Expedition Details
Voyage to the headwaters of the mighty Amazon in the heart of Peru's rain forest aboard the elegant riverboat Delfin II. Slip through an intricate network of jungle waterways in a skiff, spotting hundreds of bird species as well as caimans, tamarins, and sloths. Skim past massive lily pads, peer up at towering ceiba trees, go fishing for piranhas, and witness glorious sunsets on the still waters of the Amazon River basin.
Trip Highlights
- Explore the black-water lakes of the flooded forest of Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve with a team of experienced naturalists.
- Spot legendary wildlife of the Amazon including pink dolphins, monk saki monkeys, piranhas, and scarlet macaws.
- Get acquainted with local tribespeople on a visit to a community on the river's edge.
- Gaze at the wilderness from the comfort of the Delfin II, and enjoy delicious, local meals prepared by our onboard chef.
Itinerary - 10 Days
Day 1 — U.S./Lima, Peru
Arrive in Lima in the late evening and transfer to our hotel.
Ramada Costa Del Sol Airport Hotel (D)
Day 2 — Lima/Iquitos/Amazon Rain Forest
Fly to Iquitos today and continue overland to the riverside village of Nauta, where the elegant 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.
Delfin II (B,L,D)
Days 3 through 8 — Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve
Spend this week exploring the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve, a pristine swath of jungle stretching more than five million square acres that harbors some of the Amazon's most fascinating flora and fauna. Bordered by the Marañón and the Ucayali, two powerful rivers that converge to create the Amazon, the reserve floods annually with nutrient-rich waters. It is known locally as the Mirrored Forest for the reflections created by its glassy, black water.
Set out into this remarkable wilderness on daily excursions by skiff; dugout canoe; and when the water level permits, hikes on terra firma. Skim past giant lily pads afloat on black-water lakes, and venture deep into the rain forest on narrow tributaries. Spot monk saki monkeys, howler monkeys, sloths, and saddleback tamarins. See rare butterflies; massive paiche fish, the Amazon's largest; pink dolphins; and an astounding variety of birds, from tanagers and hummingbirds to parrots and endangered scarlet macaws.
Take an excursion to Curahuayte Lake and cast your line to catch (and release) piranhas, an important food source for local people. 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 night creatures.
Pay a visit to one of the communities on the edge of the reserve and get to know the people of the Amazon and their age-old traditions. Meet local women and children, and see the handicrafts they create. Learn how local subsistence farmers cultivate wild plants and trees to earn income. Discover edible fruits and indigenous plants with medicinal properties hidden deep in the jungle.Delfin II (B,L,D daily)
Days 9 & 10 — Nauta/Iquitos/Lima/U.S.
Disembark in Nauta after breakfast and return to Iquitos overland. Take a local boat to the floating village of Belén. After lunch, enjoy a walking tour of Iquitos, an important center in the days of the rubber boom. Then, take a late afternoon flight to Lima. The following morning, transfer to the airport for your flight home.
Miraflores Park Hotel (B,L,D; B)
Click here to see our seven-day Amazon River expedition.
Related Trip
View LargerExpedition Team
Accompanying each expedition is a diverse team of experts — from naturalists to regional specialists — who will share their knowledge and insights on the wildlife, landscapes and local culture. The expert featured below will be part of the expedition team on the dates noted.
Kitty Coley
Kitty Coley is a geologist, naturalist, and avid birder who serves as a consultant to National Geographic magazine and has led expeditions for National Geographic for more than eight years. She worked as a geologist for 15 years before becoming involved full-time in expedition travel. Through her work, she has spent extensive time in remote rain forests and rugged geologic settings around the world. Her love of nature has led to exploration through scuba diving, backpacking, white-water and sea kayaking, and biking. Kitty shares her in-depth knowledge about the fascinating aspects of the geology, flora, and fauna in a very interactive, enthusiastic approach.
Kitty will join the following departures:
Apr 30 - May 09, 2011 • May 07 - 16, 2011Nov 12 - 21, 2011 • Nov 19 - 28, 2011
This trip is offered in association with Lindblad Expeditions.
Expedition Costs
- December 18 - 27, 2010
- January 15 - 24, 2011
- January 29 - February 07, 2011
- February 12 - 21, 2011
- April 30 - May 09, 2011
- May 07 - 16, 2011
- May 14 - 23, 2011
- May 21 - 30, 2011
- September 03 - 12, 2011
- September 10 - 19, 2011
- September 17 - 26, 2011
- September 24 - October 03, 2011
- November 05 - 14, 2011
- November 12 - 21, 2011
- November 19 - 28, 2011
- November 26 - December 05, 2011
