Amazon Encounter - High Water Season

Upon arrival in the Amazonian city of Iquitos, a dedicated crew will be waiting at the airport to welcome you. A private, comfortable vehicle will then transport you to Nauta, where you can relax and enjoy a delicious lunchbox while taking in the scenic views along the way. Upon reaching Nauta, a historic riverside town on the Marañón River, you will receive a VIP welcome at a private port before boarding your luxurious vessel. Once aboard the Delfin, the attentive staff will guide you to your elegant suite, featuring orthopedic beds, pure cotton sheets, natural latex pillows, plush bathrobes, air conditioning, and a private bathroom with a Spanish-style hot water shower. A spacious private terrace offers breathtaking river views, ensuring an immersive experience. As the Delfin sets sail, head to the observation deck for panoramic views while your naturalist guide provides an insightful orientation about your upcoming journey. Learn about the itinerary, key activities, local wildlife, and the fascinating history of the region. For a deeper cultural experience, unwind in the indoor lounge and watch Rivers of the Sun, a captivating documentary about the Amazon’s rich ecosystem and vibrant culture.

Start the day with a breathtaking sunrise in the Amazon Rainforest, the perfect setting for an early morning exploration. The crisp morning air creates ideal conditions for birdwatching, offering a chance to observe various species in their natural habitat. Board a skiff and navigate along the Ucayali River, surrounded by towering trees and ancient palms. This vibrant ecosystem attracts an array of colorful birds, including flocks of red-bellied macaws, woodpeckers, swallows, and raptors. If luck is on your side, the distinct calls of blue and yellow macaws will echo through the forest.

Later, venture into the Dorado River, where hoatzins nest just above the water and three-toed sloths lounge in the treetops. Keep an eye out for playful brown capuchin and squirrel monkeys swinging through the branches. As night falls, scan the riverbanks for black and white caimans, fishing bats, and the elusive Noisy Night Monkeys. After an exhilarating day, unwind in the indoor lounge with a captivating film that brings the magic of the Amazon to life.

The Pacaya River at the very heart of the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, Peru’s largest protected area with a mean annual rainfall of nearly 3,000 millimeters, by far the largest protected wetland reserve in the world. 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!

Along the Yarapa River, you will get to explore this tributary intimately. Listen closely for the sounds from within the mysterious jungle. Travel down river to this wide creek that leads to an attractive hidden lagoon. As you absorb the beauty of the landscape, have the chance to reflect on the wildlife. Hawks, terns, herons and monkeys which are part of our everyday excursions are readily close by; in this area notice many more inhabitants of the Amazon, the rivereños. People being an important part of this complex bionetwork only reinforce the fact that you are part of their lives and how our presence here and now could make a difference to the future of this magical land of the Incas. Look out for specific types of Monkeys like the pygmy marmoset, squirrel monkey, and our first Monk Saki. This medium-sized monkey with the thick fur and bushy tail looks more like he is dressed for the Arctic than the Amazon.

On board our skiffs, you will visit a community to meet local 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 see the women of this community who have a most amazing arts & craft market.

The walk at Fundo Casual jungle trail will take you deep into the rainforest on terra firme (nonflooded forest) where your guide will point out the dynamic creatures and vegetation of the Amazon. Be sure to keep an attentive eye open for spotting surprises! Its almost unbelieveable how with every step you find something along the way. Almost definitely Anaconda, Rainbow Boas, Tarantulas, Poison Frogs, and most recently porquepines have been spotted. 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. 

After breakfast, the staff will wish you farewell as you begin your departure. At the port of Nauta, the ground crew will be waiting to take you by private vehicle back to the city of Iquitos, about 95 kilometers journey by paved road. On your way from Nauta back to Iquitos airport, you will visit the Rescue & Rehabilitation Center of River Mammals (Amazon Forever) where you will have the chance to meet baby manatees and learn about these wonderful and docile creatures and why they are on the endangered species list. As well, there are also some other animals cared for by the center that have been rescued from capture for the intention of being turned into pets and other threatening conditions. You are welcome to donate to this ambitious organization and education center as you wish. The land personnel will wait for you at the airport and give your boarding passes and help you check in.

At Crnl. FAP Francisco Secada Vignetta International Airport in Iquitos, the staff will assist with luggage and check-in procedures, ensuring a seamless departure. The return flight will take travelers directly to Lima, Peru’s vibrant capital. At the security gate, the guide and Delfin crew will offer their final goodbyes, leaving cherished memories of an unforgettable Amazon adventure.