Day 1: Arrival to Iquitos, transfer to Nauta, embarkation
Arrive to 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 to Nauta port:
Nauta is 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.
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. 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.
Enjoy a beautiful and interesting documentary at the indoor lounge: Rivers of the Sun
Day 2: Yanallpa - Dorado River
Yanallpa:
Here in the Amazon Rainforest, we can have dry mornings with beautiful sunrises. This is all we need to have a successful pre-breakfast exploration of the forest! The early morning hours are the best time of day to watch birds, observe their special displays and listen to their songs. We will jump on the skiffs and head to the shores of the Ucayali River. This area is green with large trees and old palm trees as well, and these components favor the presence of several parrot species. This particular spot also has a great number of other birds of different species. Perhaps spot a large flock of red-bellied macaws, as well different types of raptors, woodpeckers and swallows. If you are very lucky you will hear loud and distinctive sounds of blue and yellow macaws!
Dorado River:
We will look for the famous hoatzins nesting a few feet above water, and perhaps a sloth or two of the three toed kind. The Dorado River can also be home to troops of brown capuchin monkeys mixed up with squirrel monkeys. As the sunsets our aim will be looking for black and white caiman, fishing bats, and Noisy Nights Monkeys where you will encounter a whole new world of adventure.
Day 3: Pacaya River - Magdalena
Pacaya River:
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 explore one of the pristine Amazon lagoons in this wonderful region!
Magdalena:
Our skiff will speed along the main river to reach the narrower channels where we will explore the thick rainforest adjacent to the water. During our explorations we will look for some of the more typical and iconic birds of the New World tropics, such as the lettered aracari toucan, the straightbilled woodcreeper and the white-eared jacamar. Later on, travel near Flor de Castaña, for an opportunity to swim among pink dolphins. If you are thinking Piranhas, as many people have in their minds, when they think about the Amazon River! But don’t worry; the aggressiveness of this characteristic fish of the Amazon is really extremely overrated.
After dinner, join us on a movie night to watch “Fitzcarraldo” at the indoor lounge
Day 4: Yarapa River - Fundo Casual
Yarapa River:
Along the Yarapa River, you will get to explore this tributary intimately. Listen closely for the sounds from within the mysterious jungle. We travel down river to this wide creek that leads to an attractive hidden lagoon. As we absorb the beauty of the landscape, we will have the chance to reflect on the wildlife. Hawks, terns, herons and monkeys which are part of our everyday excursions are readily close by; in this area we will notice many more inhabitants of the Amazon, the rivereños. People being an important part of this complex bionetwork only reinforce the fact that we are part of their lives and how our presence here and now could make a difference to the future of this magical land of the Incas. Look out for specific types of Monkeys like the pygmy marmoset, squirrel monkey, and our first Monk Saki. This medium-sized monkey with the thick fur and bushy tail looks more like he is dressed for the Arctic than the Amazon.
Fundo Casual:
The walk at Fundo Casual jungle trail will take you deep into the rainforest on terra firme (nonflooded forest) where your guide will point out the dynamic creatures and vegetation of the Amazon. Be sure to keep an attentive eye open for spotting surprises! Its almost unbelieveable how with every step you find something along the way. Almost definitely Anaconda, Rainbow Boas, Tarantulas, Poison Frogs, and most recently porquepines have been spotted. This is one of the very few places in the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve Amazon Rainforest where you will spot the ever so elusive 2-toed sloth.
Confluence / Pihuichal:
As your naturalist guide spots various creatures for you, the landscape adorned by the usual colors of the sun’s reflections is a great photo opportunity as you witness your last Amazon Rainforest Sunset.
Day 5: Disembarkation & Manatee Center and transfer to Iquitos
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.
Amazon Forever:
On our way from Nauta back to Iquitos airport, you will visit the Rescue & Rehabilitation Center of River Mammals (Amazon Forever) 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. As well, there are also some other animals cared for by the center that have been rescued from capture for 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!
