Delfin II Cruise - Pacaya Samiria National Reserve - 4 Days

Exploring the enchanting Iquitos Caño is an extraordinary journey into the heart of terra firma, where lush landscapes and vibrant biodiversity converge. Embark on an unforgettable adventure as we navigate the intricate waterways in our skiff, delving into the hidden gems of this pristine region. As dawn breaks, our skiff exploration takes us deeper into the intricate network of water channels. Witness the world come alive as the first light paints the sky, offering a magical backdrop for a spectacular birdwatching experience.

In the afternoon, we will head to Amazonas Park, where you’ll be able to walk through the incredible Canopy Walkway, an unparalleled experience in the jungle! At a height of more than 25 meters (85 feet) and a length of 500 meters (one-third of a mile), the Canopy Walkway provides views of the jungle as few people have seen it before. The suspended walkway runs through 14 of the tallest trees in the reserve and is one of the longest canopy walkways in the world. It’s also suitable for all ages, with no special equipment required.  

Afterwards, we will start crossing through the Yanayacu and Pucate Rivers, into one of the best preserved and protected areas of the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve. At Yanayacu-Pucate, we’ll see numerous streams and lagoons, and your expert jungle guide will point out all the biodiversity of this region. If you want to get out onto the water on your own, you can use one of our kayaks or paddle boards. Or you can go for a swim in the river, keeping an eye open for gray and pink river dolphins. 

Our first stop will be at the "Union of the Rivers", where we can admire the different colors of three rivers as they merge into one. It is here that we find the confluence of the Ucayali River and the Marañón River, which is generally considered the start of the Amazon River proper. Here you’ll have your first chance to photograph the sunset over the Amazon Rainforest, the colors of which are, at times, so intense you’ll feel like you’re on a different planet.

* Please Note That The Exact Activities depend on the season.

When you wake up, you’ll be in the amazing Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve. We recommend you get up early to appreciate the wonderful sights and sounds of the jungle at dawn when everything comes to life. Day 3 begins with a visit to Nauta Caño Creek. This creek is known for squirrel monkeys and silver-backed tamarins, birds, dolphins, and even sloths! We will explore the riverbanks by skiff, searching for small caimans and spiders, as well as many different types of insects!

We will then head to the Fundo Casual, where we’ll find a trailhead that takes you into the depths of the jungle. As you walk, your guide will point out all the creatures you can see, as well as interesting trees and medicinal plants. We’ll then go to the Amazonas Village, a community of about 500 people. Here, with no roads, people use the rivers as highways, traveling from place to place in boats and canoes. When we arrive in the village, we’ll be greeted by the friendly locals, who will tell us more about how they live. They will be happy to show you their agricultural processes, such as the peeling and grating of cassava, and the tools they use to process locally-grown rice. Spending the day with these ribereños (people who live along the riverbanks) is a fascinating cultural experience. It shows us how different life here can be, especially when compared to the fast-paced lives many of us live. It will also give us a far greater understanding of how things work in the settlements scattered along the banks of the Amazon and its tributaries.

Finally, we will witness the impressive "Meeting of the Rivers", where we can admire the different colors of three rivers as they merge into one. It is here that we find the confluence of the Ucayali River and the Marañón River, which is generally considered the start of the Amazon River proper. Here you’ll have your first chance to photograph the sunset over the Amazon Rainforest, the colors of which are, at times, so intense you’ll feel like you’re on a different planet.

Our final day is always tinged with sadness as we head back to the port in Nauta to disembark. When we arrive in Nauta, our staff back on dry land will be waiting for you, and they’ll drive you back to Iquitos. But the trip isn’t quite done yet! On our way from Nauta to Iquitos, we’ll visit the River Mammals Rescue and Rehabilitation Center (ACOBIA) where you will have the opportunity to meet orphaned baby manatees, which are quite possible the cutest, chubbiest little things you’ll ever see! You’ll learn all about the manatees and the threats they face. The center is also home to other animals that have been rescued from hunters and the illegal wildlife trade.  

Afterwards, we’ll take you to Iquitos Airport if you have a flight to catch, or drop you off at your hotel. Our staff will be with you all the way, to help with any arrangements or questions you might have. And then it will be time for our final goodbye. We hope you had an amazing time in the Amazon and aboard the beautiful Delfin II.