Experienced guides will show you the immense biodiversity of the area. Voyages include visits to native villages, kayaking, swimming near pink river dolphins, fishing, daytime hiking and night safaris. On board the Delfin I, guests can enjoy exquisite Amazonian cuisine in an authentic, intimate setting with the right amount of elegance and comfort.
Your Amazon journey begins on arrival in Iquitos, where you will be met and transferred to the vessel. On the following days, you will experience an ideal combination of natural wonders, dramatic scenery, indigenous cultural history, and a relaxed self-contained way to explore the rainforest while sightseeing nature at its best. In the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve you will explore one of the world’s most intriguing environments. Flora and fauna are abundant and time seems to stands still.
All meals are included during the cruise and are carefully preparing contemporary Creole dishes. Every meal is an unparalleled dining experience guaranteed by personalized attention and superb service. This is only possible when guides, staff, and crew can focus on just a handful of guests. The Amazon’s wild choices of fresh ingredients and the blend of global influences throughout Peruvian history has created one of the world’s most unique and delicious cuisines. A wide variety of quality liquors, cocktails, local drinks, natural juices, and refreshments will be served on board. Wine pairings include some of the best South American vintages.
All excursions are included with your cruise rate. For all short transport (such as from the vessel to land for hiking) and wildlife seeking excursions, you will travel via skiff boats. The skiffs are quick to launch, stable to ride, and ready to navigate into the most hidden corners of the Amazon. Each skiff seats 8 passengers and come with their own expert naturalist guide, captain, and features all safety regulations.
TRAIL WALKS - Early morning trail walks in the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve are always rewarding since wildlife is most abundant and active with the rising of the sun. Trails such as Fundo Casual jungle trail and others will take you deep into the rainforest on terra firme (non-flooded forest) where your guide will point out dynamic creatures and vegetation of the Amazon. A local assistant may also accompany you.
KAYAKING - Delfin Amazon Cruises now offers 16-foot River Kayaks on both the Delfin I and Delfin II. These kayaks make for excellent opportunities to paddle smoothly and silently into small creeks, tributaries, and lagoons. They have been especially designed with durability and stability for fishing trips, meaning that in the calm waters of the Pacaya Samiria, you are able to gently row downstream. Delfin I has 4 kayaks, while Delfin II has 5 kayaks. Each kayak seats 2 persons.
FISHING - Encounter the mighty peacock bass, gigantic awe-inspiring Amazon catfish, and other exotic sporting species. As part of our commitment to the environment, we exercise a strict policy of catch and release.
CANOPY WALKING - Only on Delfin I At a height of more than 85 feet and a length of more than 1,580 feet, the canopy walkway provides you with unparalleled views of the Amazon Rainforest, its wildlife and vegetation. The canopy walkway is accessible to all and requires no special skills or equipment. The suspended bridges are spread between 14 of the area’s largest trees and is one of the longest canopy walkways in the world. Canoeing back through Tawampa Lake, you’ll possibly hear and observe the giant Arapaima, the world’s largest freshwater fish.
ANIMAL RESCUE CENTER - The Rescue & Rehabilitation Center of River Mammals (ACOBIA) close to Iquitos is 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. Other animals include monkeys and river otters.
SWIMMING WITH PINK RIVER DOLPHINS - This rare species is found in the freshwater rivers of the Amazon near Iquitos. Upholding the reputation of its salt water dwelling kin, the Amazon river dolphin is social, friendly and extremely intelligent, making it one of the highlights of a visit to the Amazon Basin. They also love the company of humans. When you visit the Amazon, don’t be afraid to go for a swim with these remarkable creatures. Make sure you bring your bathing suit and a waterproof camera. A snapshot of the pink river dolphin will definitely be one for the Amazon adventure scrapbook.
BIRDWATCHING - Bird watching enthusiasts will greatly enjoy the sheer number of diverse bird species. The Amazon is second to none when it comes to biodiversity, boasting over 1500 species of birds, 20% of the total number of species on the planet. The Pacaya Samiria is especially diverse having little human interference to disrupt the natural habitat. The expeditions set out early in the morning on the skiffs in order to see the most impressive display of birds. Professional guides will accompany you.
NIGHT EXPEDITIONS - Exploring the jungle by day is only half the fun as the adventures continue past sundown. The sound of the jungle at night is intense. The groups are led by expert guides. You may spot black caimans, bats, frogs, and other nocturnal creatures.
PADDLEBOARDING - Only on Delfin I
All itineraries have been carefully crafted to showcase the best flora and fauna that the Marañon and Ucayali Rivers in the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve have to boast, along with offering ideal soft adventure excursions for travelers to further discover the secrets of the Peruvian Amazonia.
Itineraries vary based on whether the travel dates fall in the high water/rainy season or low water/dry season.
All activities are optional, although we encourage all guests to tempt their adventurous side. 2-3 times daily excursions (one in the morning, one in the afternoon) may include but are not limited to kayaking in the calm creeks and lakes, swimming with dolphins, fishing for piranhas at sunset, skirting the riverbanks in search of playful creatures, birdwatching, trail walks, and visits to local communities to interact with the native people. Optional early bird watching excursions before breakfast are also available for those who are up for the challenge!
Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | |
AM | Amazon Park: jungle trail and canopy walk | Fundo Casual: skiff exploration & jungle trail walk | Disembarkation, Rescue & Rehabilitation Center of River Mammals (ACOBIA) | |
PM | Arrive at Iquitos, embarkation, happy hour and orientation | Yanayacu Pucate: skiff exploration & swimming with dolphins | Amazonas Village: visit the ribereno community, union of the rivers |
Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 | |
AM | Amazon Park: jungle trail and canopy walk | Fundo Casual: skiff exploration & jungle trail walk | Amazonas Village: visit the ribereno community, union of the rivers | Disembarkation, Rescue & Rehabilitation Center of River Mammals (ACOBIA) | |
PM | Arrive at Iquitos, embarkation, happy hour orientation, Marayali excursion | Yanayacu Pucate: skiff exploration, paddle boarding & swimming with dolphins | Nauta Caño Creek: skiff exploration, piranha fishing & night safari | Yarapa River: kayaking & skiff exploration |
Delfin 1 Cabins
This new and refurbished classic river vessel features 4 oversized suites, all with private panoramic terraces (2 equipped with private whirlpool), 180° panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows. Cabin service 3 times a day will ensure you the most optimal personalized service possible. On the top deck is a lounge area, bar and entertainment center which are perfect places to relax in while the jungle unfolds before your eyes. Deluxe Suites are located on the main deck.
Each features a king size bed (or separate twin beds), a mini bar, seating area with a sofa bed (may be converted into an additional bed), fine Peruvian cotton linens, silent A/C units, hot water, hair dryer, safe deposit box and internal communications system. Master Suites are located on the 2nd deck with all the same amenities as the Deluxe Suites but without plunge pools.
Deluxe Suite
Master Suite
Delfin I Deckplan