Delfin III, Iquitos

Location

ex Iquitos (Iquitos, Peru)

Description

A 184 foot traditional Amazon river boat, sleeping up to 44 passengers, built with tropical woods and decorated with local artefacts. The upper deck has sitting areas with both open and closed sides and a bar. There is a sun deck and small plunge pool on the rear upper deck, the restaurant is air-conditioned and the food is excellent.

Departures

Saturdays (3N) Tuesdays (4N)

Capacity

44

Activities

The Delfin III cruises to the beautiful Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve, the largest protected area in Peru with over 2 million hectares. The 3 expert naturalist guides on board are excellent. Activities are mainly taken by motorised skiffs to observe wildlife during the early morning and early evening/night time. There is also the opportunity to visit the local communities, fish for piranha and go on walks in the forest.

Accommodation

22 very comfortable, spacious air-conditioned suites with large picture windows and private facilities.

Our comments

The classic way to experience the Amazon and its tributaries on a traditional river boat. Wonderful wildlife, knowledgeable guides and ideal for relaxing! We would recommend the 4 night cruise which takes you deeper into the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve.

When to go

Year round. June to October is the low water season and November to May high water, and exact itineraries vary slightly to suit conditions.

Delfin III offers 3 and 4 night cruises into the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, journeying along the Ucayali River during the low water season and along the Marañon River during the high water season.

Delfin III: 3 night itinerary (low water season)

Day 1: Iquitos; Nauta; Marañon River (skiff exploration)
Day 2: Las Palmas (birdwatching); Amazon Natural Park (trail walk to learn about medicinal plants and Shamana ceremony); Yanayacu River (Kayaking and paddle boarding, swimming near pink river dolphins, piranha fishing and Amazon beach); Pucate River (night safari)
Day 3: Fundo Casual (trail walk and community visit); Amazon confluence (visit the Unión de los Ríos); farewell dinner
Day 4: Disembarkation and transfer to Iquitos; Stingless Meliponas Bees and Amazon Research Centre for Ornamental Fish.

Delfin III: 3 night itinerary (high water season)

Day 1: Iquitos; Nauta; Marañon River (skiff exploration)
Day 2: Yanayaquillo (birdwatching and sloth exploration); Amazon Natural Park (trail walk to learn about medicinal plants and Shamana ceremony); Yanayacu River (Kayaking and swimming near pink river dolphins); Night safari.
Day 3: Las Palmas (piranha fishing); Fundo Casual (trail walk); Amazon confluence (visit the Unión de los Ríos and community visit); farewell dinner.
Day 4: Disembarkation and transfer to Iquitos; Stingless Meliponas Bees and Amazon Research Centre for Ornamental Fish.

Delfin III: 4 night itinerary (low water season)

Day 1: Iquitos; Nauta; Marañon River (skiff exploration).
Day 2: Las Palmas (birdwatching); Amazon Natural Park (trail walk to learn about medicinal plants and Shamana ceremony); Yanayacu River (Kayaking and paddle boarding, swimming near pink river dolphins and Amazon beach); Pucate River (night safari).
Day 3: Shiriyacu (skiff exploration and birdwatching); Fundo Casual (trail walk).
Day 4: Yarapa River (skiff exploration and piranha fishing) Amazon confluence (visit the Unión de los Ríos and community visit); farewell dinner.
Day 5: Disembarkation and transfer to Iquitos; Stingless Meliponas Bees and Amazon Research Centre for Ornamental Fish.

Delfin III: 4 night itinerary (high water season)

Day 1: Iquitos; Nauta; Ucayali River (skiff exploration)
Day 2: Yanallpa River (skiff exploration at Belluda Caño); Dorado River (skiff exploration and kayaking); Dorado River (night safari).
Day 3: Pacaya River (skiff exploration in search of wildlife); Lunch at “Casa Fujimori”; River of the Sun movie/People of the Amazon” lecture.
Day 4: Yarapa River (Amazon confluence, exploration and community visit); Fundo Casual (trail walk); farewell dinner.
Day 5: Disembarkation and transfer to Iquitos; Stingless Meliponas Bees and Amazon Research Centre for Ornamental Fish.

The low water season is from June to November and the high water season from December to May. All itineraries are subject to change, due to weather and other conditions.