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Day 2: Arrive Lima Upon arrival in the Peruvian capital early this morning, we transfer to our hotel for breakfast and time to rest (rooms are ready for our early arrival). This afternoon we enjoy a welcome lunch at a local restaurant then visit the Larco Herrera Museum, with an unparalleled ceramics collection. After touring colonial Lima, dinner tonight is on our own. B,L

Day 3: Lima/Iquitos/Nauta Early afternoon we transfer to the airport for the flight to Iquitos. Here we board a motorcoach for the 1½-hour ride to Nauta where we board the elegant Delfin II and settle in our spacious cabins. Later we enjoy the first of our freshly prepared meals on board. B,D

Day 4: Cruising – Tahuayo River/YanaYacu River Expedition This morning we get our first real look at the Amazon Basin’s unique ecosystem that hosts one-third of the world’s species. We board expedition skiffs for an excursion along a small tributary teeming with bird life then have a chance to dive right in during a stop at a pristine lagoon. After returning to Delfin II for lunch as we cruise upstream, we explore the YanaYacu River by skiff, to see such fauna as tanagers, parrots, egrets, wattled jacanas, herons, hummingbirds, squirrel monkeys, and sloths. At another lagoon we’ll try our hand at piranha fishing with typical Amazonian rods; returning to the ship we see the sights and hear the sounds of the nighttime jungle. B,L,D

Day 5: Cruising – Yarapa River/Yucurushi Creek We set out this morning along the narrow Yarapa deep in the rainforest, home to giant bromeliads and orchids, as well as green iguanas with their prominent head crest and throat fan. At Uvos Lagoon we observe the unusual pink river dolphins that search for food here. Cruising mid-day, we see the two powerful tributaries that form the Amazon, the Ucayali and Maranon rivers. Late afternoon we hunt giant Amazonian water lilies that grow in the small lagoons and swamps. B,L,D

Day 6: Cruising – Belluda Cano/Dorado River On this morning’s hike we encounter the ecosystems of both flooded and terre firme forest, and learn about the area’s transitional species and also about native plants that local villagers still use as natural medicines. Later we board skiffs for an excursion within the Pacaya-Samiria Reserve, the world’s largest wetland reserve spanning more than five million acres and one of the prime intact swaths of rainforest in the Peruvian Amazon. B,L,D

Day 7: Cruising – Atun Poza Lake/Rio Pacaya  Today we hike through a unique ecosystem of classic tropical rainforest – one of the richest habitats on earth – with canopy trees reaching as high as 180 feet. We’re looking for the giant ceiba tree, with its branchless trunk, huge spreading canopy, and “buttress” roots taller than a person. We also hope to see the endangered giant otters that nest in a small stream here, along with such birdlife as the bluish-fronted jacamar and red-capped cardinals. Later we cruise to the heart of the Pacaya-Samiria Reserve, filled with lakes, palm swamps, and streams. A late afternoon excursion reveals the breathtaking rainforest wilderness, scarlet-streaked sky, and reflection of the jungle in the black water of the Pacaya. As darkness falls we embark on a night safari in search of night herons, pauraques, spectacled owls, and caimans.  B,L,D

Day 8: Cruising – Rio Pacaya An early morning departure rewards us with the sights – and sounds – of parrots, macaws, toucans, kingfishers, black collared hawks, southern swallow, manikins, and other species that we’ve yet to see. Keeping close to the shore, we come face-to-face with the flooded forest in all its glorious biodiversity: huge ceiba trees, cotton kapok trees, mahogany trees, strangler figs, bromeliads and orchids, palm trees, woody vines. At a dolphin feeding spot we stop for breakfast, served to us by our naturalist/guides. Then we have the chance to swim in the clean, dark, and warm waters of the Amazon. Late morning we return to Delfin II, where we reverse course and head downstream; in the shallow waters later today we hunt for shore birds amidst the huge white sandy beaches and young river islands. B,L,D

Day 9: Cruising – Yanallpa Private Reserve We depart early again today to visit a private nature reserve set within Pacaya-Samiria park. Created by the owners of Delfin Cruises, the reserve is staffed by local villagers who protect the pristine habitat from illegal fishing, hunting, and logging. Back on board, we continue cruising; late afternoon we reach a riverside community where we have the special opportunity to meet the ribereños (native Amazonians) and see their way of life up close. Tonight we enjoy a farewell dinner and slide show detailing our Amazon adventure. B,L,D

Day 10:  Cruising – Puerto Miguel/Nauta/Lima This morning we stop at the village of Puerto Miguel where we’re welcomed into local homes to learn about native culture, traditions, and folklore. Then we continue cruising, reaching Nauta early this afternoon. After disembarking, we return to Iquitos by coach and board the flight to Lima, where we connect with our return flight to the U.S. B,L

Day 11: Arrive U.S. This morning we reach Miami, and connect with our return flights home. B

Please note: This trip includes nature walks and some river travel by small boats. You should be in reasonably good physical condition to enjoy the tour to the fullest.