Delfin III

Get a taste of the remote wild beauty of the Amazon with this four, five or seven-day luxury cruise along the Ucayali River. Enjoy air conditioning, an orthopedic bed and gourmet meals as you delve deep into the southeast end of the Pacaya Samiria Reserve, one of the most pristine and well-protected flooded forests in Peru. Hop into skiffs and get up close and personal with the wildlife that lives in the lagoons and tributaries of the Marañon and Samiria Rivers. Spot macaws, several species of ... READ MORE >>
Itinerary
Itinerary (Delfin III (4D/3N))
ARRIVAL IN IQUITOS - TRANSFER TO NAUTA - EMBARKATION
SAMIRIA RIVER - YANAYACU PUCATE
FUNDO CASUAL - SAN FRANCISCO - NAUTA CAÑO
DISEMBARKATION - ACOBIA – TRANSFER TO IQUITOS

Itinerary (Delfin III (5D/4N) )
IQUITOS TO NAUTA - EMBARKATION
SAMIRIA RIVER - YANAYAQUILLO
YANAYACU PUCATE - NAUTA CAÑO
FUNDO CASUAL - SAN FRANCISCO - THREE-RIVER CONFLUENCE
DISEMBARKATION – ACOBIA - IQUITOS
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Itinerary (Delfin III (4D/3N))
ARRIVAL IN IQUITOS - TRANSFER TO NAUTA - EMBARKATION
Your guides will meet you when you land at the Iquitos airport to take you via private transport to Nauta, where you will meet the Delfín III. The trip to Nauta, a small 19th century port city, takes about 1.5 hours; lunch will be provided along the way.
 
When you arrive at Nauta you will be greeted by the Delfín III’s crew, who will help you get settled in to your suite, which is fully equipped with a private bathroom, orthopedic bed, air conditioning and a private terrace.
 
As the boat launches and begins its journey, you’ll meet in the third floor observation deck for happy hour and orientation. Enjoy a Pisco Sour or other cocktail of your choice as you learn about the route, the geography and the wildlife of the areas you’re about to visit. Afterward, you’ll enjoy a gourmet dinner as the boat glides to the first destination. (L, D)
SAMIRIA RIVER - YANAYACU PUCATE
After breakfast, you’ll climb into an aluminum skiff to explore the Samiria River and its tributaries for a glimpse of the local wildlife, including toucans, umbrella birds, blue and yellow macaws, scarlet macaws, river otters, capybaras, monkeys and more. The area is also a preferred feeding ground for river dolphins, so keep an eye out.
 
Later in the afternoon, you’ll begin to explore the Yanayacu and Pucate Rivers, one of the best protected and preserved areas of the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve. Your guide will point out local flora and fauna as you peek into the creeks and lagoons in the area. If you choose, you can also swim in the river with pink river dolphins! (B, L, D)
FUNDO CASUAL - SAN FRANCISCO - NAUTA CAÑO
After breakfast, you’ll get a chance to spend time on terra firma, a trail in a non-flooded part of the forest. The Fundo Casual trail is full of wildlife you can’t see from the water; your guide will point out a number of the jungle inhabitants that may be hard to see because they’re so well camouflaged.
 
Next you’ll take a short skiff ride and a short walk to the village of San Francisco. Meet the local villagers whose families have called the area home for generations. Check out the arts and crafts the women create at their artisan market. Afterward your guide will take you on a walk through the jungle in search of the area’s nighttime inhabitants.
 
After dinner, you’ll visit Nauta Caño Creek for a night safari. Search out caiman alligators and night birds. If you want, you can fish for piranha! (B, L, D)
DISEMBARKATION - ACOBIA – TRANSFER TO IQUITOS
After breakfast you’ll leave the boat with your luggage in Nauta and climb aboard private transport to head back to Iquitos. On the way you’ll stop at The Rescue and Rehabilitation Center of River Mammals (ACOBIA) so you can meet, pet and feed manatees. These gentle river mammals are native to the area and on the endangered species list. Afterward, your guides will escort you to the Iquitos airport for your flight back to Lima, successfully ending your trip with Southern Explorations. (B)
Itinerary (Delfin III (5D/4N) )
IQUITOS TO NAUTA - EMBARKATION
Your guides will meet you at the Iquitos Airport and take you via private transport to Nauta, 1.5 hours away by paved road. Nauta is a port town on the Marañon River, and was the first settlement in the Loreto region. Lunch is provided along the way. At Nauta you will board the Delfín III. The staff will help you settle in to your suite, complete with private bathroom, orthopedic bed, private terrace and air conditioning.
 
Enjoy a happy hour on the third deck observation area, complete with Pisco Sours or whatever other beverage you’d like the bartender to make. As you enjoy your cocktail, the boat will prepare for departure and your guides will tell you more about the trip, including the route, the history and geography of the area, the activities and the wildlife and plant life you can expect to see. Enjoy a gourmet dinner as you watch the shoreline pass by on the way to the first moorage. (L, D)
SAMIRIA RIVER - YANAYAQUILLO
After breakfast you’ll head out on skiffs to explore the rich abundance of the Samiria River and its tributaries, including capybaras, monkeys, toucans, umbrella birds and more. You’re also likely to see river dolphins, as this is a favorite feeding ground.
 
After lunch you’ll get a chance to explore the creeks and lagoons of Yanayaquillo, one of the most pristine and protected regions of the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve. Your guide will help you spot wildlife in the trees, and you’re also likely to see more dolphins frolicking in the water. (B, L, D)
YANAYACU PUCATE - NAUTA CAÑO
This morning the Delfín III will cruise through the Yanayacu and Pucate Rivers, slowly exploring neighboring creeks and lagoons. You’ll even have the chance to swim with the pink river dolphins if you wish!
In the afternoon you’ll get an up-close view of Nauta Caño Creek. Keep a lookout for sloths, birds, and squirrel monkeys and silver back tamarillo monkeys. You’ll also see spiders, caiman alligators and a variety of insects along the banks. (B, L, D)
FUNDO CASUAL - SAN FRANCISCO - THREE-RIVER CONFLUENCE
In the morning you’ll get a chance to spend some time on terra firma as you take a hike in a part of the jungle that is not flooded forest. Your guide will help you keep an eye out for some of the animals and plant life that live on dry land.
 
Afterward you’ll take a short skiff ride and a walk through the jungle to reach San Francisco, a small community with a market featuring the crafts of the local women. Afterward you’ll explore the jungle on a nocturnal safari with your guide, seeking out some of the area’s nighttime inhabitants.
 
That night you’ll enjoy an Amazonian sunset from the three-river confluence. Known as the union de los ríos, this is the point where the Ucayali and Marañon Rivers meet to form what is considered to be the head of the Amazon River. (B, L, D)
DISEMBARKATION – ACOBIA - IQUITOS
This morning after breakfast you’ll leave the boat in Nauta for a trip overland back to Iquitos via private transfer. You’ll stop along the way at ACOBIA, a rescue and rehabilitation center for river mammals. Meet the manatee, an endangered gentle river mammal indigenous to the area. Afterward your guides will take you to the Iquitos Airport for your flight back to Lima, ending your Amazon cruise 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

JAN68-790.0
FEB69-800.0
MAR69-800.0
APR67-760.0
MAY63-720.0
JUN61-690.1
JUL60-670.2
AUG60-660.1
SEP60-670.1
OCT60-690.1
NOV62-720.0
DEC64-760.0

*Year Round Temperatures in °F, Rainfall in Inches
 

CUSCO

Min-Max Air Temp

Avg Rainfall

JAN44-656.3
FEB44-655.2
MAR43-664.3
APR41-671.8
MAY39-670.3
JUN33-660.1
JUL32-660.2
AUG35-670.3
SEP39-680.9
OCT42-691.9
NOV43-693.1
DEC44-694.7

*Year Round Temperatures in °F, Rainfall in Inches

PUNO

Min-Max Air Temp

Avg Rainfall

JAN38-625.2
FEB38-624.3
MAR38-623.8
APR33-621.5
MAY25-620.4
JUN19-610.1
JUL18-610.1
AUG22-630.2
SEP29-640.8
OCT33-651.5
NOV35-662.0
DEC37-643.6

*Year Round Temperatures in °F, Rainfall in Inches
 

PUERTO MALDONADO

Min-Max Air Temp

Avg Rainfall

JAN71-8813.6
FEB70-8712.8
MAR70-8811.9
APR69-876.1
MAY66-864.2
JUN63-842.3
JUL62-852.2
AUG64-882.5
SEP66-903.9
OCT69-906.5
NOV70-899.3
DEC70-8812.1

*Year Round Temperatures in °F, Rainfall in Inches


 

Delfin III (4D/3N)

Pricing
Per Person
$3,000

$350       Airfare (Lima/Iquitos/Lima) – Subject to Change 

*Contact us for details on cabin upgrades and single supplements.

 
Included in tour cost
  • Paddle Boards
  • All airport/hotel transfers
  • All hotel accommodations
  • All listed activities
  • English-speaking certified guides
  • Entrance fees for all scheduled tours, national parks & archaeological sites
  • Meals as indicated
  • Southern Explorations pre-departure services
Excluded from tour cost
  • Airport taxes, international and local
  • Domestic airfare within South America
  • International airfare to and from Central & South America
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Medical & travel insurance (highly recommended)

Delfin III (5D/4N)

Pricing
Per Person
$3,900

$350       Airfare (Lima/Iquitos/Lima) – Subject to Change 

*Contact us for details on cabin upgrades and single supplements.

Included in tour cost
  • Paddle Boards
  • All airport/hotel transfers
  • All hotel accommodations
  • All listed activities
  • English-speaking certified guides
  • Entrance fees for all scheduled tours, national parks & archaeological sites
  • Meals as indicated
  • Southern Explorations pre-departure services
Excluded from tour cost
  • Airport taxes, international and local
  • Domestic airfare within South America
  • International airfare to and from Central & South America
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Medical & travel insurance (highly recommended)

Delfin III (4D/3N)

Trip Dates
Available

Delfin III (5D/4N)

Trip Dates
Available

One Day

Multi-Day

  • 4, 5, and 8 days $4,230
    Amazon Jungle
    Luxury small-ship cruising
    Wildlife
    Multi-Day
  • Highlights of Arequipa City
    Colca Canyon
    Condors
    Multi-Day
  • 4, 5 & 8 Days $3,615
    Amazon River and Rainforest
    Pacaya Samiria Reserve
    Exotic Amazon Jungle Wildlife and Fauna
    Multi-Day
  • 4 & 5 Days $4,450
    Amazon River and Rainforest
    Luxury Accommodations
    Indigenous Flora, Fauna and Wildlife
    Jungle Canopy Tower & Walkway
    Multi-Day
  • 4 & 5 Days $3,450
    Amazon River Luxury Cruising
    Pacaya Samiria National Reserve
    Jungle Wildlife
    Multi-Day
  • 4 & 5 Days $3,000
    Amazon River Headwaters
    Wildlife Spotting
    Local Communities
    Jungle Hiking and Canoeing
    Fishing for Piranha
    Multi-Day
  • Hike through Tambopata National Reserve
    Inkaterra Canopy Walkway Interpretation Center
    Multi-Day
  • Ica
    Flight over Nazca Lines
    Multi-Day
  • Flight over Nazca Lines
    Marine wildlife
    Ica
    Multi-Day
  • 3 Days $655
    Lake Titicaca
    Urus Islands
    Visit with locals
    Multi-Day
  • Tambopata National Reserve
    Select from a wide array of activities
    Multi-Day
Cabins
Cabins - 
Up to 42 Passengers
  • 1 Owner Suite
  • 2 Corner Suites
  • 10 Upper Suites
  • 8 Suites
  • 1 TC Single Cabin
Boat Details
Amenities - 
  • Indoor and outdoor top deck lounges
  • Pool
  • Full bar
  • Spa
  • Gym
  • Boutique

Vessel Details - 
Launched: October 2015
Type of vessel: River vessel
Port of Embarkation: City of Nauta
Vessel´s Registry: Peru
Length: 168 feet Beam: 39 feet Draft: 4´92”
Capacity: 42 passengers
Generator: 2 Caterpillars, 120KW each
Engine: Caterpillar C18 455HP
Cruising Speed: Average 10 knots
Water: Water treatment plant with 4 tanks (1,100 liters each one)
Sewage Waters: Sewage treatment plant PTAR with 2 tanks
Radio Communication: VHF-FM, HF, satellite trapping system
NOVACAM/ SIMTRAC and satellite phone on board
Launch Boats: 3 aluminum 17 passenger skiffs (for emergencies
with two motors Mercury 60HP engine)
Life Jackets: 80 life jackets on board.
(click for enlargement)
amazon rainforest waterfall
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) 

Peru - Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I choose an itinerary?
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.