National Geographic Delfin II Upper Amazon Cruise
This 9-day Upper Amazon cruise aboard 28-guest Delfin II includes pre-cruise accommodation in Lima, Peru, with the added bonus of exploring the Amazon with professional National Geographic guides.
This comprehensive 9-day Upper Amazon cruise includes pre-cruise accommodation in Lima and the added bonus of exploring the Amazon with professional National Geographic guides. Such inclusions set the National Geographic Upper Amazon Cruise cruise apart from other Amazon small ship cruises. The Delfin II is also one of the only ships cruising the Amazon with a full fleet of kayaks for up-close and personal exploration.
Spend 9 days experiencing Peru travel like never before. Search for three-toed sloths, piranhas, squirrel monkeys, tamarins, white-throated toucans, the famous pink Amazon river dolphin and hundreds of birds roosting and feeding along riverbanks. Enthusiastic and experienced National Geographic guides lead daily motorized skiff rides to beautiful rainforest walks (depending on water levels), past towering tropical trees and down remote tributaries. Kayak in the quiet blackwaters between giant lily pads or swim in a lake in the reserve’s deep interior. Bird-watchers, experienced explorers and those new to travel will enjoy the abundance of Amazon wildlife with equal amazement. Guided night walks reveal caimans, frogs, fishing bats and other creatures of the night. Daytime community visits illuminate how the ribereños, who live on the riverbanks, understand the Amazon and maintain their age-old traditions.
When the Peruvian Government established the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve in 1982, they encouraged the preservation of wilderness resources of the Amazon Basin, the longest extension of rainforest in the world. Named for the Pacaya River and Samiria Rivers running through it, the Pacaya-Samiria Reserve is bordered by two large and powerful rivers: the Marañón and the Ucayali, which converge to create the Amazon River. Seasonal flooding make the reserve unique in that aquatic species are often more abundant than land wildlife. Some 94 communities live within the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve and their main economy is centered around fishing, agriculture, gathering and hunting, which remains their first and most important activity and main food source.
Itineraries in the Peruvian Amazon vary based on High-water season and Low-water season. High-water season is typically November to May and may allow for more extensive exploration and access via water. Low-water season is typically June through October and may allow for more trail walks. All listed activities depend on water levels, weather and season. Travelers equipped with a sense of adventure and openness tend to enjoy their experience in the Amazon jungle more.
The luxury 28-guest riverboat Delfin II operates the National Geographic Upper Amazon Cruise, and is the perfect way to personally experience the Amazon while remaining comfortable and relaxed. The open decks and panoramic views make wildlife viewing easy at all times of day. Onboard amenities create a leisurely atmosphere while world-class chefs present the finest Peruvian gourmet cuisine. To truly experience Peru’s Upper Amazon, spend 9 days cruising through flooded forests, kayaking up winding tributaries and interacting with the people and wildlife that call the Amazon’s Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve home.
Read on for details about this trip, or learn more about AdventureSmith’s Amazon cruises and Amazon trips.
Upper Amazon: A River Expedition Aboard Delfin II Itinerary
This 9-day National Geographic Upper Amazon Cruise operates round-trip from Lima, Peru, exploring with National Geographic guides and a fleet of kayaks.
Arrive in Lima in the late evening and transfer to your conveniently located hotel, Wyndham Costa del Sol Lima Airport Hotel.
After breakfast, fly to Iquitos and continue overland to the riverside village of Nauta, where the Delfin II awaits. Settle into your cabin and gather for a welcome dinner of fine Peruvian cuisine on board. Tonight, step out on deck to gaze at the magnificent Amazon night sky.
Spend this week exploring the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve, a pristine swath of jungle stretching more than five million acres and harboring some of the Amazon’s most fascinating flora and fauna. It is bordered by the Marañón and the Ucayali, two powerful rivers that converge to create the famed Amazon, which floods annually with nutrient-rich waters. Locally, the area is known as the Mirrored Forest for the reflections created by its glassy water.
Daily excursions are by skiff, kayak and—when the water level permits—hikes on dry land. Skim past giant lily pads afloat on blackwater lakes and venture deep into the rain forest on narrow tributaries. Spot sloths and monkeys, including variably colored saddleback tamarins, noisy howlers and shaggytailed monk saki monkeys. Watch for an astounding variety of birds, from tanagers and hummingbirds to parrots and endangered scarlet macaws. In the river, look for massive paiche fish, the Amazon’s largest; rare pink dolphins; and the infamous piranhas.
Enjoy an opportunity to swim in a lake in the reserve’s interior. Seek out victoria amazonica, a giant water lily that grows in small lagoons. Go on a bird-watching hike, listening for the vocal oropendola and then looking for its telltale yellow tail. Watch the sunset and listen to a cacophonous symphony of nocturnal animals calling out across the treetops. Then slip through the forest in a skiff as night falls, using a spotlight to find caimans, frogs, fishing bats and other creatures of the night.
One of the unexpected joys of traveling in the Upper Amazon of Peru is interacting with the local ribereños, the traditional people who live on the riverbanks. Visit one of the local communities and see the projects that this cruise supports through a local non-profit, including a variety of handicrafts, women’s health initiatives and sustainable farming.
Disembark in Nauta, stopping at the Amazon Rescue Center on the drive to Iquitos. Fly to Lima, where you’ll connect to flights home.
Included
Accommodations aboard ship and in hotel as indicated on itinerary (or similar); wi-fi in the indoor lounge/bar area, meals as indicated; beer, wine & full bar; excursions; services of expedition leaders, naturalists and a medic assistant; port charges and service taxes. Gratuities for all departures of National Geographic Explorer, Orion, Endurance, Resolution, Sea Cloud, Jahan and Lord of the Glens.
Exclusions
Air transportation; immigration fees; extensions; meals not indicated; reserve wines & premium spirits; gratuities for all departures of Delfin II, Endeavour II, Islander II, Venture, Quest, Sea Bird and Sea Lion; personal items such as emails, laundry, voyage DVD, etc.; and insurance of any kind.
Payment & Cancellation
In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of 15% of the total trip cost is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 120 days before the departure date. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person fees, based on number of days prior to departure:
120 or more days – 100% of deposit**
119 to 90 days – 50% of total trip cost
89 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost
**Advance payments will be credited in the form of a Lindblad Expeditions Travel Certificate, valid for 12 months from the date of cancellation, and which may only be applied towards final payment on any future booking.
Terms & Conditions
This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A Traveler Information Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. Your Adventure Specialist will send you a unique link to complete this form along with a packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information upon booking confirmation.
Arrival & Departure
The National Geographic Upper Amazon Cruise begins and ends in Lima, Peru (LIM). Plan to arrive in Lima anytime on Day 1 of the itinerary. Plan to depart Lima anytime after 7:00pm on Day 9 of the itinerary. We highly recommend arriving one day prior to your trip start date in case of any flight delay, cancellation or lost luggage issues. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit our Booking Flights resource page.
Internal Flights
The National Geographic Upper Amazon Cruise Itinerary has a required flight between Lima and Iquitos on Day 2 and Day 9 of the itinerary. These internal Peru flights are not included in the cruise price (see Exclusions), but are arranged for you by AdventureSmith Explorations through your ship. Your Adventure Specialist will book these flights for you on the scheduled Amazon flight for your particular departure.
Activities
Activities include skiff rides exploring the various tributaries and waterways, kayaking, hikes, walks, wildlife viewing from the ship, swimming and visiting local communities. The Delfin II is the only ship in the region equipped with a fleet of kayaks, providing the rare privilege of intimate up-close experiences in this magical environment. On ship activities include spending time on deck or enjoying a rejuvenating massage (added cost). Each day the choice of what to do is yours.
Room Configuration
In addition to the listed Solo cabin rates, select double-occupancy cabins may be available for single occupancy with a single supplement fee. Holiday solo rates may fluctuate. Some rooms in the Suite category may be interconnected for families. Contact AdventureSmith for further details and availability.
Families & Children
See the Deals section of this trip for any applicable child discounts. There is no special kids programming on this itinerary.
Travel Insurance
Protect your travel investment with insurance. Our partners at Travelex Insurance offer a variety of plans and policies to fit every trip and budget. For best value and coverage for pre-existing medical conditions, consider purchasing a policy at time of booking. Learn more about travel insurance or get a free quote.
Itinerary Notes
Use the itinerary as a guide only. Itineraries may be altered due to weather, season, wildlife, National Park regulation or at the captain’s and guides’ discretion. Itineraries in the Amazon vary based on the high water season of November to May and low water season of June to October. The ability to be flexible makes this type of small ship cruising unique.
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Experience the unexpected at the Wyndham Costa del Sol Lima Airport hotel, connected by a walkway with the Lima International Airport - much more than just a place to stay before a flight. Enjoy the caring staff that will greet guests with a smile and take care of every need. The hotel's prime location within the terminal is ideal for both travel plans and exploring Lima's area attractions.
Common Areas at Wyndham Costa del Sol Lima Airport
The spa features a Jacuzzi, sauna, steam room and quiet indoor pool for relaxation and rejuvenation after a long flight. Massage is available for an added fee.
Dining at Wyndham Costa del Sol Lima Airport
Guests are treated to a complimentary welcome drink upon arrival. A free daily buffet breakfast features an omelet station and inviting hot and cold selections. The onsite eatery, Paprika, offers fine dining with a variety of local and international cuisine, and an expertly crafted list of wines, spirits, and beverages. The modern, Walak bar and lounge is open around the clock.
Nearby Attractions to Wyndham Costa del Sol Lima Airport
Hotel guests can follow the Inca Trail and feast on local specialties at charming nearby cafes, surf or shop in Miraflores, go boho in the Barranco district and be awed at an archeological site. Lima's stately museums, art galleries bursting with folk art and historic artifacts, music festivals, bustling markets, plazas and squares are all within reach of the hotel.
Accommodations at Wyndham Costa del Sol Lima Airport
The Wyndham Costa del Sol Lima Airport hotel at Jorge Chavez Lima-Callao International Airport is a beautiful 192-room and 6-suite hotel. Each guestroom features two full beds or one queen bed along with well-designed amenities and modern conveniences, including plush bedding with pillow top mattresses, free WiFi, flat screen TVs, fully stocked mini-bars, marble bathrooms with soaking tubs and showers, spacious work desks with ergonomic chairs, free local calls, electronic safes, and coffee/tea makers. In addition, the spacious suites offer a Jacuzzi, 32-inch LCD TV and separate living room with sofabed.
Experience the unexpected at the Wyndham Costa del Sol Lima Airport hotel, connected by a walkway with the Lima International Airport - much more than just a place to stay before a flight. Enjoy the caring staff that will greet guests with a smile and take care of every need. The hotel's prime location within the terminal is ideal for both travel plans and exploring Lima's area attractions.
Common Areas at Wyndham Costa del Sol Lima Airport
The spa features a Jacuzzi, sauna, steam room and quiet indoor pool for relaxation and rejuvenation after a long flight. Massage is available for an added fee.
Dining at Wyndham Costa del Sol Lima Airport
Guests are treated to a complimentary welcome drink upon arrival. A free daily buffet breakfast features an omelet station and inviting hot and cold selections. The onsite eatery, Paprika, offers fine dining with a variety of local and international cuisine, and an expertly crafted list of wines, spirits, and beverages. The modern, Walak bar and lounge is open around the clock.
Nearby Attractions to Wyndham Costa del Sol Lima Airport
Hotel guests can follow the Inca Trail and feast on local specialties at charming nearby cafes, surf or shop in Miraflores, go boho in the Barranco district and be awed at an archeological site. Lima's stately museums, art galleries bursting with folk art and historic artifacts, music festivals, bustling markets, plazas and squares are all within reach of the hotel.
Accommodations at Wyndham Costa del Sol Lima Airport
The Wyndham Costa del Sol Lima Airport hotel at Jorge Chavez Lima-Callao International Airport is a beautiful 192-room and 6-suite hotel. Each guestroom features two full beds or one queen bed along with well-designed amenities and modern conveniences, including plush bedding with pillow top mattresses, free WiFi, flat screen TVs, fully stocked mini-bars, marble bathrooms with soaking tubs and showers, spacious work desks with ergonomic chairs, free local calls, electronic safes, and coffee/tea makers. In addition, the spacious suites offer a Jacuzzi, 32-inch LCD TV and separate living room with sofabed.
The Delfin II is an exclusive home base for Amazon River cruising. This luxury, 28-guest riverboat combines comfort and grace effortlessly with the wilderness of the Amazon. Expect world-class hospitality, fine dining and great company aboard. As much of the river as on it and locally built, Delfin II’s iron exterior is clad in tropical hardwoods and her interior gleams with wood floors and lacquered palm ceilings. Wood stairs float between decks and lazily turning ceiling fans add the right tropical notes, while the air- conditioning invisibly cools and dehumidifies.
Note that for all of AdventureSmith’s Delfin II offerings, the ship is chartered by National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions, and the cabin categories and ship amenities are slightly different than those of her owner, Delfin Amazon Cruises. This version of Delfin II reflects her charter configuration.
Delfin II Review
AdventureSmith Explorations’ Delfin II riverboat review includes a detailed description including deck plans. Our small ship cruise experts have been aboard nearly every first-class vessel in the Amazon (including sister ships Delfin I & Delfin III — read our Delfin Amazon Review written by our specialists). Please read our Delfin II review below, then contact our small ship cruise experts to compare the Delfin II with other small luxury cruise ships and riverboats offering Amazon cruises.
AdventureSmith founder and president Todd Smith was one of the first people to see the Delfin II under construction in the busy port of Iquitos in 2009. Her hull had just been built and huge steel deck and wall plates were beginning to form cabins on the upper decks. He was amazed at the resourcefulness and ingenuity that went in to building what has become one of the finest ships built in this remote port city. A huge palapa, perhaps 50 feet wide and 150 feet long, covered the work site to protect it from weather because Aldo Machiavello, the owner of Delfin Amazon Cruises, learned quickly that if it rained, which it frequently does in Iquitos, the workers would simply go home. Today, the Delfin II remains one of the most innovative and sustainable ships in the Amazon and is the first with a full fleet of kayaks for every guest to enjoy.
Common Areas Aboard Delfin II
Social spaces aboard Delfin II include a beautifully styled Dining Room and an enclosed Lecture Room on the Upper Deck. The Lecture Room is equipped with a full set of media equipment and print materials so you can learn more about the wonderful Peruvian Amazon. During leisure moments, the Lecture Room may be enjoyed as a lounge, complete with computers for picture sharing, handmade game tables and air conditioning. This lovely space has been warmly designed and features artwork from Peru's leading contemporary artists.
To complement your daily rainforest excursions, the Delfin II offers an exercise space and an onboard wellness specialist and spa room. Whether you enjoy aerobic exercises or cardio, the onboard Gym resources are available at your disposal. Better yet, the floor-to-ceiling windows allow you to never miss a second of the vibrant jungle scenery outside.
On the third deck, the casual yet comfortable environment encourages relaxation between the morning and night's adventures and activities. Kick back in the open air lounge's large soft sofas while and watch the river go by. Delfin II's bartender will always be ready with a choice of international and local liquors for a pre- or post-dinner cocktail. Coffee and tea are always available.
Dining Aboard Delfin II
Located on the second deck, the dining room on the Delfin II offers an ambiance created by glowing candlelight, sparkling china and elegant crystal ware. Memorable goes hand in hand with a Delfin experience. Peruvian cuisine is considered one of the world’s finest and reflects the country’s intrinsic cultural diversity.
Delfin II's dedicated staff pride themselves on carefully preparing contemporary Creole plates and offer exceptional service for your ultimate indulgence. The Amazon’s wild choices of fresh ingredients and the gentle blend of worldly immigrant traditions will enchant your taste buds. Handmade plateware, locally made table decorations changing from meal to meal and instrumental music performed by the staff create the ambiance to make each meal an unforgettable experience.
Activities Aboard Delfin II
The Delfin II is equipped with two aluminum skiff boats, each with capacity for 10 guests, to enable up-close exploration of the surrounding jungle and its estuaries. A full fleet of of double kayaks and stand-up paddleboards offers opportunities to paddle while taking in the sights and sounds of one of the largest flooded protected areas in the world.
Suites & Deck Plan Aboard Delfin II
Delfin II has 14 large guest suites that include 4 Amazon Suites with 180° panoramic windows, and 10 Guest Suites, 4 of which can be interconnected to accommodate families. All suites measure 360 square feet. Each with panoramic windows and natural elements, each suite offers all the comforts provided by world class lodging yet with the spirit of casual and refined elegance. Expect 100% 280-thread Peruvian cotton sheets and bedspreads, orthopedic mattresses, all cotton towels & bathrobes, the finest organic amenities, silent air conditioning units, the most wonderful views and individual reading lights; all create the epitome of luxury enjoyment. Bathrooms include a large shower, separate toilet and sink area. Enjoy complementary WiFi in the indoor lounge/bar.
Current Deals on This Trip
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Learn About the Small Ship & Hotel on Your Itinerary
For travelers arriving from North America to Lima and departing early for Cusco, this hotel's convenience cannot be beat. This luxury hotel is perfect for those traveling farther afield in Peru.
The Delfin II, chartered by National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions, is one of the most innovative and sustainable ships in the Amazon. She is the first to host a full fleet of kayaks, and her authenticity and cultural awareness reflect the Peruvian Amazon.
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Expert Aboard: Delfin Amazon Cruises Review
Hear from two AdventureSmith experts about their time sailing aboard the Delfin riverboat fleet in the Amazon. Get insight on which ship is right for you and their favorite experiences aboard.
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Additional Travel Options Before or After Your Cruise
In conjunction with this cruise, the following pre-cruise options are available for a seamless land-and-sea group travel experience with National Geographic guides and fellow passengers. Contact AdventureSmith Explorations for pricing.
Lima is a 3-day pre-cruise extension. Relax and explore vibrant, cosmopolitan Lima on this pre-voyage extension, featuring two nights at the classic Country Club Lima Hotel in fashionable residential San Isidro. See the Plaza de Armas and heart of colonial Lima on an included half-day tour. Sample celebrated Peruvian cuisine on your own for dinner.
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