Delfin II Cruise - Pacaya Samiria National Reserve - 5 Days

Early in the morning, Here in the Amazon Rainforest, we usually have dry mornings with beautiful sunrises. This is all we need to have a successful pre-breakfast exploration of the Rainforest! The early morning hours are the best time of day to watch birds, observe their special displays, and listen to their song. We will jump on the skiffs and head to the shores of the Ucayali River. This area is green with large trees and old palm trees as well, and these components favor the presence of several parrot species. This particular spot also has a great number of other birds of different species. Perhaps spot a large flock of red-bellied macaws, as well as different types of raptors, woodpeckers, and swallows. If you are very lucky you will hear loud and distinctive sounds of the blue and yellow macaws!

In the afternoon, we’ll head along the Dorado River, passing through an area of great biodiversity. Once again we’ll see plenty of bird species, as well as colorful butterflies of all shapes and sizes, a range of weird and wonderful insects, and some noisy troops of monkeys. And after the sun sets, we’ll enjoy the incredible cacophony of jungle sounds in the heart of the Amazon. 

In the morning, we’ll have reached our main goal, the Pacaya River, located at the very heart of the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve, Peru’s second-largest protected area. This stunning National Park has an 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 there are few places more fascinating or more beautiful on Earth. We will search for wildlife, and you’ll also have the chance to swim in one of the pristine Amazon lagoons in this wonderful reserve. 

After a big breakfast on the Delfin II, we will head off to explore the Yarapa River, where you can explore the tributary in the kayaks and listen closely to the strange sounds emanating from deep within the mysterious jungle.  Here we can meet the local villagers, who have lived in the Amazon for generations. If we arrive during the school term, we can pay a visit to the local school, where the children are always very happy and excited to have visitors. We can also visit the area where the female artisans of the village gather, and admire the wonderful arts and crafts that they make and sell. 

Next up is will be at the "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.

Finally, we will visit 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. 

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 enjoyed your time in the Amazon Rainforest and aboard the beautiful Delfin II.