| Superior
Tourist Delfin I River Cruise:Pacaya
Samira National Reserve
|
| Duration |
4
Days / 3 Nights |
| Starting
Point |
Iquitos
Amazon on Friday |
| Ending
Point |
Iquitos
on Monday |
|
Tour Type |
Adventure
- Nature - Cruise |
|
Price from |
$
1490 € 1110 |
All
our programmes can be tailor made according to your requirements,
whether regarding the length of your tour, any special interests
or specific activities, flight reservations, optional destinations
or tours.
Tour
Description
|
Day
1: Friday Arrive Iquitos - dinner |
05:00
pm. Arrive in 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 in 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 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
morning of adventure and 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 of 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 to navigate 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 include 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.
Note:
All itineraries are subject to change, due to weather and other
conditions. All times indicated are approximate, and are also
subject to change.
See
all our hotels
in Iquitos
prices per person
Single
|
Double
|
$
2235 € 1666
|
$
1490 € 1110 |


The
highest standards for impeccable service,unique style and superb
quisine. The vessel will take you one step beyond Luxury, where
comfort and grace combine effortlessly, with the wilderness of
the Amazone, ina setting of understated elegance and world class
hospitality. As a 6 cabin vessel, intimacy and personal attention
is the key to our service.
*
private bathrooms
* hot showers

| Notes,
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 US$100 per passenger)
|