Peru's Deluxe Amazon River Cruise

Trip Highlights

Indulge in the wonders of the Peruvian Amazon River aboard the majestic vessel, 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. Please consult with your Travel Designer to learn which vessel best meets your expectations, as we will customize your itinerary based upon your preference. With your feedback, we will similarly customize suggested activities in Lima, time spent in each location as well as any trip extension to an additional destination 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 area of Miraflores, one of the most fashionable and beautiful areas of this great capital city. Ask your travel designer about some great restaurant recommendations for this evening!

Overnight at Belmond Miraflores Park Hotel (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 Belmond Miraflores Park Hotel (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 III (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

In the morning we will hike the Fundo Casual jungle trail, deep into the rainforest on terra firme (non-flooded forest) where your guide will point out the dynamic creatures and vegetation of the Amazon. Be sure to keep an eye out for spotting surprises! You will most likely spot anacondas, rainbow boas, tarantulas, poison frogs, and porcupines. This is one of the very few places in the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve Amazon Rainforest where you will spot the ever so elusive 2-toed sloth.

In the 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.

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 III (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

In the morning, we will hike 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.

In the afternoon, we will reach the Palm Forest, which is the very heart of the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve and Peru’s largest protected area with a mean annual rainfall of nearly 3,000 millimeters. Filled with lakes, palm swamps, and streams, the reserve becomes a flooded forest in the rainy season and is sure to be one of the most beautiful places you’ll ever visit. You will also have the chance to explore one of the pristine Amazon lagoons in this wonderful region!

Overnight at Delfin III (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

In the morning, we will sail down the Samiria River, home to troops of brown capuchin and squirrel monkeys. We will spot an abundance of wildlife, such as blue and yellow macaws, scarlet macaws, toucans, umbrella birds and capybaras. There is also a popular dolphin feeding spot, where we can witness their feeding grounds.

We will then continue towards the confluence of the 3 rivers, “Unión de los Ríos”, to toast and witness the distinguished colors of the 3 rivers. We will continue to visit the village of San Francisco to meet locals that have called Amazonia their home for generations. You may visit a schoolhouse if you’d like, as well as witness an amazing arts and craft market.

Continuing down to Marañon River, we will explore the creek either by kayak of canoe, approaching a lagoon that is the ideal place for spotting birds and more playful monkey. Kayakers will endure the feeling of paddling down the river with only the noises of the forest as your companion.

Overnight at Delfin III (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)

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

• Daily breakfast

• All meals, snacks and soft drinks on The Delfin III

• All lodge-based activities in small groups with The Delfin III

• 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 any of the Delfin vessel:

  • 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 in the room 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

• 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 III 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.

• There are two seasons in the Amazon: the flooded and dry season. Both offer rich rewards, fabulous sites and amazing opportunities for viewing wildlife and plant species. If seeing the glorious flooded forest and getting up close to birds and mammals, as well as cooler temperatures is a priority, then the flooded season may be the best fit. Alternatively, if jungle hikes, the chance to see monkeys, other mammals and fishing are a priority, as well as less rain, then the dry season would be best suited. In summary, you will witness wildlife and beautiful plants with whichever season you choose.

  • Low water season: June to October. Ideal for travelers that prefer to walk through the rainforest to discover its flora and fauna. Allows for more trail walks.

  • High water season: November to May. Ideal for travelers that prefer to duck into otherwise isolated corners of the reserve onboard speed boats. Allows for more extensive exploration and access via water.