At a glance
- Duration:
- 6 Days
- Start/End:
- Lima, Peru roundtrip
- From:
- $4,947
- Time of Year:
- January - September; November - December
On this 6-day Upper Amazon: A River Expedition, step aboard the intimate 28-guest Delfin III and venture deep into the beating heart of the Peruvian Amazon.
Skim along narrow jungle waterways by skiff or kayak, where every bend may reveal pink river dolphins, brilliant macaws, or sleepy three-toed sloths clinging to the canopy. Drift past giant lily pads the size of dinner tables, stand in awe beneath towering ceiba trees, and watch the sun set in a blaze of gold and crimson over hidden lakes deep in the rainforest.
Along the way, you’ll meet the ribereños, Amazonian river communities whose traditions, stories, and livelihoods we help support through our visits. These moments offer not just a glimpse into daily life, but a genuine human connection to this remarkable region.
At the helm of your adventure is Lindblad Expeditions’ celebrated team. For over 50 years, our expedition leaders, naturalists, and photographers, many with advanced degrees and world-class field experience, have inspired travelers with their passion for exploration. Some return here year after year, while others lead journeys across the globe, yet all share the same gift: bringing destinations vividly to life. It’s why so many guests say, “Where you’re going, we’re going,” and return time and again to explore the world with us.
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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