Machu Picchu and Delfin Amazon Cruise

Itinerary Highlights

Indulge in the wonders of Peru as you begin your journey in the heart of the Inca Empire, the Sacred Valley, and end aboard the majestic vessel, The Delfin, along the Peruvian Amazon River. With reason, the Sacred Valley is a sought out destination for any Peruvian journey as it is still marked by the Inca legacy. Located at the foot of the mountains between Cusco and Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley stretches along the calm waters of Urubamba River and is beautifully characterized by different colonial towns. There is no better way to explore this region than by staying at the only all-inclusive luxury property, explora Lodge, in the Sacred Valley, making it an exceptional base to explore the verdant countryside, villages and ruins.

Offering carefully designed a la carte adventure and cultural activities, there is no need to change hotels as explora Lodge explorers a vast area of the region. Traveling through archaeological Inca sites, such as Ollaytantambo, Moray, Chinchero and Pisac, following the course of the Urubamba River by bike, visiting Machu Picchu or arriving at a glacier nearby Cusco, are some of the explorations carefully designed by explora for its travelers. explora Lodge is a great option for travelers looking for various sublime outdoor guided adventures, yet without ever sacrificing comfort. With a focus on hiking and biking, different difficulty levels are offered, whether it be gentle routes or more serious challenges.

End your journey sailing along the Peruvian Amazon River aboard The Delfin III, and submerge in the mysteries of the rainforest. As an exclusive Relais & Chateaux member, the Delfin takes you one step beyond luxury, setting the highest standard for impeccable service and superb cuisine. Specializing in three and four night itineraries, the vessel embarks from Nauta and sails through the pristine Pacaya Samiria reserve, also known as the Jungle of Mirrors and the largest protected flooded forest in the world. Boasting with unparalleled biodiversity, you will enjoy daily wildlife excursions along the tributaries with an expert guide to spot an array of flora and fauna. In this bird watching haven, be prepared to encounter the howler monkey, cackling macaws, white cayman, iguanas and sloths, amongst a few. Voyages also include visits to native villages where friendly ribereños will welcome you in, as well as the opportunity to swim near the rare pink river dolphins. From skiff boat expeditions to jungle hikes, The Delfin has carefully planned your adventure for the most immersive rainforest experience at the highest level of luxury. 

Please note that for the purpose of this inspirational itinerary, The Delfin III is specified below, which is the newest vessel of the Delfin portfolio and accommodates up to 44 passengers, offering a total of 22 suites. For more intimate group settings, The Delfin II offers 14 cabins and The Delfin I features 4 oversized suites, all with private panoramic terraces. Hotels and lodges described in the itinerary are recommended by Craft Travel but there are numerous options in each destination and we will customize your itinerary based upon your preferences. With your feedback, we will similarly customize suggested activities, time spent in each location and trip extensions to additional destinations of interest nearby.

Detailed Itinerary

One of our representatives will meet you at the airport to privately transfer you to your hotel for an evening of leisure. If your flight arrives earlier, please consult with your Travel Designer about optional tours for the day. Enjoy exploring the bohemian neighborhood of Barranco, a hip neighborhood known for its street art, beautiful mansions, coffee shops and great laid-back restaurants.

Overnight at Hotel B (no meals)

In Lima, not only do the origins of the city pre-date the Spanish foundation of the city by several millennia, but its museums are full of the artistic treasures of magnificent pre-Columbian civilizations. Begin to unravel this multifaceted history accompanied by our specialist guide with a professional background in history, architecture or art. Visit an ancient adobe pyramid right in the middle of the city which dates back to around 200 BC, take in the colonial area of Lima including the Cathedral, Convent of Santo Domingo, the Main Square and Casa Aliaga, reportedly the oldest home on the Continent - and still family-owned after 17 generations.

In the afternoon explore Lima's local food scene with a 'friend in the city', as opposed to tour guide, on our authentic Urban Eats sampling food tour. They will bring you to popular local eating spots to sample Peruvian classics and criollo dishes.

In the evening dine at Central Restaurant. frequently recognized in the top five on the World's Top 50 Restaurants List, Central delivers ambitious and worldly fusion from chef Virgilio Martínez Véliz, who has crafted a series of modern, molecular dishes using ingredients native to Peru.

Overnight at Hotel B (Breakfast & Dinner)

You will be privately transferred to the airport for your departing flight to Cusco, followed by your transfer by the Explora Team to the Sacred Valley. Upon arrival, you will enjoy a three-course gastronomic lunch by the Peruvian chef Virgilio Martinez, owner of the sixth best restaurant in the world, according to The World’s Best Restaurants 2019 ranking. Using Andean ingredients, you will enjoy the most simplest to elaborate results with an identity that honors Peruvian cooking.

After lunch, you will meet with an expert Explora guide to discuss your interests as well as learn about the highlights in the area, in order to plan the excursions for the next few days. Afterwards, this afternoon is yours to rest, enjoy the property, or jump right into an exhilarating half-day adventure!

Check out the list of over 40 explorations.

Overnight at explora Sacred Valley (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

With over 40 explorations to choose from, so many options can become overwhelming, but do not hesitate, as your guide will carefully have these days planned for you to best meet your expectations.

All explorations are led by an expert bilingual guide for groups of up to eight travelers and at three different geographical levels: valley, plateau and mountain, which can be explored by foot, biking, walking and hiking. In order to really soak up this destination, it is recommended to travel around these three areas, appreciate its contrasts and explore the differences within the same geographic level. In the Urubamba River valley we can explore Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and Moras & Moray, among other archaeological sites; in the plateau, we can go to the Huaypo lake, and travel around local trails between lagoons, farm communities, and cornfields; we can also visit mountain peaks, an area not well known by tourists.  We suggest beginning with explorations at less altitude in order to scale up slowly towards the mountain peaks; once again, your guide will plan accordingly.

All explorations range from a physical level of easy to advanced, and every day there is a choice of half day to full day explorations.

Machu Picchu is a full day exploration and may include a trek to Inti Punku. Visiting Machu Picchu must be reserved with your Travel Designer in advance, as there is limited availability. It is recommended to choose a date approximately 3-4 prior to your arrival.

Overnight at explora Sacred Valley (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

You will be privately transferred to the airport for your departing flight to Iquitos. Once you arrive to Iquitos, the Delfin crew will be waiting to transfer you on a shared basis to the Nauta Port. Once we reach Nauta, you will enjoy a VIP greeting at the port along the shores of the Marañon River, where the vessel awaits. Aboard Delfin, you will be served by the qualified staff who will introduce you to your exquisite and luxury suite that is equipped with all the amenities for the best comfort, such as orthopedic beds, pure cotton sheets, pillows of 100% pure natural latex, cotton bathrobes, air conditioning, and a private bathroom.

While the Delfin begins its initial navigation, you will enjoy the most impressive panoramic views from the elegantly outfitted observation area located on the third deck. The bartender will serve an exotic cocktail made with regional fruits and pisco, the beloved national brandy liquor of Peru. The naturalist guide will give you an overview of your journey’s schedule, activities, routes, highlights and wildlife so you are prepared for the amazing journey through the Amazon.

We will sail down to the Marañon River to a location known as Pahuachiro. This lovely spot is an ideal place for spotting birds and playful monkeys. As your naturalist guide spots various creatures for you, the landscape adorned by the usual colors of the sun ́s reflections is a great photo opportunity as you witness your first Amazon sunset.

Ih the evening, we will head down Nauta Caño Creek, known for squirrel and silver back tamarillo monkeys, birds, dolphins, and even sloths! We will skim the riverbanks for small caimans and spiders, as well as insects of all colors, shapes and sizes.

Overnight at Delfin II (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

On your first morning, we recommend rising early to appreciate one of the most important zones of the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, the Palm Forest. Wildlife is most abundant and active with the rising of the sun. We will then jump on the skiffs and head explore Palm Forest, which is known for its immense and old palms trees, favoring the presence of several parrot species, amongst many others. We will search for the famous hoatzins nesting a few feet above water, and perhaps a sloth or two of the three toed kind.

In the early afternoon we will cruise through the Yanayacu and Pucate Rivers, peeking into different creeks and lagoons. This is one of the best preserved and protected zones of the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve. If you want to immerse directly with the waters of the Amazon, we recommend kayaking or paddling, giving you the opportunity to spot the famous pink dolphins. Continue on to the Amazon Natural Park, hiking through the jungle to learn about medicinal plants. The Peruvian Amazon is considered the largest pharmaceutical reserve in the world with 965 wild plant species that local people use to cure and prevent many illnesses. You will see that the “Terra Firma” forest of a local ribereño is eye-opening to how far we have come in this day and age, and a reflection of how simple, yet rewarding, life is for others.

Afterwards, we will visit the village of Yachay and specifically meet with a local of the village, Carola. Carola is known far and wide in the rainforest, leading a normal village life with her wood carver husband, while at the same time acting as spiritual caretaker and healer to hundreds of jungle dwellers. Acting as the ‘white’ shaman, or healer, in her village, we will learn what life is like in the Amazon.

Overnight at Delfin II (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

You will start your day by cruising through the creeks of Yanayaquillo, peeking into different creeks and lagoons. This is one of the best preserved and protected zones of the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve. Your guide will use his expert eye to pinpoint all the biodiversity of this region. This is also a popular dolphin feeding spot so we won't be the only one enjoying our happy meal here. We will also have fun with piranha fishing!

Continuing down to Marañon River to a location known as Piraña Caño, we will explore the creek either by kayak or canoe, approaching a lagoon that is the ideal place for spotting birds and more playful monkeys. Kayakers will endure the feeling of paddling down the river with only the noises of the forest as your companion. As for the canoe riders, the encounters with wildlife will be abundant and the landscape adorned by the sun's reflection is stunning, so sit back and enjoy the beauty of the Amazon forest! 

After your joueny, board the skiffs and visit a local community to meet villagers who have called Amazonia their home for generations. You may step into a typical schoolhouse where the children will be very happy to have visitors, and then stop by an area to meet women of this community who have a most amazing arts and craft market.

Overnight at Delfin II (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

With heavy hearts, the staff will wish you farewell as you disembark the vessel in Nauta. On the way back to Iquitos Airport, we will visit the Rescue & Rehabilitation Center of River Mammals (ACOBIA) where you will have the chance to meet baby manatees and learn about these wonderful and docile creatures. We will then continue towards the Iquitos Airport for your departing flight home. Our staff will be available to assist you with check-in and your luggages.

(Breakfast & Lunch)

• 9 nights accommodation (based on double/twin occupancy)

• All meals, snacks and soft drinks at explora Sacred Valley & The Delfin II

• All lodge-based activities in small groups at explora Sacred Valley & The Delfin II

• All equipment on The Delfin II, including rubber boots and rain ponchos

• Entrance fee to Pacaya Samiria National Reserve

• Private guided excursions in Lima

• All ground transfers between airports and accommodations

• Traveller Made ® Member Agency benefits on Delfin Amazon Cruises

  • Complimentary upgrade (subject to availability)

  • Early check-in and late check out (subject to availability)

  • Bespoke welcome room amenities upon arrival

  • Local traditional gift

  • VIP amenities: bottle of champagne and mineral water upon arrival

  • 45 minutes massage per cabin (15 minutes complimentary massage per person for Delfin II and Delfin III only)

  • Private sundowner upon availability

• *Not included: gratuities, visas (if applicable), international and internal flights, meals and drinks not described above, items of a personal nature

• At explora Lodge, there is no TV or WIFI in the rooms. WIFI can be found in the main lobby / lounge area.

• For travelers concerned about altitude, explora Lodge is the perfect base for exploring the region as the lower elevation of the Sacred Valley makes it the ideal place for acclimatizing.

• Machu Picchu is a full day exploration and may include a trek to Inti Punku. Visiting Machu Picchu must be reserved in advance with your Travel Designer, as there is limited availability. It is recommended to choose a date approximately 3-4 prior to your arrival.

• For those that would like to spend a night in Machu Picchu in order to do a morning visit to the ruins, or a hike to Huayna Picchu, an additional night at the tail end of the trip can be added in Machu Picchu, followed by your transfer to Cusco’s airport for your departing flight to Iquitos.

• Three (3) different Delfin Vessels are offered, all providing world-class lodging, elegance and explorations, but differ in the number of guests and personalized service on each vessel. For purposes of then sample itinerary above, the Delfin II was used as an example, but Craft Travel is able to provide a customized itinerary using any of the vessels that best meet your expectations. The different Delfin vessels are as follows:

  • Delfin I: Features 4 oversized suites with private panoramic terraces. This vessel provides the most intimate and personalized setting.

  • Delfin II: Features 14 large guest suites, including 4 Master Suites with 180 panormic windows and 10 suites, 4 of which can be interconnected to accommodate families.

  • Delfin III: Features 22 suites with capacity for up to 43 passengers.

• All Delfin itineraries offer 3 or 4 night programs.

• Transfers to and from Iquitos Airport are on a shared-transfer basis only and at specific times (consult with Travel Designer on suggested flight times). Private transfers are available at an additional cost.

• Boats are not equipped with internet access.

• Minimum age required to board the vessel is 7 years old. Exceptions are made when the vessel is privately chartered.

• Travelers should not be concerned about motion sickness while cruising down the Amazon River, as the river is not open sea and it sails in calm creeks and tributaries. No waves are evident in this area.