Delfin I Amazon Riverboat

AM: 9:30 am: Flight from Lima to Iquitos, Peru – For travelers who are already in Lima on a Surtrek tour, Surtrek representatives will assist you with your luggage and with checking in for your two-hour flight to the country’s northeastern city of Iquitos, a rustic outpost that offers explorers the most direct and accessible path to the heart of the Amazon. (For travelers just arriving in Peru, you will be able to make your connecting flight to Iquitos within the same Lima international airport).

11:30 am: Arrival in Iquitos – Upon landing at the Iquitos airport, uniformed Delfin Amazon Cruises guides and land staff will be there to welcome you in the luggage claim area.

PM: 12:30 pm: Transfer to the Nauta Embarkation Port – At the Iquitos airport, Delfin staff members will assist you with your belongings and then transfer you in an air-conditioned vehicle to the embarkation port in the town of Nauta, an hour-and-a-half away. This drive through the scenic Peruvian countryside will give you your first glimpse at Amazonian wildlife, ecosystems, and local villages, as well as riverside and jungle landscapes.

1:00 pm: Lunch – En route to the port in Nauta, you will be served a delicious box lunch consisting of homemade baked goods, Peruvian specialties, hot coffee and fresh juice.

2:00 pm: Arrival in Nauta / VIP Reception – Once we reach Nauta, you’ll be treated to a VIP greeting at Delfin Amazon Cruises’ private port. This dock is situated on the shore of the Marañon River, where the Delfin vessel will be awaiting you to begin your Amazon cruise experience.

3:00 pm: Embarkation – After boarding the Delfin, crew members will introduce you to your exquisite and cozy suite, specially equipped with all the amenities for an experienced traveler such as yourself. Orthopedic beds, pure cotton sheets, pillows of 100% pure natural latex, cotton bathrobes, air conditioning, and a private bathroom with Spanish-style hot-water showers are all complemented with a spacious private terrace, which we are sure you’ll enjoy to the fullest.

4:00 pm: Happy Hour & Orientation – While the Delfin begins to weigh anchor, you can take in fantastic panoramic views from the ship’s elegantly outfitted observation area located on the Delfin’s third, deck. At this time, the barman and staff will provide you with a wide variety of drinks and cocktails including Peru’s finest and most famous cocktail: Pisco sour – a Peruvian grape brandy. Fine regional cigars will also be available.

As you relax with a cold drink, your naturalist guide will conduct a brief orientation, outlining details about the voyage journey ahead. This will include the places you will visit and the wildlife you’ll see, as well as a basic summary of the history and geography of the Amazon basin.

5:00 pm: Marañon River Exploring – On this first excursion on board a skiff, you will visit one of the first places where we’ll find sloths and iguanas. For birdwatchers, we can easily find the famous and elegant heron. This presents a perfect opportunity to photograph your first sunset in the Amazon.

7:00 pm: Welcome Dinner – Toast the beginning of a beautiful journey with a sip fine South American wine. Then, sit down to enjoy the innovative Amazonian cuisine, created by the Delfin’s Executive Chef Raul Rodriguez. Tonight’s welcome dinner will combine incredibly fresh and exotic ingredients with refined cooking techniques and unparalleled creativity in dishes made to enchant the senses. Having the Relais & Châteaux’s seal of approval to Delfin’s culinary experience speaks a world about the journey for the senses you’re about to experience.

8:30 pm: Evening Free Time / Turning in for the Night – 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, the multi-talented staff will entertain you with a little live music, while you enjoy an after dinner drink and the tropical Amazonian breeze …just be sure not to stay up too late – you’ll need a good night’s sleep for the activities tomorrow.

AM: 7:00 am: Buffet Breakfast – Wake up early to watch the sunrise for the first time on the Amazon River. Get your first, dramatic glimpse of your upcoming adventures and then sit down to a sumptuous buffet breakfast; this will feature a wide variety of dishes, plus Peruvian specialties and fresh fruit juices.

8:30 pm: Fundo Casual Walking Trail – Never does nature seem more bountiful than in the tropics, and early rising is always rewarding since wildlife is most abundant and active with the rising of the sun. On this first morning, we will disembark to experience one of the most important activities in the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve: trekking the Fundo Casual jungle trail. The walk along this path will take you deep into the rainforest on terra firma (non-flooded forest) where your guide will point out the dynamic creatures and lush vegetation of the Amazon.

Be sure to keep an attentive eye out for surprises! It’s almost unbelievable how you can find something with every step along the way, whether an anaconda, a Rainbow boa, tarantulas, or brilliantly colored poison frogs; most recently, porcupines have even been spotted. This is also one of the very few places in the Amazonian reserve where you can spot the ever-elusive 2-toed sloth.

11:00 am: Return to the Ship / Onboard Activities – Cold towels await you back on board the Delfin Amazon riverboat. Take this free time to enjoy the ship’s amenities, which include a panoramic exercise room and the observation deck’s outdoor lounge, bar and entertainment center. As an alternative, just slip into the private whirlpool that serves your cabin.

PM: 12:30 pm: Lunch – For your mid-day meal, master chef Raul Rodriguez, his diligent assistants, and the Delfin’s experienced pastry and menu creation team will have worked hand in hand to ensure that your gastronomic journey is every bit as exciting as what you have seen in the Amazon this morning. This culinary adventure might just introduce you to local favorites like the spicy Aji charapita sauce, refreshing rosy pink “Camu-camu” juice or freshly caught river fish.

2:00 pm: Free Time – As the ship continues upriver, you’ll have free time to take an after-lunch siesta and simply relax.

3:00 pm: Yanayacu Pucate Skiff Exploration – Paddle Boarding & Swimming with Dolphins – Head out to explore the different creeks and lagoons flowing into the Yanayacu and Pucate rivers. Your guide will use their expert eyes to pinpoint the various hard-to-spot species in this mega-diverse region. Alternatively, sweep along the waters in one of the Delfin’s kayaks or on a stand-up paddleboard to truly absorb the beauty of the Amazonian waters. You’ll even have a chance to swim in the jungle river along with the famous Pink river dolphins.

5:30 pm: Return to the Ship / Free Time – Making our way back to the Delfin, you’ll have time to shower, rest up and relax before dinner.

7:00 pm: Dinner – Like all nights, dinner will be simply world class. You will be able to enjoy a menu of fresh, delicious Peruvian fare (with a bit of continental influence), whether served in the dining room or al fresco on deck. Promising to be a culinary feast for the senses, this evening’s dinner will be paired with select South American wines or perhaps a freshly pressed juice.

8:30 pm: Yachay Shaman Ceremony – The village of Yachay is barely a dot on the map, receiving few outside visitors. Even fewer come here to seek out the local Shaman, Carola. Nonetheless, she is known far and wide in the rainforest, though she leads a normal village life with her wood carver husband. What’s different is that Carola serves as a spiritual caretaker and healer to literally hundreds of jungle dwellers spread over many roadless miles. Her prestige and position are beyond reproach. The role of shaman is often misunderstood in the west, associated with black magic and spells. While these things all have their place, the actual practitioners are as varied as in any profession. Carola is known as a “white” shaman, a healer and spiritual guide.

AM: 7:00 am: La Posada Picnic & Amazon Park Canopy Walkway – Heading out early, this is a unique opportunity: you will get to the only canopy walkway in this area, an experience unequaled in the rainforest! At a height of over 25 meters (85 feet) and extending for 500 meters (one-third of a mile), the canopy walkway provides a view of the rainforest from the treetops, the best vantage point for observing Amazon wildlife and vegetation. The canopy walkway is accessible to all and requires no special skills or equipment. The suspended walkway is spread between 14 of the area’s largest rainforest trees and is one of the longest canopy walkways in the world.

While in the rainforest, we will take time for an early morning picnic breakfast, accompanied by a symphony real-life jungle sounds. You will also experience the terra firma forest and you will be able to see the differences between your previous hike and this one.

11:00 am: Return to the Ship / Onboard Activities – Returning to the Delfin Amazon riverboat, you can take this time to enjoy the ship’s amenities, which include a panoramic exercise room and the observation deck’s outdoor lounge, bar and entertainment center – or perhaps you’ll just want to slip into the private whirlpool that serves your cabin.

PM: 12:30 pm: Lunch – From the Delfin lunch buffet, choose from at least a half-dozen options; perhaps an Asian-inspired lunch featuring spring rolls with shrimp, or maybe a dorado fish grilled with peppers and onions. Or what about a Peruvian dish that includes ceviche, fried yucca, stewed beans and corn tamales?

2:00 pm: Free Time – As the ship continues upriver, you’ll have free time to take an after-lunch siesta and simply relax.

3:00 pm: Puerto Prado Village Visit – On your visit to this remote indigenous community, you will be welcomed by smiling faces and friendly people. While visiting the village, someone might show you how cassava is peeled and grated, while another may invite you in for a look at the tools they use to process locally grown rice. A day in the life of a local ribereño is eye-opening in that it demonstrates how far we have come technologically in this day and age, while also revealing how balanced and rewarding life is for others.

5:30 pm: Return to the Ship / Free Time – Making our way back to the Delfin, you’ll have time to shower, rest up and relax before the next activity and dinner.

6:30 pm: Confluence of Three Rivers – At what’s known as the “Union de los Ríos,” we will make a toast and witness the distinguished colors of three rivers coming together. Will see where the Ucayali River merges with the Marañón River upriver from Iquitos to form the main tributary of the Amazon River. This will be a great photo opportunity as you also witness the Amazon sunset.

7:30 pm: Farewell Dinner – The Delfin will mark your last evening on board the ship by pampering you with Peru’s famed “fusion food,” one of the world’s most unique and delicious cuisines. This gentle blend of immigrant traditions of Peru is truly a comprehensive gastronomic, cultural, and historic adventure. Alternatively, select one of the carefully preparing contemporary international dishes that use the wild choices of fresh ingredients that the Amazon region has in store. In either case, the Delfin will offer exceptional service for your ultimate farewell indulgence.

AM: 6:30 am: Buffet Breakfast & Packing – For your final breakfast on board the Delfin, join everyone in the main dining room and order up some eggs any way you like them… even benedict- or omelet-style with your choice of filling. In addition to Peruvian specialties, international breakfast standards like pancakes and French toast will be in the buffet.

Following breakfast, you’ll have time to pack your luggage and take a good last look at the Amazon from the Delfin’s observation deck.

8:00 am: Disembarkation & Ride Back to Iquitos – The crew will bid you farewell as you begin your departure. At the port in Nauta, the Delfin’s ground crew will be waiting to load your luggage and take you by a private air-conditioned vehicle back to the city of Iquitos, about 55 miles (95 km) away by paved road.

9:30 am: The Rescue & Rehabilitation Center of River Mammals (ACOBIA) – On our way back to the Iquitos airport, you will visit the Rescue & Rehabilitation Center of River Mammals (ACOBIA). Here, you will have the chance to see baby manatees and learn about these wonderful creatures and why they are on the endangered species list. There are also some other animals cared for by the center that have been rescued from capture with the intention of turning them into pets and other threatening conditions.

10:30 am: Reaching the Airport & Departure – Reaching the Iquitos Airport, Delfin staff will be on hand to help you with your luggage, give you your boarding pass, and help you check in.

The return flight will take you directly to the city of Lima, the capital of Peru, where you will be met by Surtrek representatives if you plan on continuing your tour in Peru (otherwise you will be able to easily catch your connecting flight home or onward).

At the Iquitos airport’s security gate, your guide and Delfin crew will undoubtedly wish you a fond farewell. We truly hope that you enjoyed your stay and have had an amazing Amazon travel experience.

AM: 9:30 am: Flight from Lima to Iquitos, Peru – For travelers who are already in Lima on a Surtrek tour, Surtrek representatives will assist you with your luggage and with checking in for your two-hour flight to the country’s northeastern city of Iquitos, a rustic outpost that offers explorers the most direct and accessible path to the heart of the Amazon. (For travelers just arriving in Peru, you will be able to make your connecting flight to Iquitos within the same Lima international airport).

11:30 am: Arrival in Iquitos – Upon landing at the Iquitos airport, uniformed Delfin Amazon Cruises guides and land staff will be there to welcome you in the luggage claim area.

PM: 12:30 pm: Transfer to the Nauta Embarkation Port – At the Iquitos airport, Delfin staff members will assist you with your belongings and then transfer you in an air-conditioned vehicle to the embarkation port in the town of Nauta, an hour-and-a-half away. This drive through the scenic Peruvian countryside will give you your first glimpse at Amazonian wildlife, ecosystems, and local villages, as well as riverside and jungle landscapes.

1:00 pm: Lunch – En route to the port in Nauta, you will be served a delicious box lunch consisting of homemade baked goods, Peruvian specialties, hot coffee and fresh juice.

2:00 pm: Arrival in Nauta / VIP Reception – Once we reach Nauta, you’ll be treated to a VIP greeting at Delfin Amazon Cruises’ private port. This dock is situated on the shore of the Marañon River, where the Delfin vessel will be awaiting you to begin your Amazon cruise experience.

3:00 pm: Embarkation – After boarding the Delfin, crew members will introduce you to your exquisite and cozy suite, specially equipped with all the amenities for an experienced traveler such as yourself. Orthopedic beds, pure cotton sheets, pillows of 100% pure natural latex, cotton bathrobes, air conditioning, and a private bathroom with Spanish-style hot-water showers are all complemented with a spacious private terrace, which we are sure you’ll enjoy to the fullest.

4:00 pm: Happy Hour & Orientation – While the Delfin begins to weigh anchor, you can take in fantastic panoramic views from the ship’s elegantly outfitted observation area located on the Delfin’s third, deck. At this time, the barman and staff will provide you with a wide variety of drinks and cocktails including Peru’s finest and most famous cocktail: Pisco sour – a Peruvian grape brandy. Fine regional cigars will also be available.

As you relax with a cold drink, your naturalist guide will conduct a brief orientation, outlining details about the voyage journey ahead. This will include the places you will visit and the wildlife you’ll see, as well as a basic summary of the history and geography of the Amazon basin.

5:00 pm: Marañon River Exploring– On this first excursion on board a skiff, you will visit one of the first places where we’ll find sloths and iguanas. For birdwatchers, we can easily find the famous and elegant heron. This presents a perfect opportunity to photograph your first sunset in the Amazon.

7:00 pm: Welcome Dinner – Toast the beginning of a beautiful journey with a sip fine South American wine. Then, sit down to enjoy the innovative Amazonian cuisine, created by the Delfin’s Executive Chef Raul Rodriguez. Tonight’s welcome dinner will combine incredibly fresh and exotic ingredients with refined cooking techniques and unparalleled creativity in dishes made to enchant the senses. Having the Relais & Châteaux’s seal of approval to Delfin’s culinary experience speaks a world about the journey for the senses you’re about to experience.

8:30 pm: Evening Free Time / Turning in for the Night – 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, the multi-talented staff will entertain you with a little live music, while you enjoy an after dinner drink and the tropical Amazonian breeze …just be sure not to stay up too late – you’ll need a good night’s sleep for the activities tomorrow.

AM: 7:00 am: Buffet Breakfast – Wake up early to watch the sunrise for the first time on the Amazon River. Get your first, dramatic glimpse of your upcoming adventures and then sit down to a sumptuous buffet breakfast; this will feature a wide variety of dishes, plus Peruvian specialties and fresh fruit juices.

8:30 pm: Fundo Casual Walking Trail – Never does nature seem more bountiful than in the tropics, and early rising is always rewarding since wildlife is most abundant and active with the rising of the sun. On this first morning, we will disembark to experience one of the most important activities in the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve: trekking the Fundo Casual jungle trail. The walk along this path will take you deep into the rainforest on terra firma (non-flooded forest) where your guide will point out the dynamic creatures and lush vegetation of the Amazon.

Be sure to keep an attentive eye out for surprises! It’s almost unbelievable how you can find something with every step along the way, whether an anaconda, a Rainbow boa, tarantulas, or brilliantly colored poison frogs; most recently, porcupines have even been spotted. This is also one of the very few places in the Amazonian reserve where you can spot the ever-elusive 2-toed sloth.

11:00 am: Return to the Ship / Onboard Activities – Cold towels await you back aboard the Delfin Amazon riverboat. Take this time to enjoy the ship’s amenities, which include a panoramic exercise room and the observation deck’s outdoor lounge, bar and entertainment center – or perhaps you’ll just want to slip into the private whirlpool that serves your cabin.

PM: 12:30 pm: Lunch – For your mid-day meal, master chef Raul Rodriguez, his diligent assistants, and the Delfin’s experienced pastry and menu creation team will have worked hand in hand to ensure that your gastronomic journey is every bit as exciting as what you have seen in the Amazon this morning. This culinary adventure might just introduce you to local favorites like the spicy Aji charapita sauce, refreshing rosy pink “Camu-camu” juice or freshly caught river fish.

2:00 pm: Free Time – As the ship continues upriver, you’ll have free time to take an after-lunch siesta and simply relax.

3:00 pm: Yanayacu Pucate Skiff Exploration – Paddle Boarding & Swimming with Dolphins – You will start cruising through the Yanayacu and Pucate Rivers, peeking into different creeks and lagoons. This is one of the best preserved and protected zones of the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve. Your guide will use his expert eye to pinpoint the various hard-to-spot species in this mega-diverse region. Alternatively, sweep along the waters in one of the Delfin’s kayaks or on a stand-up paddleboard to truly absorb the beauty of the Amazon water. You’ll even have a chance to swim in the jungle river along with the famous Pink river dolphins. go out. You will even have the opportunity to see the famous pink dolphins!

5:30 pm: Return to the Ship / Free Time – Making our way back to the Delfin, you’ll have time to shower, rest up and relax before dinner.

7:00 pm: Dinner – Like all nights, dinner will be simply world class. You will be able to enjoy a menu of fresh, delicious Peruvian fare (with a bit of continental influence), whether served in the dining room or al fresco on deck. Promising to be a culinary feast for the senses, this evening’s dinner will be paired with select South American wines or perhaps a freshly pressed juice.

8:30 pm: Yachay Shaman Ceremony – The village of Yachay is barely a dot on the map, receiving few outside visitors. Even fewer come here to seek out the local Shaman, Carola. Nonetheless, she is known far and wide in the rainforest, though she leads a normal village life with her wood carver husband. What’s different is that Carola serves as a spiritual caretaker and healer to literally hundreds of jungle dwellers spread over many roadless miles. Her prestige and position are beyond reproach. The role of shaman is often misunderstood in the west, associated with black magic and spells. While these things all have their place, the actual practitioners are as varied as in any profession. Carola is known as a “White” shaman, a healer and spiritual guide.

AM: 7:00 am: Amazon Park Canopy Walkway & La Posada Picnic – Heading out early, this is a unique opportunity; you will get to the only Canopy Walkway in this area, an experience unequaled in the rainforest! At a height of over 25 meters (85 feet) and extending for 500 meters (one-third of a mile), the Canopy Walkway provides a view of the rainforest from the treetops, the best vantage point for observing Amazon wildlife and vegetation. The Canopy Walkway is accessible to all and requires no special skills or equipment. The suspended walkway is spread between 14 of the area’s largest rainforest trees and is one of the longest canopy walkways in the world. While in the rainforest, we will take time for an early morning picnic breakfast, accompanied by a symphony real-life jungle sounds. You will also experience the terra firma forest and you will be able to see the differences between your previous hike and this one.

11:00 am: Return to the Ship / Onboard Activities – Returning to the Delfin Amazon riverboat, you can take this time to enjoy the ship’s amenities, which include a panoramic exercise room and the observation deck’s outdoor lounge, bar and entertainment center – or perhaps you’ll just want to slip into the private whirlpool that serves your cabin.

PM: 12:30 pm: Lunch – Enjoy a colorful gourmet lunch with a picturesque view of the lush rainforest landscape, a gentle reminder that you are in fact cruising the Amazon River.

2:00 pm: Free Time – As the ship continues upriver, you’ll have free time to take an after-lunch siesta and simply relax.

3:00 pm: Marañón River Community Visit – On board our skiff, you will visit a community on the Marañon River to meet local villagers …people who have called Amazonia their home for generations. You may step into a typical schoolhouse where the children will be delighted to have you as a visitor, and then stop by an area to see the women of this community who have created the most amazing arts & crafts market.

5:30 pm: Return to the Ship / Free Time – Making our way back to the Delfin, you’ll have time to shower, rest up and relax before dinner.

7:00 pm: Dinner – The Peruvian Amazon bursts with unapologetically strong flavors. For tonight’s dinner, the Delfin’s passionate culinary team will utilizes local ingredients and traditional recipes to create a flavorful experience for the guests – savory local dishes such as Juane rice flavored with herbs and spices, local Tigerfish (in the family of catfish), or “Jungle spaghetti.” Alternative international dishes will also be available if you feel less adventurous.

8:30 pm: Free time and/or socializing until turning in for the night.

AM: 7:00 am: Buffet Breakfast – Join us for breakfast in the main dining room and order up some eggs any way you like them… even benedict- or omelet-style with your choice of filling. In addition to Peruvian specialties, international breakfast standards like pancakes and French toast will be in the buffet.

8:30 am: Yarapa River Exploration and Kayaking – Along the Yarapa River, you will get to explore this tributary intimately. Listen closely for the sounds from within the mysterious jungle. We will travel down river to this wide creek that leads to an attractive hidden lagoon. In this area you will notice many more inhabitants of the Amazon. Referred to as “rivereños,” these people being an important part of this complex bio-network. In terms of wildlife, look out for specific types of monkeys, such as pygmy marmosets, squirrel monkeys, and your first Monk Saki. This medium-sized monkey with the thick fur and a bushy tail looks more like he’s dressed for the Arctic than the Amazon.

11:00 am: Return to the Delfin / On Board Activities

PM: 12:30 pm: Lunch – From the Delfin lunch buffet, choose from at least a half-dozen options; perhaps an Asian-inspired lunch featuring spring rolls with shrimp, or maybe a dorado fish grilled with peppers and onions. Or what about a Peruvian dish that includes ceviche, fried yucca, stewed beans and corn tamales?

2:00 pm: Free Time – As the ship continues upriver, you’ll have free time to take an after-lunch siesta and simply relax.

3:00 pm: Witnessing the Confluence of Three Rivers – At what’s known as the “Union de los Ríos,” we will make a toast and witness the distinguished colors of three rivers coming together. Will see where the Ucayali River merges with the Marañón River upriver from Iquitos to form the main tributary of the Amazon River. Have your camera ready for a great photo opportunity as you witness the Amazonian sunset in this special location.

5:30 pm: Return to the Delfin – Back on board the Delphin, you’ll have time to wash up and relax a bit before dinner.

8:00 pm: Farewell Dinner – The Delfin will mark your last evening on board the ship by pampering you with Peru’s famed “fusion food,” one of the world’s most unique and delicious cuisines. This gentle blend of immigrant traditions of Peru is truly a comprehensive gastronomic, cultural, and historic adventure. Alternatively, select one of the carefully preparing contemporary international dishes that use the wild choices of fresh ingredients that the Amazon region has in store. In either case, the Delfin will offer exceptional service for your ultimate farewell indulgence.

AM: 6:30 am: Buffet Breakfast & Packing – For your final breakfast on board the Delfin, join everyone in the main dining room and order up some eggs any way you like them… even benedict- or omelet-style with your choice of filling. In addition to Peruvian specialties, international breakfast standards like pancakes and French toast will be in the buffet.

Following breakfast, you’ll have time to pack your luggage and take a good last look at the Amazon from the Delfin’s observation deck.

8:00 am: Disembarkation & Ride Back to Iquitos – The crew will bid you farewell as you begin your departure. At the port of Nauta, the Delfin’s ground crew will be waiting to load your luggage and take you by a private air-conditioned vehicle back to the city of Iquitos, about 55 miles (95 km) away by paved road.

9:30 am: The Rescue & Rehabilitation Center of River Mammals (ACOBIA) – On our way back to the Iquitos airport, you will visit the Rescue & Rehabilitation Center of River Mammals (ACOBIA). Here, you will have the chance to see baby manatees and learn about these wonderful creatures and why they are on the endangered species list. There are also some other animals cared for by the center that have been rescued from capture with the intention of turning them into pets and other threatening conditions.

10:30 am: Reaching the Airport & Departure – Reaching the Iquitos Airport, Delfin staff will be on hand to help you with your luggage, get you your boarding pass, and help you check in.

The return flight will take you directly to the city of Lima, the capital of Peru, where you will be met by Surtrek representatives if you plan on continuing your tour in Peru (otherwise you will be able to easily catch your connecting flight home or onward).

At the Iquitos airport’s security gate, your guide and Delfin crew will say goodbye. We truly hope that you enjoyed your stay and your Amazon travel experience.

AM: 9:30 am: Flight from Lima to Iquitos, Peru – For travelers who are already in Lima on a Surtrek tour, Surtrek representatives will assist you with your luggage and with checking in for your two-hour flight to the country’s northeastern city of Iquitos, a rustic outpost that offers explorers the most direct and accessible path to the heart of the Amazon. (For travelers just arriving in Peru, you will be able to make your connecting flight to Iquitos within the same Lima international airport).

11:30 am: Arrival in Iquitos – Upon landing at the Iquitos airport, uniformed Delfin Amazon Cruises guides and land staff will be there to welcome you in the luggage claim area.

PM: 12:30 pm: Transfer to the Nauta Embarkation Port – At the Iquitos airport, Delfin staff members will assist you with your belongings and then transfer you in an air-conditioned vehicle to the embarkation port in the town of Nauta, an hour-and-a-half away. This drive through the scenic Peruvian countryside will give you your first glimpse at Amazonian wildlife, ecosystems, and local villages, as well as riverside and jungle landscapes.

1:00 pm: Lunch – En route to the port in Nauta, you will be served a delicious box lunch consisting of homemade baked goods, Peruvian specialties, hot coffee and fresh juice.

2:00 pm: Arrival in Nauta / VIP Reception – Once we reach Nauta, you’ll be treated to a VIP greeting at Delfin Amazon Cruises’ private port. This dock is situated on the shore of the Marañon River, where the Delfin vessel will be awaiting you to begin your Amazon cruise experience.

3:00 pm: Embarkation – After boarding the Delfin, crew members will introduce you to your exquisite and cozy suite, specially equipped with all the amenities for an experienced traveler such as yourself. Orthopedic beds, pure cotton sheets, pillows of 100% pure natural latex, cotton bathrobes, air conditioning, and a private bathroom with Spanish-style hot-water showers are all complemented with a spacious private terrace, which we are sure you’ll enjoy to the fullest.

4:00 pm: Happy Hour & Orientation – While the Delfin begins to weigh anchor, you can take in fantastic panoramic views from the ship’s elegantly outfitted observation area located on the Delfin’s third, deck. At this time, the barman and staff will provide you with a wide variety of drinks and cocktails including Peru’s finest and most famous cocktail: Pisco sour – a Peruvian grape brandy. Fine regional cigars will also be available.

As you relax with a cold drink, your naturalist guide will conduct a brief orientation, outlining details about the voyage journey ahead. This will include the places you will visit and the wildlife you’ll see, as well as a basic summary of the history and geography of the Amazon basin.

5:00 pm: Fundo Casual Walking Trail – On this first afternoon, we will disembark to experience one of the most important footpaths in the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve: The Fundo Casual jungle trail. The walk along this path will take you deep into the rainforest on terra firma (non-flooded forest) where your guide will point out the dynamic creatures and vegetation of the Amazon.

Be sure to keep an attentive eye out for surprises! It’s almost unbelievable how you can find something with every step along the way, whether an anaconda, a Rainbow boa, tarantulas, or brilliantly colored poison frogs; most recently, porcupines have even been spotted. This is also one of the very few places in the Amazonian reserve where you can spot the ever-elusive 2-toed sloth.

7:00 pm: Welcome Dinner – Toast the beginning of a beautiful journey with a sip fine South American wine. Then, sit down to enjoy the innovative Amazonian cuisine, created by the Delfin’s Executive Chef Raul Rodriguez. Tonight’s welcome dinner will combine incredibly fresh and exotic ingredients with refined cooking techniques and unparalleled creativity in dishes made to enchant the senses. Having the Relais & Châteaux’s seal of approval to Delfin’s culinary experience speaks a world about the journey for the senses you’re about to experience.

8:30 pm: Nauta Caño Night Safari – After the delicious dinner, we will again leave the ship, this time to go on a nocturnal safari along Nauta Caño Creek, which is known for squirrel and silver-back tamarillo monkeys, birds, dolphins and sloths! We will troll the riverbanks in search of the gleaming eyes of small caimans, as well as look out for night birds and insects of all colors, shapes and sizes.

10:00 pm: Turning in for the Night – Following an already full day, you’ll want to sip a Pisco sour nightcap before retiring perhaps. The perfect spot for this is the Delfin’s Upper Deck, where you’ll hear a symphony of unimaginable sounds that cannot be heard before the sun goes down …just be sure not to stay up too late – you’ll need a good night’s sleep for the activities tomorrow.

AM: 7:00 am: Buffet Breakfast – Wake up early to watch the sunrise for the first time on the Amazon River. Get your first, dramatic glimpse of your upcoming adventures and then sit down to a sumptuous buffet breakfast featuring a wide variety of dishes, plus Peruvian specialties and fresh fruit juices.

8:30 am: Yanayacu Pucate Skiff Exploration – Paddle Boarding & Swimming with Dolphins – Head out to explore the different creeks and lagoons flowing into the Yanayacu and Pucate rivers. Your guide will use their expert eyes to pinpoint the various hard-to-spot species in this mega-diverse region. Alternatively, sweep along the waters in one of the Delfin’s kayaks or on a stand-up paddleboard to truly absorb the beauty of the Amazonian waters. You’ll even have a chance to swim in the jungle river along with the famous Pink river dolphins.

11:00 am: Return to the Ship / Onboard Activities – Cold towels await you back on board the Delfin Amazon riverboat. Take this free time to enjoy the ship’s amenities, which include a panoramic exercise room and the observation deck’s outdoor lounge, bar and entertainment center. As an alternative, just slip into the private whirlpool that serves your cabin.

PM: 12:00 pm: Lunch – For your mid-day meal, master chef Raul Rodriguez, his diligent assistants, and the Delfin’s experienced pastry and menu creation team will have worked hand in hand to ensure that your gastronomic journey is every bit as exciting as what you have seen in the Amazon this morning. This culinary adventure might just introduce you to local favorites like the spicy Aji charapita sauce, refreshing rosy pink “Camu-camu” juice or freshly caught river fish.

1:00 pm: Free Time – As the ship continues upriver, you’ll have free time to take an after-lunch siesta and simply relax.

3:00 pm: La Posada Forest-Canopy Walkway – This afternoon, your destination will be the network of suspension bridges hanging high up in the treetops where you can explore the canopy at your leisure. A unique opportunity, this is the only canopy walkway in this area, an experience unequaled in the rainforest! At a height of over 85 feet (25 meters) and extending more than a quarter of a mile (500 meters), the suspended walkway provides a view of the rainforest from the treetops, the best vantage point for observing Amazon wildlife and vegetation. Though this suspended walkway is spread between 14 of the area’s largest rainforest trees and is one of the longest canopy walkways in the world, it is accessible to all and requires no special skills or equipment.

5:30 pm: Return to the Ship / Free Time – Making our way back to the Delfin, you’ll have time to shower, rest up and relax before dinner.

7:00 pm: Dinner – Like all nights, dinner will be simply world class. You will be able to enjoy a menu of fresh, delicious Peruvian fare (with a bit of continental influence), whether served in the dining room or al fresco on deck. Promising to be a culinary feast for the senses, this evening’s dinner will be paired with select South American wines or perhaps a freshly pressed juice.

8:30 pm: Yachay Shaman Ceremony – The village of Yachay is barely a dot on the map, receiving few outside visitors. Even fewer come here to seek out the local Shaman, Carola. Nonetheless, she is known far and wide in the rainforest, though she leads a normal village life with her wood carver husband. What’s different is that Carola serves as a spiritual caretaker and healer to literally hundreds of jungle dwellers spread over many roadless miles. Her prestige and position are beyond reproach. The role of shaman is often misunderstood in the west, associated with black magic and spells. While these things all have their place, the actual practitioners are as varied as in any profession. Carola is known as a “white” shaman, a healer and spiritual guide.

AM: 7:00 am: Picnic Breakfast – Today, as we head out early for some morning wildlife spotting, we’ll have breakfast off the ship. Mooring the skiff in a shaded part of the river, you can dig into a morning feast of fresh fruit, jars of avocado with soft-boiled egg, pancakes with fruit syrup, and ham & cheese sandwiches – plus hot coffee, of course.

8:00 am: Yanayaquillo Skiff Expedition – You will cruise on the skiff to tributaries of the Yanayaquillo River, peeking into different creeks and lagoons. As this is one of the best preserved and protected zones of the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, your guide will use their expert eyes to pinpoint the wildlife of this biodiverse region. This area is also a popular dolphin feeding spot, so – with luck – you might even sight one or two of these playful creatures.

9:30 am: Piranha Fishing – We’ll also go fishing for Amazonia’s notoriously ferocious piranhas. While casting your line out to hook one of these predators, the Delfin’s naturalist guides will share stories with you about Yanayaquillo and its legends.

11:30 am: Return to the Delfin / On Board Activities

PM: 12:00 pm: Lunch – From the Delfin lunch buffet, choose from at least a half-dozen options; perhaps an Asian-inspired lunch featuring spring rolls with shrimp, or maybe a dorado fish grilled with peppers and onions. Or what about a Peruvian dish that includes ceviche, fried yucca, stewed beans and corn tamales?

2:00 pm: Piraña Caño Creek Skiff or Kayak Expedition – We will head up into the Marañon River to a location known as Piraña Caño. You will have the option of exploring this creek either by kayak or by skiff, which are both fantastic choices! This lovely creek that leads to a lagoon is an ideal place to spend time in search of tropical birds and playful monkeys. As your naturalist guide spots various creatures for you, also try to pinpoint some yourself now that you’ve been in the jungle for a couple days and have trained your eye a bit! Kayakers will experience the feeling of paddling down the river with only the sounds of the rainforest as your companion. As for skiff riders, the encounters with wildlife will be abundant. The landscape adorned by the usual colors of the sun´s reflections by whichever mode of transportation is stunning. So sit back and enjoy the beauty of the Amazon forest!

5:30 pm: Return to the Delfin – Back on board the Delphin, you’ll have time to wash up and relax a bit before the next on-ship activity.

6:30 pm: Witnessing the Confluence of Three Rivers – At what’s known as the “Union de los Ríos,” we will make a toast and witness the distinguished colors of three rivers coming together. Will see where the Ucayali River merges with the Marañón River upriver from Iquitos to form the main tributary of the Amazon River. Have your camera ready for a great photo opportunity as you witness the Amazonian sunset in this special location.

7:30 pm: Dinner – The Peruvian Amazon bursts with unapologetically strong flavors. For tonight’s dinner, the Delfin’s passionate culinary team will utilizes local ingredients and traditional recipes to create a flavorful experience for the guests – savory local dishes such as Juane rice flavored with herbs and spices, local Tigerfish (in the family of catfish), or “Jungle spaghetti.” Alternative international dishes will also be available if you feel less adventurous.

AM: 7:00 am: Breakfast – Breakfast will be served buffet-style, perhaps featuring cheese, cereal, eggs of any style, ham, yogurt, bread, and muffins, as well as a rotating variety of local dishes such as tapioca mingado (similar to rice pudding) or cecina (a dried meat) and fried chorizo with cocona sauce. The ship’s waiters will also come by the table with tea, coffee and fresh fruit juices.

8:30 am: Ucayali River Community Visit – On board our skiff, you will visit a community on the Ucayali River to meet local villagers …people who have called Amazonia their home for generations. You may step into a typical schoolhouse where the children will be delighted to have you as a visitor, and then stop by an area to see the women of this community who have created the most amazing arts & crafts market.

11:00 am: Return to the Ship / Onboard Activities – Cold towels await you back on board the Delfin Amazon riverboat. Take this free time to enjoy the ship’s amenities, which include a panoramic exercise room and the observation deck’s outdoor lounge, bar and entertainment center. As an alternative, just slip into the private whirlpool that serves your cabin.

PM: 12:30 pm: Lunch – Enjoy a colorful gourmet lunch with a picturesque view of the lush rainforest landscape, a gentle reminder that you are in fact cruising the Amazon River.

2:00 pm: Free Time – As the ship continues upriver, you’ll have free time to take an after-lunch siesta and simply relax.

3:00 pm: Cumaceba River Expedition – Listen closely for the sounds from within the mysterious jungle. We will travel down river to this wide creek that leads to an attractive hidden lagoon. In this area you will notice many more inhabitants of the Amazon. Referred to as “rivereños,” these people being an important part of this complex bio-network. In terms of wildlife, though, look out for specific types of monkeys, such as pygmy marmosets, squirrel monkeys, and your first Monk Saki. This medium-sized monkey with the thick fur and a bushy tail looks more like he’s dressed for the Arctic than the Amazon.

5:30 pm: Return to the Delfin – Back on board the Delphin, you’ll have time to wash up and relax a bit.

7:30 pm: Farewell Dinner – The Delfin will mark your last evening on board the ship by pampering you with Peru’s famed “fusion food,” one of the world’s most unique and delicious cuisines. This gentle blend of immigrant traditions of Peru is truly a comprehensive gastronomic, cultural, and historic adventure.

Alternatively, select one of the carefully preparing contemporary international dishes that use the wild choices of fresh ingredients that the Amazon region has in store. In either case, Delfin offers exceptional service for your ultimate farewell indulgence.

9:00 pm: Free time and/or socializing until turning in for the night.

AM: 6:30 am: Buffet Breakfast & Packing – For your final breakfast on board the Delfin, join everyone in the main dining room and order up some eggs any way you like them… even benedict- or omelet-style with your choice of filling. In addition to Peruvian specialties, international breakfast standards like pancakes and French toast will be in the buffet.

Following breakfast, you’ll have time to pack your luggage and take a good last look at the Amazon from the Delfin’s observation deck.

8:00 am: Disembarkation and Ride Back to Iquitos – The crew will bid you farewell as you begin your departure. At the port of Nauta, the Delfin’s ground crew will be waiting to load your luggage and take you by a private air-conditioned vehicle back to the city of Iquitos, about 55 miles (95 km) away by paved road.

9:30 am: The Rescue & Rehabilitation Center of River Mammals (ACOBIA) – On our way back to the Iquitos airport, you will visit the Rescue & Rehabilitation Center of River Mammals (ACOBIA). Here, you will have the chance to see baby manatees and learn about these wonderful creatures and why they are on the endangered species list. There are also some other animals cared for by the center that have been rescued from capture with the intention of turning them into pets and other threatening conditions.

10:30 am: Reaching the Airport & Departure – Reaching the Iquitos Airport, Delfin staff will be on hand to help you with your luggage, give you your boarding pass, and help you check in.

The return flight will take you directly to the city of Lima, the capital of Peru, where you will be met by Surtrek representatives if you plan on continuing your tour in Peru (otherwise you will be able to easily catch your connecting flight home or onward).

At the Iquitos airport’s security gate, your guide and Delfin crew will undoubtedly wish you a fond farewell. We truly hope that you enjoyed your stay and have had an amazing Amazon travel experience.