Our moderate trips require an average level of fitness. Itineraries may include walks or short hikes of up to two to three hours with little elevation gain, sustained walking at higher altitudes, and/or other similar level physical activities. Many activities are optional.
How We Rate Our Trips
Easy: Our easy tours generally require fairly little exertion. Each day will involve walking, sightseeing and general travel-related activities such as getting in/out of vans, planes, boats, and zodiacs.
Moderate: Our moderate trips require an average level of fitness. Itineraries may include walks or short hikes of up to two to three hours with little elevation gain, sustained walking at higher altitudes, and/or other similar level physical activities. Many activities are optional.
Difficult: Our difficult trips may involve hiking over uneven terrain, with some hikes including significant elevation gain or loss and at higher elevations (up to 12,000 ft). Itineraries may include three to six hour hikes and other activities such as horseback riding, mountain bicycling, rafting and kayaking, which require no previous experience. On many trips, passengers may elect to skip a day's activity, depending on logistics.
Most Difficult: Our most difficult expeditions are for the adventurer who is in good physical condition. Itineraries may involve multi-day hiking and trekking excursions over steep, rugged terrain and/or where altitude may exceed 14,000 feet. Many trips include camping in remote areas and/or high altitude sites in varying temperature and weather conditions. Trips may also involve many days of demanding Class IV-V rapids, longer sea kayaking trips, horseback riding, and/or mountain bicycling. Training for the physical demands of these tours is highly encouraged.
Enjoy an intimate trip along the Amazon with this four or five-day river cruise. Explore the tributaries and flooded forests of the Peruvian Amazon from the water as the riverboat travels up the Ucayali River. Kayak up small tributaries and into hidden lagoons for an up-close view. Spend time listening to the birdlife and wildlife, and note how the concert changes with the time of day. Watch playful river dolphins as they feed and frolic. Meet some of the area’s indigenous villagers, whose... READ MORE >>
Enjoy an intimate trip along the Amazon with this four or five-day river cruise. Explore the tributaries and flooded forests of the Peruvian Amazon from the water as the riverboat travels up the Ucayali River. Kayak up small tributaries and into hidden lagoons for an up-close view. Spend time listening to the birdlife and wildlife, and note how the concert changes with the time of day. Watch playful river dolphins as they feed and frolic. Meet some of the area’s indigenous villagers, whose families have thrived in the remote jungle for generations. This trip of a lifetime gives you the chance to explore the beauty and splendor of still-largely-unknown part of the world.
Itinerary
Itinerary (Delfin II (4D/3N))
ARRIVAL IN IQUITOS - IQUITOS TO NAUTA
BELLUDA CANO CREEK - DORADO RIVER
CLAVERO LAKE - YARAPA RIVER - PUERTO MIGUEL
DISEMBARKATION IN NAUTA – ACOBIA - DEPARTURE FROM IQUITOS
Your guides will meet you at the airport in Iquitos and take you via private vehicle to Nauta, a 19th century river town on the banks of the Marañon River, about 1.5 hours away. Lunch will be provided along the way. You’ll come aboard the Delfín II, your luxurious home for the duration of your trip. Settle into your spacious accommodations that include a private terrace before meeting for an orientation on the upper deck. Enjoy a Pisco Sour, the country’s favorite alcoholic beverage, or another drink prepared by your bartender as the boat begins its journey. (L, D)
Enjoy an early-morning exploration of Belluda Cano Creek, one of the tributaries that feeds into the Pacaya Simiria Reserve. Get up close and personal with the gray and pink river dolphins in a skiff. Spot a variety of local birdlife as they take flight.
In the afternoon, you’ll explore Dorado River, known for its wide range of wildlife. Listen for cacophonous monkeys chattering to each other and spot colorful butterflies and insects, as they cruise along the riverbanks. As night falls, the daytime inhabitants will disappear, making room for a new population of nighttime wildlife to see and hear as the sun sets. (B, L, D)
After your gourmet breakfast on the boat, you’ll head out on a skiff to explore Clavero Lake. View the diverse plant life and wildlife that is unique to this part of the rainforest. Next, you’ll climb into a kayak for a trip along the Yarapa River. Explore the riverbanks up close as you peer deep into the jungle and listen for the sounds of its inhabitants.
To finish the day, you’ll visit Puerto Miguel, a local indigenous village. Visit the schoolhouse to meet the children and learn about their typical school day. You’ll also have a chance to meet the village’s artisan women and see their wares at the local arts and crafts market. (B, L, D)
This morning after breakfast you’ll take your luggage and board a private transport for the 1.5-hour trip back to Iquitos. Along the way you’ll make a stop at the Rescue and Rehabilitation Center of River Mammals (ACOBIA), where you’ll have a chance to pet, feed and learn more about manatees, the gentle river mammals that are native to the area and on the endangered species list. Afterward your guides will take you to the Iquitos airport for your flight back to Lima, ending your trip with Southern Explorations. (B)
Your guides will be waiting at the Iquitos airport when you arrive to take you to Nauta, a small riverside port city about an hour and a half away. Lunch will be provided along the way. In Nauta you will board the Delfín II and meet the boat’s staff, who will help you settle in to your private quarters, complete with orthopedic beds, air conditioning, private bathrooms and private terraces.
As the boat gets underway, you’ll meet for an orientation. Enjoy a Pisco Sour or other drink of your choice as you learn more about the wildlife, geography and history of the areas you’ll be visiting on your trip. After happy hour you’ll enjoy a gourmet dinner. (L, D)
You’ll start the day with an early-morning trip along Belluda Cano Creek, one of the tributaries of the Pacaya Samiria Reserve. You’ll get a chance to enjoy the intimacy of an encounter with gray and pink river dolphins from a metal skiff. You’ll also see a number of early-morning birds, out looking for breakfast.
In the afternoon you’ll explore the Dorado River, taking in the rich biodiversity of the area in the form of butterflies, insects, monkeys and other wildlife. As night falls, you’ll see the population shift as many of the jungle’s inhabitants disappear and others emerge. (B, L, D)
This morning you’ll head out in a kayak for a quiet paddle along the Zapote River. Your guides will lead you upstream in search for prehistoric iguanas sunning themselves on the riverbanks. You’ll also hear and see squirrel monkeys as they noisily move in their family groups from the mid to upper levels of the lowland forest.
Later in the morning you’ll arrive at the Pacaya River, the cruise’s midway point in the heart of the Pacaya Samiria Natural Reserve. The reserve is the largest protected wetland reserve in the world, and Peru’s largest protected area. With a mean rainfall of almost 3000 millimeters (118 inches) per year, the area has a wealth of lakes, palm swamps and streams. During the rainy season, the area becomes a lush and verdant flooded forest; there is no other area like it on earth. Enjoy this area with a swim in the pristine lagoons, or relax on deck as you drink in the remote natural beauty of the area. (B, L, D)
Today you’ll explore Clavero Lake as the boat heads back toward Nauta. Climb aboard the aluminum skiff for the chance to take a close up view of the diverse flora and fauna along the lake’s banks. In the afternoon, you’ll explore the Yarapa River via kayak. Enjoy a peaceful paddle along the banks, listening for the local wildlife as you keep an eye out for colorful feathers and wings.
Later you’ll stop at Puerto Miguel, an Amazonian jungle village. Visit the local school before checking out the locally made crafts made by the village’s women at the arts and crafts market. (B, L, D)
After breakfast you’ll disembark in Nauta with your luggage for the 1.5-hour trip back to Iquitos. On the way you’ll stop at The Rescue and Rehabilitation Center of River Mammals (ACOBIA), where you can pet, feed and learn about manatees and other local river mammals that are on the endangered species list. Afterward your guides will take you to the Iquitos airport to catch your flight back to Lima, ending your Amazon adventure with Southern Explorations. (B)
Weather
When to Visit
jan
feb
mar
apr
may
jun
jul
aug
sep
oct
nov
dec
Peru is a diverse country. With beaches, mountains, rainforest and desert, there is no off-season. But it does pay to know a bit about where you're going, and what you'll need on your Peru tour:
The Andes - Though officially part of the dry season, April and May are considered the Andean spring, while June through October marks the Andean summer. Mid-day temperatures range from 70 to 80 F in the sun. Nighttime temperatures in Cusco range in the 40s F and can dip into the 30s F. Weather is usually clear in the morning with clouds accumulating in the afternoon. Rain can happen in any season, so quality rain gear is essential.
The Amazon - A rainforest environment, the Peruvian Amazon has varied weather conditions and frequent unpredictable rain showers. It is generally hot and humid during the day with more comfortable temperatures through the night. Daytime high temperatures average between 82° and 93° F, and the average nighttime low is between 62° and 73°. Nevertheless, in some areas cold fronts can sweep into the Amazon and push daytime high temperatures down to 50° F and nighttime lows to 43° F. Any time of year, one should always be prepared for cooler temperatures and rain showers. Around 80% of the annual average 79 inches of rainfall occurs during the rainy season (December through March) when heavy rain may continue for hours or days.
Year Round Temperatures in °F, Rainfall in Inches
LIMA
Min-Max Air Temp
Avg Rainfall
JAN
68-79
0.0
FEB
69-80
0.0
MAR
69-80
0.0
APR
67-76
0.0
MAY
63-72
0.0
JUN
61-69
0.1
JUL
60-67
0.2
AUG
60-66
0.1
SEP
60-67
0.1
OCT
60-69
0.1
NOV
62-72
0.0
DEC
64-76
0.0
*Year Round Temperatures in °F, Rainfall in Inches
CUSCO
Min-Max Air Temp
Avg Rainfall
JAN
44-65
6.3
FEB
44-65
5.2
MAR
43-66
4.3
APR
41-67
1.8
MAY
39-67
0.3
JUN
33-66
0.1
JUL
32-66
0.2
AUG
35-67
0.3
SEP
39-68
0.9
OCT
42-69
1.9
NOV
43-69
3.1
DEC
44-69
4.7
*Year Round Temperatures in °F, Rainfall in Inches
PUNO
Min-Max Air Temp
Avg Rainfall
JAN
38-62
5.2
FEB
38-62
4.3
MAR
38-62
3.8
APR
33-62
1.5
MAY
25-62
0.4
JUN
19-61
0.1
JUL
18-61
0.1
AUG
22-63
0.2
SEP
29-64
0.8
OCT
33-65
1.5
NOV
35-66
2.0
DEC
37-64
3.6
*Year Round Temperatures in °F, Rainfall in Inches
PUERTO MALDONADO
Min-Max Air Temp
Avg Rainfall
JAN
71-88
13.6
FEB
70-87
12.8
MAR
70-88
11.9
APR
69-87
6.1
MAY
66-86
4.2
JUN
63-84
2.3
JUL
62-85
2.2
AUG
64-88
2.5
SEP
66-90
3.9
OCT
69-90
6.5
NOV
70-89
9.3
DEC
70-88
12.1
*Year Round Temperatures in °F, Rainfall in Inches
1 Bunk Bed Cabin (available for one adult or two children)
Vessel Details -
Year Built: 2009
Type of vessel: River vessel
Port of Embarkation: City of Nauta
Vessel´s Registry: Peru
Length: 135 feet
Beam: 32 feet
Draft: 8’25”
Capacity: 30 passengers
Generator: 2 Caterpillars, 55KW each (encapsulated)
Engine: Caterpillar C12 385HP eco-electronic
Cruising Speed: Average 8.20 knots
Water: Water treatment plant with 7.0 cubic meter capacity
Sewage Waters: Sewage treatment plant
Radio Communication: VHF, UHF and satellite phone on board
Launch Boats: 3 aluminum 10 passenger skiffs (+1 for emergencies
with four stroke low emission Mercury 15HP engine) equipped with
four stroke low emission Mercury 60HP engines + radio communications
with main vessel, life jackets and flares
Life Jackets: one per passenger, available in each Suite
(click for enlargement)
Our trip was rather complex with three different sections (Amazon, Galapagos, and Machu Picchu (Peru)). There were a number of internal flights as well as trains, boats, and more. We also had coordination of people joining us part way through, special guides, and special activities for some people. I was very impressed that all of the transfers, activities, and connections occurred without a hitch. There were ample opportunities for things to go wrong, but the whole trip went exceptionally smoothly. All of the guides were outstanding - knowledgeable, personable, with good communication skills, and a good sense of humor. I appreciated the very small groups, which afforded just the right balance. We were able to see more than expected. It couldn’t have been better. - Linda Tredupp, Wisconsin (Amazon, Galapagos Island Cruise & Peru)
I was very impressed with the organization of our trip. Everything Southern Explorations was responsible for went smoothly and everything was on schedule. The Manatee on the Amazon had some initial trouble but it could not have been known or anticipated by SE. Once again I would like to compliment Jorge on his work. He made our comings and goings to and from Quito very easy. If I go to South America again my first call will be to Southern Explorations. Thank you. - Peter Tuck, CA (Corals & Manatee)
I have traveled many places in the world but the trip put together by Southern Explorations may well be the best. The amazing biology we saw on the Galapagos and in the Amazon, wonderful guides both on the Eclipse and at Sacha lodge, excellent food, and great coordination of the different parts of the trip made for an incredible journey. -Marilyn Parsons, USA (Galapagos Island Cruise & Amazon)
Please consider strongly using Southern Explorations to book your trip to South America. These folks are well organized and provided excellent preparation materials. The two tours that I took (Galapagos Islands and the Amazon) were outstanding, in part due to the people working with Southern Explorations. There was excellent communication between Southern Explorations staff and myself which helped markedly in planning the trip, the exact locations to be visited, and the accommodations. Do not miss this opportunity to work with this wonderful group! - Renée Leboeuf (Galapagos Island Cruise & Amazon)
Thank-you for the trip of a life time and I have already recommended you to everyone who asks! - Wendy Williams, Canada (Amazon, Machu Picchu & Galapagos Island Cruise)
Southern Explorations did a superb job creating an individual guided trip for us to the Amazon, Cusco, Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. The guides were terrific - well-informed, friendly and flexible. The accommodations were excellent. The trip was a thrilling experience for us - exceeded our expectations at all of the locations. Thank you!! - David Bergen & Rhea Feldman, USA (Amazon & Peru)
We had an outstanding time on our Galapagos Adventure + stay at the Sacha Lodge. Everything ran seamlessly and our guides were fun and knowledgeable. It was the perfect mix of activity, education, and relaxation! We also highly recommend the Sacha Lodge. - Eric & Leah Monson, USA (Galapagos Island Land & Amazon)
A: We offer a wide variety of itineraries suitable for all ages, fitness levels and personal interests. Figuring out the total number of days you are available to travel is a good starting point and your Adventure Travel Coordinator can guide you through the options.
Q: Can I make changes or additions to these tours?
A: Yes! We are happy to modify any tour to meet your needs and also add pre and post-excursion extensions. If you sign up for a group departure we cannot change the group portion, but we can add extensions before and after.
Q: When is the best time to go to Peru?
A: Many travelers like to visit Peru between the months of April and October, when the chances of rain are much lower. Avoid the height of summer (June through August) and the Christmas holiday season for smaller crowds and the best selection of accommodations.
Q: What is the weather like in Peru?
A: The most traveled section of Peru, where Cusco and Machu Picchu are located, has a dry season (April – October) and a rainy season (November – March) with daytime temperatures in the 60s and 70s and lows in the 40s. Rainfall and temperatures vary in other regions depending on season and elevation. Please see the weather tab on your specific trip for more details.
Q: What is a typical day like in Peru?
A: A typical day in Peru will vary from tour to tour, but generally you can expect to start your excursions right after breakfast with a full day of scheduled activities or sightseeing. Contact your Adventure Travel Coordinator to discuss the specifics of your tour.
Q: How physically fit do I need to be to enjoy a trip to Peru?
A: Our trips vary in level of activity, so the requirements differ based on itinerary. It’s important to keep in mind that much of Peru is at or above 8000’ above sea level which can add some difficulty to the activities. Please check our physical ratings for each itinerary to see what may be required of you when assessing your ability to enjoy a trip. If you have any specific questions, please contact your Adventure Travel Coordinator. We have personal experience with these activities and can help you decide whether a trip is right for you.
Q: How much time do we need to visit Peru?
A: We offer trips as short as 5 days, but recommend 7 days to adequately explore the Andean highlands (Cusco, Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu). If you wish to visit more than one region, we recommend travelling for at least 12 days.
Q: How far in advance should I book?
A: Peru is a popular destination and space at the most desirable hotels fills up quickly. As a rule, the further in advance you can plan, the more options you will have. We recommend planning at least six to nine months in advance throughout the year, and a year ahead of time for anything over the Christmas holiday season.
Q: What are your booking and cancellation policies?
A: Click here to see our booking and cancellation policies.
Q: Do you use certified guides?
A: Our guides have been carefully selected for their knowledge, professionalism, experience and ability to effectively manage groups with finesse. We hire only guides who are native to the destination and are licensed and/or certified in accordance with the government regulations of their country. All are fluent in Spanish and English, and some also speak indigenous languages. Most have advanced degrees in tourism, biology, native culture or other related field. All guides are experienced in the outdoors and trained in basic first aid.
Q: What kind of accommodations can I expect?
A: We primarily work with 3 and 4-star hotels that meets our standards. We also work with several amazing 5-star properties. All of our hotels are clean, comfortable, well-located, offer en suite bathrooms and have been personally vetted by a Southern Explorations’ staff member.
Q: Do tours include airfare?
A: We will confirm all airfare within South America and this price will be listed separately from our base tour costs. You are responsible for booking international flights to/from Peru.
Q: How many people are on your tours?
A: We operate our scheduled group trips with a minimum of two and a maximum of eight guests, except on the Inca Trail trips, which have a maximum of 12 guests. This policy minimizes our environmental impact, allows us to travel to areas less visited, and makes the sightseeing experience more personal. It allows our guides sufficient time to attend to the individual needs of each visitor. Traveling in small groups also increases the likelihood of encountering wildlife in some areas, such as the Amazon. Some all-inclusive lodges and cruises offer excursions with their in-house guides and groups for those days may exceed eight travelers.
Q: Will I get more information on packing, vaccines, currency, electricity, etc.?
A: After booking you will receive a link to our online trip portal which includes all of the need-to-know information that is specific to your itinerary. This includes packing lists, restaurant recommendations, tipping guides, FAQs, vaccine recommendations and currency information. Your Adventure Travel Coordinator will also be a great resource for any other information you may need.
“The guide was great. He was knowledgeable about the natural history and the Darwiniana. He was a great snorkeling guide. He chose restaurants and seafood well. And then set up a basketball game with local friends for our son on the last day. We've done a lot of international travel with my own professional activities."
Bill Hyde – CO
Galapagos Multisport, Ecuador
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