Cruise the Amazon Basin
The Amazon Basin covers roughly 60% of Peru. One of the most biodiverse habitats on Earth, this densely forested region is home to just over 44% of Peru’s avian species and 65% of its mammals.
“Rest is not idleness, and to lie sometimes on the grass under trees on a summer’s day, listening to the murmur of the water, or watching the clouds float across the sky, is by no means a waste of time.”
J. Lubbock
Peru’s tributaries merge with rivers from across the northern half of the continent, flowing more than 3,000 miles from the Andes to the Atlantic.
Iquitos, in Peru’s far northeast, is an island city surrounded by three such rivers: the Nanay, Itaya, and the Amazon.
Delfin Amazon Cruises
Since 2006, Delfin has been a pioneer in luxury Amazon cruising. Iquitos is the departure point for luxurious multi-day river cruises.
Passengers can choose either a 3 or 4-night stay on one of the three Delfin cruise ships. All of their programs are designed to showcase the best of the Marañon and Ucayali Rivers in the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve and other places throughout the Peruvian Amazon.
Activities available to passengers include:
- Kayaking
- Swimming with dolphins
- Fishing for piranhas
- Birdwatching
- Trail walks
- Visits to local communities
Cuisine
Dining aboard the Delfin cruise ships is a sophisticated experience. The staff prepares fresh and exotic dishes inspired by the Amazon region.
This Relais & Châteaux dining atmosphere invites guests to kickstart their tastebuds and sample food they’ve never tasted before.
Delfin I
The flagship Delfin I was fully refurbished in 2010. It houses two Deluxe Suites (360 square feet, private whirlpool decks) and two Master Suites (340 square feet, with private decks).
All cabins may be set up as triple-occupancy, giving the Delfin I a maximum capacity of 12 passengers.
Up to 12 guests are supported by a staff of 27 crew members, including three naturalist guides and a top-notch culinary team. Each of the 4 spacious suites features air conditioning and outward-facing panoramic windows.
In-room amenities include:
- Deluxe beds and linens
- Bath amenities
- Daily maid service
- Hairdryer
- Security box
- Climate control
- Bedside table and lamps
Delfin I Amenities
Common area amenities include an indoor bar/lounge, indoor dining room, outside lounge, jetted tub, and observation deck.
Delfin II
The Delfin II has 14 cabins including 4 Master suites and 10 suites; 2 sets can be interconnected to accommodate families. Each room is fitted with panoramic windows that ensure a front seat view of the Peruvian Amazon.
In-Suite amenities include:
- Deluxe beds and linens
- Bath amenities
- Daily maid service
- Hairdryer
- Security box
- Climate control
- Bedside table and lamps
Delfin II Amenities
This cruise ship is equipped with a dining room, an observation deck and lounge, a bar, an entertainment center, and a lecture room.
Delfin III
The Delfin III is the largest of the cruises, housing 22 suites and accommodating up to 44 passengers.
The first deck features 8 Suites with with floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows as well as 2 Corner Suites. The second deck has 10 Upper Suites and the Owner’s Suite.
- Deluxe beds and linens
- Bath amenities
- Daily maid service
- Hairdryer
- Security box
- Climate control
- Bedside table and lamps
- Luggage Storage
Delfin III Amenities
The top deck features beautiful indoor and outdoor lounge areas, a sundeck with plunge pool, a spa and gym, and a bar.
Sample Itineraries
Three and four-night cruise programs are available year-round. During the November to May high-water season (monthly rainfall of approximately 12 inches), launch boats can venture deeper into the flooded forest. Average high temperatures reach 90°F year-round, with humidity above 80%.
Each day, guests are presented with full or half-day options to explore narrow river branches, visit indigenous communities, or view exotic wildlife.
Longer cruise programs visit the Pacaya Samiria Reserve, spanning more than five million acres. Here, visitors can observe pink river dolphins, monkeys, sloths, caimans, and a rainbow of birds.
Delfin I: 3 nights, 4 days
Day 1:
- Depart from Iquitos, happy hour and orientation
Day 2:
- In the morning, visit Fundo Casual in skiff boats and take a jungle trail walk
- In the evening, visit to Ribereno community in an Amazon Village
Day 3:
- Go to Amazon Park and take a jungle trail and canopy walk
- Visit Yanayacu Pucate and swim near dolphins
Day 4:
- Disemark in the morning at Rescue & Rehabilitation Center of River Mammals (ACOBIA) to learn about manatees and other threatened species en route to Iquitos airport.
Delfin II: 3 nights, 4 days
Day 1:
- Arrive in Iquitos, transfer to Nauta, VIP reception at private port, embark
Day 2:
- In the morning, visit Belluda Cano Creek, skiff exploration and encounter pink dolphins
- In the evening, visit Dorado River, skiff exploration, piranha fishing & night safari
Day 3:
- Explore Clavero Lake on skiff boats
- Visit Yarapa River and kayak. Stop at Puerto Miguel village
Day 4:
- Disemark in the morning at Rescue & Rehabilitation Center of River Mammals (ACOBIA) to learn about manatees and other threatened species en route to Iquitos airport.
Delfin III: 4 nights, 5 days
Day 1:
- Arrive in Iquitos, transfer to Nauta, happy hour and orientation
Day 2:
- In the morning, visit Fundo Casual in skiff boats and take a jungle trail walk
- In the evening, visit to Yanayacu Pucate and swim near dolphins
Day 3:
- Skiff exploration through Simiria River
- Visit Nauta Caño via skiff boats, piranha fishing
Day 4:
- Visit local community and school in San Francisco
- Birdwatching at Marayali River
- Disembark in the morning at Rescue & Rehabilitation Center of River Mammals (ACOBIA) to learn about manatees and other threatened species
Iquitos is 1.5 hours from Lima by air. Contact LANDED for rates, departure dates, and more information. Delfin I, II and III are available for exclusive family and corporate charters. We can also help your combined your cruise with extensions to Machu Picchu or the Galapagos. Speak with a travel planner today at 801.582.2100. We’ll take care of the details.
