Delfin III Amazon Cruise: 5-Day Rainforest Adventure in Peru
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TripsPeruIquitos

Delfin III Amazon Cruise: 5-Day Rainforest Adventure in Peru

Amazon
IquitosRiver CruisesFamily Adventures

Overview

Set off on a 5-day journey from Iquitos aboard the Delfin III Amazon Cruise, exploring the rich biodiversity of the rainforest in Peru! Daily itineraries are adjusted according to river conditions in the high-water or low-water seasons. This shift provides optimal access to wildlife and the surrounding environment throughout your trip.

The ship travels into the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve, following the Pacaya and Dorado rivers to the confluence of the Ucayali and Marañón. Excursions include two-person kayaking along calm channels, guided rainforest walks, night safaris, and visits to local riverside communities like Amazonas or San Francisco to meet resident families.

Carrying up to 44 guests, the Delfin III provides a comfortable stay for your journey deep into the Peruvian Amazon. In the common spaces, enjoy the observation lounge, dining room, spa, and exercise room. Every cozy suite faces the river through panoramic windows, offering continuous views of the beautiful landscape throughout the expedition.

  • Full itinerary: skiff outings, kayaking on the Dorado River, night safaris, swimming near pink river dolphins on the Pacaya River, trail walks in Yanallpa and Fundo Casual, a riverside community visit, the Ucayali–Marañón confluence, piranha fishing (low water), breakfast on a skiff and Magdalena (high water), the stingless bee project, and the ornamental fish research center in Iquitos.
  • Two full days in the core of Pacaya-Samiria, on the Dorado and Pacaya rivers, in both seasons.
  • Wildlife from the skiff: the pygmy marmoset (the world’s smallest monkey), pink river dolphins, monkeys, sloths, caimans, owls, and the birds of the flooded forest.
  • The Delfin III: 22 suites in 4 categories, from the Suite to the 180° Owner’s Suite, every one with a river view, plus a spa, an exercise room, and 10 two-person kayaks.
  • Activities guided by English- and Spanish-speaking naturalist guides, in groups of 8. The guides rotate between groups, so you hear several specialists.
  • All-inclusive experience: transfers between Iquitos airport and Nauta on the recommended flights, 4 nights aboard, all meals and house drinks, every excursion and its equipment, the Pacaya-Samiria entrance fee, and naturalist guides.

  • Please note: activities vary depending on river conditions (high water/low water) and, potentially, weather changes. Each evening, the guide provides a briefing on the following day’s excursions.

Itinerary

Day 1

Iquitos Airport / Transfer to Nauta / Embarkation on the Delfin III

  • Arrival· Iquitos airport (IQT) · Recommended LATAM flight from Lima, landing ~1:30 PM
  • Transfer· Iquitos → Nauta port · ~95 km · ~1h30 · Box lunch on the way
  • Embarkation· Private port in Nauta · 3 PM · Orientation in the observation lounge

The Delfin III Amazon Cruise begins at Iquitos airport. The crew meets your flight and drives you south to Nauta, with a box lunch on board the vehicle.

At the private embarkation port, the staff will take your bags to the suite while you board. Once the ship sails, a naturalist guide gives an overview of the route, the wildlife, and the history of the region in the observation lounge.

High water (November–June): the ship salils to the Ucayali River. At twilight, take the first skiff outing through the flooded forest, where high water brings you close to the treetops. After sunset, the guide searches the banks for caimans, owls, and other nocturnal animals.

Low water (June–November): the ship heads into the Marañón River. The evening is free on board after the orientation, with dinner in the dining room.

Meals included: Box lunch / Dinner

A small group of travelers rides a skiff through a wetland channel at sunset, grass reeds lining both banks under a pastel sky.
Aerial view of the Delfin III Amazon cruise ship navigating a wide river bend beside dense rainforest under a misty morning sky.
The Delfin III Amazon cruise ship's dining room is set with white linens and wine glasses, floor-to-ceiling windows framing the river outside.
A suite aboard the Delfin III Amazon cruise ship features a wood-paneled headboard, crisp white bedding, and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the river.
A fiery orange and pink sunset streaks the sky over the Amazon River, with a dark forested shoreline silhouetted against the reflected light.

Day 2

Yanallpa / Dorado River Kayaking / Night Safari

  • Yanallpa· Morning outing and trail walk in search of the pygmy marmoset
  • Dorado River· Afternoon by two-person kayak
  • Night safari· On the Dorado River, after dark

Spend the day in the Yanallpa area and on the Dorado River, inside the Pacaya-Samiria reserve. The morning trail looks for the pygmy marmoset, the smallest monkey in the world, which takes patience and a quiet group.

High water (November–June): an early skiff outing follows Belluda Caño, a calm channel where the guides explain how the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve works, before the marmoset trail. In the afternoon, kayak the mirrored water of the Dorado River through the flooded forest. After dinner, the skiffs return to the Dorado for a night outing.

Low water (June–November): the Yanallpa trail walk goes deeper into the forest, now dry underfoot. Later, paddle the calm channels of the Dorado River, swim near pink river dolphins, and try piranha fishing (catch and release). At dusk, the night safari starts straight from the river.

Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

A woman in a sun hat paddles a kayak along a narrow jungle river, her back to the camera as she moves through calm water.
Two paddlers in life jackets kayak together down a dark blackwater river on the Delfin III Amazon cruise, flanked by dense rainforest canopy.
Naturalist guide aboard a Delfin III Amazon cruise skiff points to a bird species in a field guide for sun-hatted passengers on brown river water.
A couple on a Delfin III Amazon cruise gazes up at a massive buttress-rooted rainforest tree while other hikers walk the jungle trail behind them.
Guests on a Delfin III Amazon cruise skiff dangle bamboo poles over dark, still water during a piranha fishing outing on an overcast afternoon.
A lantern-lit skiff carries Delfin III Amazon cruise passengers across a calm river at dusk beneath a bright full moon and dark tree line.
A spotlight reveals a juvenile caiman with pale eyes resting on a muddy riverbank during a Delfin III Amazon cruise night safari.
Silhouette of a guide holding a spotlight against an orange-to-blue dusk sky during a Delfin III Amazon cruise night safari skiff ride.

Day 3

Pacaya River / Pink River Dolphins

  • Pacaya River· Skiff exploration and a swim near pink river dolphins (conditions permitting)
  • Wildlife watching· Monkeys, sloths, caimans, and birds

The Pacaya River is one of the most remote and protected areas of the reserve and the reason many guests choose the Delfin III Amazon Cruise. The skiffs follow its channels through untouched forest, with stops to watch wildlife and, when the river allows, a swim near the dolphins.

High water (November–June): the morning outing ends with breakfast served on board the skiff, followed by a swim. In the afternoon, the skiffs explore Magdalena in search of monkeys, sloths, colorful birds, caimans, and, with some luck, pink river dolphins.

Low water (June–November): The whole day is on the Pacaya River. At midday, the group stops for lunch at Fujimori’s House, a rustic riverside setting with regional food. Later on board, enjoy a naturalist lecture, Amazonian fruit tasting, a cooking demonstration, or a documentary, depending on the day.

Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

A channel-billed toucan with a long black bill and pale blue eye patch perches on a branch, spotted during a Delfin III Amazon cruise outing.
A passenger on a Delfin III Amazon cruise skiff scans the forest canopy through binoculars while fellow travelers watch for wildlife nearby.
A pink river dolphin surfaces close to the camera on a Delfin III Amazon cruise, its rosy flank glistening as it snatches a fish from the water.
A woman stands at the bow of a small skiff on a Delfin III Amazon cruise, binoculars raised toward the forest canopy along a calm tributary.
A pink river dolphin leaps clear of the water on the Pacaya River, with a fallen tree and dense rainforest lining the distant bank.
A three-toed sloth clings to a vine in the rainforest canopy, turning its head toward the camera on a Delfin III Amazon cruise excursion.
A kingfisher bursts up from the water with wings spread wide and droplets flying, its blue and orange feathers catching the light during Pacaya River birdwatching.
A close-up of a smiling woman peering through binoculars on a skiff, with fellow passengers also scanning the treetops behind her during a Delfin III Amazon cruise outing.
Giant water lily pads with ridged red edges float on dark water around a single white flower on the Pacaya River.
A large flock of egrets fills a golden sunset sky over the river, their white wings bright against the darkened treeline on a Delfin III Amazon cruise evening outing.

Day 4

Yarapa River / Amazon Confluence / Riverside Community / Fundo Casual

  • Riverside community· Visit on the Yarapa River
  • Amazon confluence· Where the Ucayali and Marañón rivers meet
  • Fundo Casual· Guided rainforest walk in the afternoon

At the confluence, the Ucayali River and the Marañón River merge to form the Amazon River. In the afternoon, the naturalists lead a last forest walk at Fundo Casual, known for its carved wooden boards.

High water (November–June): the morning starts on the Yarapa River, with wildlife spotting on calm water, then continues to the confluence. Later, visit a riverside community, Amazonas or San Francisco, to learn how families live along the river.

Low water (June–November): the day opens with a visit to a community on the Yarapa River, whose families have lived with the forest for generations. The skiffs then continue to the confluence.

Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Farewell dinner

A couple on a delfin iii amazon cruise rainforest hike pauses to look up through tall trees, wearing rubber boots and a straw hat.
Two kayakers paddle a calm stretch of the Yarapa River on a delfin iii amazon cruise, framed by forest banks and a cloud-filled sky.
A smiling girl and a visiting woman examine handwoven palm-fiber frogs and flowers at a riverside community stop on a delfin iii amazon cruise.
Aerial view of a small passenger boat threading a narrow grass-lined channel on a delfin iii amazon cruise excursion near the Amazon confluence.
Aerial shot of a small boat gliding down a misty Yarapa River at dawn, fog drifting low over the surrounding rainforest canopy.

Day 5

Disembarkation / Stingless Bees / Ornamental Fish Center / Iquitos Airport

  • Disembarkation· Nauta port · After breakfast, ~8:30 AM
  • Stingless bee project· Melipona bees and their role in the forest
  • Amazon Research Center for Ornamental Fishes· Arapaima and freshwater stingrays

After breakfast, the crew says goodbye at Nauta and drives you back along the 95 km road to Iquitos. Before your flight, an interactive activity explains how melipona stingless bees pollinate the forest.

The last stop is the Amazon Research Center for Ornamental Fishes, where you see giant arapaima and colorful freshwater stingrays. The team then helps with your luggage and check-in at Iquitos airport for the recommended flight to Lima at about 2:10 PM, with a box lunch for the journey.

Meals included: Breakfast / Box lunch

Aerial view of a guest relaxing in the circular rooftop pool aboard the delfin iii amazon cruise ship, with lounge chairs and the river below.
A bright moon glows in a blue sky, framed by the blurred silhouettes of rainforest treetops and a trunk in the foreground.

What is Included

  • Round-trip transfer (Iquitos airport ⇌ Nauta port), on the recommended flights
  • 4-night stay aboard the Delfin III, in the suite category you book
  • Meals as listed in the itinerary
  • House drinks (natural juices, soft drinks, coffee, tea, water, domestic beer, pisco cocktails, and house wine with lunch and dinner)
  • Bottled water in your suite and on excursions, with refill stations on board
  • Entrance fees to the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve and the Yanallpa private reserve
  • Rubber boots, hooded rain ponchos, two-person kayaks, and fishing gear
  • Onboard lectures, fruit tastings, cooking demonstrations, and evening entertainment
  • Porters at Iquitos airport and at the port of Nauta
  • Wi-Fi on the third deck (satellite connection)
  • Guided tours (skiff outings, kayaking, night safaris, a swim near pink river dolphins, trail walks in Yanallpa and Fundo Casual, a riverside community visit, the Ucayali–Marañón confluence, piranha fishing in low water, breakfast on the skiff and Magdalena in high water, the stingless bee project, and the ornamental fish research center, with all equipment
  • English- and Spanish-speaking naturalist guides, shared with the other guests on board (groups of 8)

Not included

  • Flight tickets
  • Travel insurance and the cost of any medical emergency, including evacuation
  • Transfers from an Iquitos hotel, city tours, or a private transfer to Nauta if you arrive off the recommended flight
  • Drinks beyond the house selection (premium brands)
  • Spa treatments and boutique purchases
  • Satellite phone calls
  • Laundry service (complimentary in the Corner Suites)
  • Minibar consumption
  • Tips for the crew and guides
  • Extra nights or a missed departure caused by a flight cancellation

FAQ

Reviews

“I recently returned from an unforgettable trip with Delfin Amazon Cruises. From start to finish, the crew was absolutely lovely. They were attentive and genuinely committed to making every moment special. The food onboard was delicious, with every meal thoughtfully prepared and full of fresh, local flavors. Dining on the river felt like such a treat. But the highlight of the trip was the wildlife. I was surrounded by an incredible variety of birds, and seeing the pink river dolphins in their natural habitat was magical. Those moments will stay with me forever. If you’re considering an Amazon adventure, I wholeheartedly recommend Delfin. It was everything I hoped for and more.”

— Jenny Trembley

“The wildlife was spectacular. The ship is wonderful and the staff is even more wonderful. Almost everything included, except alcoholic drinks, but you are served wine and beer with dinner. The skiffs to see sights on the Amazon were perfect. This line has thought of everything, including having ponchos for guests when there are sudden unexpected rain storms. Special treats included fishing in the Amazon, swimming in the Amazon and trekking through a part of the Amazon Rainforest to see wildlife.”

— Cori D

“Amazing! We were blessed to chose this company for our Amazon River cruise. From the pick up at the airport to the drop off at the airport they coveted everything all you had to do was enjoy. The excursions were thoughtfully planned. The best part of the entire cruise was the staff. Every staff member went out of their way to make sure that you were well taken care of.”

— Charissa T

“It was truly the best experience of my life! Could not recommend this cruise enough. It had everything you ask for and more. The staff, guides, food, facilities, rooms and activities were out of this world. You will be surrounded by wildlife and nature. The crew knows all the best places.”

— Klaudia B

“Exceptional ship with 5-star Peruvian cuisine, very good guides and safe excursion boats. Great atmosphere! We really enjoyed the 3 days on board! Including transport from Iquitos, everything was very well organized!”

— Lauterb

“What an absolutely amazing trip. We did the 4 day 3 night. Loads of activities to really see as much as you can if the Amazon. The crew were excellent Denis our guide gave has loads of information. I neede medical assistance on board ( pre boarding stomach upset) and they could note have been more helpful. We visited a local village and advice to bring cash to buy goods rather than take trinkets from home. The last thing we did was actually swim in the Amazon what a special moment on a very special trip highly recommend”

— Tom

“Spectacular, beyond our imagination! The food was superb, the well-stocked bar was always open, and the service was better than a luxury hotel, and I've stayed in many over the years. We were astonished by our guide's ability to spot wildlife, it was such a thrill. There were wonderful surprises at every turn. The experience of being on the Amazon is something everyone should experience in their lifetime, and Delfin is the best way to travel.”

— Taylor Milsal

“Sailed on the Delfin II. Room spacious and well appointed. Food was excellent. excursions interesting and adventuresome. Could not ask for a more interesting experience. Loved it all.”

— Kate

“Recogida en el aeropuerto con una bolsita de bienvenida (almuerzo y bebida), unas dos horas en autobús hasta el barco; una vez allí, el barco es divino, muy limpio, la atención del personal excelente y la comida variada. Bebidas ilimitadas, recomiendo el pisco de maracuyá. Cada día tuvimos muchas actividades y hay que tener en cuenta que todas empiezan muy temprano. Vimos delfines rosados, perezosos, tarántulas… Fue una experiencia única.”

— Im Missjuliette

“The experience was fantastic. The boat and room was very clean and large. Everything on board was included such as pisco sours, all the meals and more. The staff aswell were great. Ours guides Javier and Ricardo were funny and knowledgeable. The barmen Richard and Elias made fantastic drinks when we had rest moments. The excursions were amazing and while there is never a guarantee to see all the wildlife, we were able to see hawks, king fischers, dancing birds, tamarind monkeys, squirrel monkeys, sloths, dolphins, caimens, dart frogs, dragon lizard, tarantulas and many more. Make sure you are quiet during the Amazon walks. Remember this is not a zoo for instant gratification, it takes effort and patience. Thanks Delfin for a wonderful trip!”

— Julien van Ophem

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$4,750/ per person