusive two-toed sloth. During the high water season, we visit the confluence known as the ‘Union of the Rivers,’ where the Ucayali and Marañón rivers meet to form what many consider the main source of the Amazon River. Here, we’ll raise a toast while admiring the striking colours of the three rivers merging and enjoy a memorable sunset. We also visit a local community by skiff, passing a typical school where children will greet you enthusiastically, and stopping at a handicraft market showcasing exquisite handmade art by local women. We spend the night aboard the vessel.

We begin the day with disembarkation from the vessel in the morning. Our team will bid you farewell before transferring you by private vehicle from the port of Nauta back to Iquitos—a journey of approximately 95 kilometres along a paved road. Before heading to the airport, we will take part in an interactive session to learn about melipona stingless bees and their vital role in the Amazon ecosystem. Next, we visit the Amazon Research Center for Ornamental Fishes in Iquitos, where you can observe a fascinating variety of native species, including the giant arapaima, freshwater stingrays, and other uniquely shaped and coloured fish. This visit offers a final insight into the region’s remarkable aquatic biodiversity. Finally, our staff will assist you with your luggage and check-in at Crnl. FAP Francisco Secada Vignetta International Airport for your flight back to Lima. At the security gate, your guide and the crew will say their goodbyes, hoping you have enjoyed your Amazon adventure.