Upper Amazon Aboard the Delfin II
All-Inclusive Expedition Cruise Experience on Small River Ship
Venture to the headwaters of the mighty Amazon in the heart of Peru’s rainforest aboard the elegant riverboat Delfin II. Slip through jungle waterways by skiff or kayak in search of diverse wildlife. Skim past massive lily pads, peer up at towering ceiba trees, and witness glorious sunsets on the still waters of quiet lakes off the mighty Amazon. Interact with the local ribereños, whom we support with our visit.
National Wildlife Day Sale – Save 25% in Select Categories on Select 2024/2025 Sailings when you book and pay in full by September 18, 2024*
Itinerary: Upper Amazon Expedition
To/From: Roundtrip Lima, Peru
Date: April 26, 2025 for 10 days
Ship: Delfin II
Large Window Suite, Category SU (Main Deck #1-6/Upper Deck #11-14) from
$6,790
per person including all taxes, fees and port expenses
Main Deck: Oversized Window Suite Cat. MS (Main Deck #7,8/Upper Deck #15, 16)
$11,053
per person including all taxes, fees and port expenses
Highlights:
Explore the seasonally flooded forest of Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve at the headwaters of the Amazon with a team of experienced naturalists
Watch for elusive Amazon wildlife like pink river dolphins, monk saki monkeys, piranhas, and scarlet macaws
Meet the welcoming ribereños, natives of the reserve, and learn about their ways of life along the river
Get photo tips in the field from a National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions Certified Photo Instructor
Explore even more: combine your Amazon expedition with a voyage to Galápagos or an expedition to Machu Picchu and Peru’s Land of the Inca
Expedition Team:
Over 50+ years of exploring, Lindblad Expeditions’ veteran staff and the quality companionship they provide has established the company’s reputation. From expedition leaders to naturalists, most hold advanced degrees and are established authorities in their fields. Some join a few expeditions each year to explore the same sites, some of them spending some time in the field away from rigorous academic work. And others lead expeditions all around the world—with many guests saying, “Where you’re going, we’re going,” and returning time after time to travel with them. Browse our team directory to discover the full cast of expedition staff.
Day 1
Lima, Peru
Arrive in Lima, Peru’s thriving capital, and transfer to the convenient Wyndham Costa del Sol, connected to the airport. Most international flights arrive in the late evening. Opt to arrive early for a Lima pre-voyage extension staying at the iconic Country Club Lima Hotel. The extension adds just a day to the expedition and gives you a chance to rest, relax, and see this UNESCO World Heritage designated city.
Arrival Time: Anytime.
Arrival City: Lima, Peru
Day 2
Lima / Iquitos / Nauta / Embark Ship
After breakfast, fly to Iquitos in the Peruvian Amazon 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.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Days 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 diverse flora and fauna. The reserve is bordered by the Marañón and the Ucayali, two powerful rivers that 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 rainforest on narrow tributaries. Look for 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 nonprofit, including a variety of handicrafts, women’s health initiatives, and sustainable farming.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinne
Day 9
Nauta / Disembark Ship / Iquitos / Lima
Disembark in Nauta, stopping at the Amazon Rescue Center on the drive to Iquitos. Fly to Lima for an overnight at the Wyndham Costa del Sol Lima Airport Hotel. You may be able to take advantage of overnight flights home.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 10
Lima
After breakfast, transfer to the airport in Lima for your flight home.
Departure Time: Depart anytime on day 10, or after 9:00 p.m. local time on day 9.
Departure City: Lima, Peru
Meals Included: Breakfast
Delfin II
Guests: 28
Cabins: 14
Sail in tropical style & comfort with a small band of explorers. Delfin II accommodates just 28 guests in 14 beautifully appointed outside suites. This stately riverboat redefines modern elegance. Airy open spaces are detailed with clean lines in tropical hardwoods. Exotic flowers and fresh fruits from the rain forest add vibrant color and grace to the top deck lounge and dining room. The tools for exploration on our luxury Amazon river cruise include nimble 10-person motorized skiffs, plus a fleet of sturdy kayaks. Rain ponchos and rubber boots are carried aboard for all.
Large Window Suite:
All suites have two twin beds that can convert to a king. Some suites can be connected for families traveling together (call for details). Each includes a large view window, excellent reading lights, a closet, small sofa chair, and desk. Bathrooms are spacious with a large shower, separate toilet, and sink area.
Oversized Window Suite w/90-degree views:
Amazon suites on this deck have two twin beds that can be converted into a king, oversized windows that provide incredible 90-degree views overlooking the river, excellent reading light, a closet, small sofa chair, closet, and desk. Bathrooms are spacious with a large shower, separate toilet, and sink area. Upper Deck: Amazon suites on this deck have king beds, oversized windows that provide incredible 90-degree views overlooking the river, excellent reading light, a closet, small sofa chair, closet, and desk. Bathrooms are spacious with a large shower, separate toilet, and sink area.
Prices are in USD, per person based on double occupancy, availability and subject to change without notice. All taxes, fees and port expenses are included in the above pricing. All promotions are capacity controlled by the cruise line and can be pulled at any time without notice. Package must be booked and paid in full by September 18, 2024. Eligible stateroom categories include category 1, 2 and 3, including solo cabins and category SU on National Geographic Islander II and category 4 cabins on National Geographic Delfina. Agent must call Lindblad to book this promotion. Other restrictions may apply.
