At a glance
- Duration:
- 6 Days
- Start/End:
- Lima, Peru roundtrip
- From:
- $4,850
- Time of Year:
- January - September; November - December
On this 6-day Upper Amazon: A River Expedition cruise, embark on an unforgettable journey aboard the 42-guest riverboat Delfin III.
Navigate winding jungle waterways by skiff or kayak, seeking out an array of diverse wildlife. Glide past giant lily pads, gaze up at majestic ceiba trees, and soak in breathtaking sunsets reflected on the tranquil lakes hidden within the vast Amazon. Connect with local ribereños communities, whose lives and culture we help sustain through our visit.
Enhance your journey by combining this Amazon expedition with an exploration of Machu Picchu, Cusco, and the Sacred Valley—three UNESCO World Heritage Sites—either before or after your voyage.
Upper Amazon: A River Expedition Highlights
- Explore the seasonally flooded forest of Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve at the confluence of the Amazon River with a team of experienced naturalists.
- Meet the welcoming ribereños, natives of the reserve, and learn about their ways of life along the river.
- Watch for elusive Amazon wildlife like pink river dolphins, monk saki monkeys, and piranhas, while getting photo tips from a National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions Certified Photo Instructor.
- Explore even more: combine your Amazon expedition with a voyage to Machu Picchu on Wild Peru Escape: Amazon and Machu Picchu.
Upper Amazon: A River Expedition (6-Day) Details
Day-to-Day Itinerary
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.
Day 2: Lima / Iquitos / Nauta / Embark Ship
After breakfast, fly to Iquitos in the Peruvian Amazon basin and continue overland to the riverside village of Nauta where the Delfin III 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 3-5: Exploring the Pacaya-Samiria Reserve
Explore the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve, a pristine swath of jungle stretching more than five million acres and harboring some of the Amazon’s most fascinating 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 seasonal glassy water.
Set out into this remarkable wilderness on daily excursions by skiff, kayak and, when the water level permits, hikes on dry land. 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.
One of the unexpected joys of traveling in the Upper Amazon of Peru is interacting with the local ribereños, the traditional people who live on the riverbanks. Visit the local non-profit Minga Peru, including a program of handicraft development, radio broadcasts, women’s health initiatives and efforts in sustainable farming.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Nauta / Disembark Ship / Iquitos / Lima
Disembark in Nauta, stopping at the Amazon Rescue Center on the drive to Iquitos. Fly to Lima and connect for flights home. Ask your expedition specialist about options to extend your stay, including an overnight at the Wyndham Costa del Sol Lima Airport hotel.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
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