Upper Amazon Aboard the Delfin II

Pre or Post-Cruise: Enjoy more of Lima

Let us help you arrange a pre- or post-voyage stay in Lima at the luxurious Belmond Miraflores Park Hotel, set along a stunning seaside promenade in the city’s chicest district. Call for details.

Day 1: U.S. / Lima, Peru

Arrive in Lima in the late evening and transfer to our conveniently located hotel, Wyndham Costa del Sol Lima Airport Hotel.

Day 2: Lima / Iquitos / Nauta / Embark

After breakfast, fly to Iquitos and continue overland to the riverside village of Nauta, where the 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. (B,L,D)

Days 3-8: Exploring the Pacaya-Samiria Reserve

Spend this week exploring 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. Bordered by the Marañón and the Ucayali, these two powerful rivers 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 glassy water.

Set out into this remarkable wilderness on daily excursions by skiff, kayak, and, when the water level permits, hikes on dry land. Skim past giant lily pads afloat on black-water lakes, and venture deep into the rain forest on narrow tributaries. Spot 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.

Enjoy an opportunity to swim in a lake in the reserve’s interior. Seek out victoria amazonica, a giant water lily that grows in small lagoons. Go on a bird-watching hike, listening for the vocal oropendola and then looking for its telltale yellow tail. 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 creatures of the night.

One of the unexpected joys of traveling in the Upper Amazon of Peru is the interaction we have with the local ribereños, the traditional people who live on the riverbanks. Visit one of the local communities and see the projects that we support through a local non-profit, including a variety of handcrafts, women’s health initiatives and sustainable farming. (B,L,D DAILY)

Day 9: Nauta / Disembark / Iquitos / Lima

Disembark in Nauta, stopping at the Amazon Rescue Center on the drive to Iquitos. Fly to Lima, where we visit Museo Larco and celebrate with a farewell dinner. Overnight at the Wyndham Costa del Sol Lima Airport Hotel. (B,L,D)

Day 10: Lima / U.S.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport in Lima for your flight home. (B)

Included

• All meals and non-alcoholic beverages*
• Your bar tab and all crew gratuities are included in the voyage price on all National Geographic Explorer, National Geographic Endurance, and National Geographic Orion voyages.
• Your bar tab and WiFi** are included in the voyage price on all National Geographic Islander or National Geographic Endeavour II voyages.
• Cappuccinos, lattes & filtered water
• 24-hour coffee, tea & soda on demand (soda not included on Lord of the Glens)
• Hors d’oeuvres & snacks during Recap
• Fitness center or exercise equipment, depending on the ship
• Fully stocked library, and other gracious public spaces
• The guidance and company of our expedition staff
• The services of a physician on certain ships/destinations
• Sightseeing & entrance fees
• Special access permits, park fees, port taxes
• Transfers to and from group flights
• The expertise of the expedition staff
• All excursions
• Zodiac & kayak explorations
• Snorkeling, including wetsuits, masks, fins & snorkel where relevant
• Presentations and guest speakers in the lounge

*Alcoholic beverages are included on the National Geographic Explorer, National Geographic Orion, National Geographic Endurance, Sea Cloud, and Lord of the Glens; certain super-premium brands are not included.

** Travel aboard any National Geographic Islander or National Geographic Endeavour II voyage and we will cover your bar tab; certain premium brands not included. Free WiFi, up to one hour a day per person aboard any National Geographic Islander and National Geographic Endeavour II departure.

Not Included

• International and internal airfare
• Additional hotel nights
• Private transfers
• Travel Protection Plan
• Passport, visa, and immigration fees
• Expedition extensions
• Pre- and post-expedition Gratuities
• Alcoholic beverages (except aboard Sea Cloud, Lord of the Glens, National Geographic Orion, National Geographic Explorer, National Geographic Endurance, National Geographic Islander and National Geographic Endeavour II); certain super-premium brands not included
• Spa treatments
• Aboard ship Gratuities (except aboard Sea Cloud, National Geographic Orion, National Geographic Endurance & National Geographic Explorer)
• Scuba diving
• Laundry
• Internet and phone
• Gift shop items and any other items of personal nature
• Cappuccinos and lattes are not available on the Delfin II

Delfin II

The 28-passenger Delfin II is a stately riverboat, built for the express purpose of exploring deep into the Peruvian Amazon at the headwaters of this mighty river—and doing so in modern tropical style.

Delfin II Details …