trip specifics

price

2013

Upper Amazon: Exploring Peru’s Pacaya-Samiria Reserve, a new exploration of Peru’s Upper Amazon, takes you through wild lands of unsurpassed beauty. An experienced Lindblad Expedition Leader and naturalists help you see and learn about the remarkable flora and fauna of the region. The chef on the Delfin II presents the finest Amazonian-Peruvian gourmet cuisine on the river.

Day 1 - Lima, Peru

Depart the U.S. and arrive Lima by late evening.

Accommodations: Costa del Sol Ramada
Included Meals: n/a

Day 2 - Lima to Iquitos & Embark Nauta

Fly to Iquitos today and drive via bus (1.5 hours) to the riverside town of Nauta, where you embark Delfin II. Once on board, you are welcomed by hardwood floors, rattan sofas, wooden-slat hammocks and a graceful, modern design. The enthusiastic naturalists and expedition leader will set the informal tone for your expedition. And Delfin's chef will introduce you to Peru’s haute cuisine and local delicacies, all prepared with an Amazonian flair.

Accommodations: Delfin II
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Days 3-8 - Exploring the Pacaya-Samiria Reserve

This week, explore the hidden jewels surrounding the Pacaya-Samiria National Preserve. The reserve is bordered by two powerful rivers, the Marañon and Ucayali. The people who live along the rivers — known as ribereños — are an integral part of the reserve. Visiting them during the voyage helps us understand their importance in this remarkable region. Children will be everywhere, as fascinated with you as you are with them. Your focus will be on exploring the lagoons and “black-water” tributaries by skiff. Follow rivers named the Yanayacu, Pucate, Pacaya, Dorado, Yanallpa into other, even smaller channels, some without names. River levels dictate how far into the forest you and your guides can go, and surprises can alter the best-laid plans; however, excellent alternatives abound. Low river levels allow for several opportunities to take walks; while high river levels, when solid land is scarce to nonexistent, are explored with skiffs that can nose their way into the most pristine corners of the reserve. Look for parrots, macaws and perhaps monkeys, such as the monk saki with its gray and black body, naked face and long shaggy tail. You might also see the saddle-back tamarin whose high chirping notes can easily be confused with those of a flock of birds.

One of the visits along the Marañon River gives access to terra firma, land that is never flooded even at the highest river levels. Here see a different ecosystem than what exists in the flood forest or varzéa region. No matter how high the river level, a long (or short) hike inland is possible for those adventurous enough to choose this option. Throughout the year, there are opportunities to fish for piranha and swim (for those who dare). A swim ladder from the skiffs makes it even easier. You'll also visit the Sapuena and Puerto Miguel villages to learn about the life of the ribereños—those who live on the riverbanks—and search for the giant Amazonian water lily Victoria regia, pink river dolphins and the giant “ceiba” or kapok tree with its immense trunk diameter.

Accommodations: Delfin II
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 9 - Disembark & Return to Iquitos & Lima

After lunch disembark and return to Iquitos by bus. There is time to visit the manatee rehabilitation center before flying to Lima.

Accommodations: Costa del Sol Ramada
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 10 - Depart Lima

Return home or combine your Amazon expedition with a voyage to the Galápagos Islands or a journey to Machu Picchu & the Land of the Inca.

Accommodations: n/a
Included Meals: breakfast



Extend Your Trip: This trip combines well with our Peru, Machu Picchu 6 Day Explorer Call AdventureSmith Explorations about the possibilities of combining trips to Machu Picchu and the Galapagos.

Included: All accommodations aboard Delfin II or in hotels per itinerary or similar, all meals and nonalcoholic beverages aboard ship, meals on land as indicated, air transportation where indicated as included, shore excursions, sightseeing and entrance fees, special access permits, transfers to and from group flights, use of snorkeling equipment and wet suits, gratuities, taxes and service charges, services of a ship physician on most voyages, and services of our expedition staff.

Exclusions: Air transportation, internal flights between Lima and Iquitos (est. $350 round-trip), extensions, passport, visa, immigration fees, scuba diving (where available), meals not indicated, baggage/accident/travel protection plan, items of a personal nature, such as alcoholic beverages, e-mail, and laundry.

Families & Children: Travelers aged 17 years old and under save $500. Specially skilled staff who are trained in organizing activities that inspire curiosity in young people of all ages. These staff members have gone through a course designed by travel experts with years of experience in childhood and environmental education. This course has also been created in conjunction with the National Geographic Education department and NG Kids Magazine. And don't worry – even though these are educational travel gems, the primary emphasis is on "fun". After all, you are on a family cruise vacation!

Arrival & Departure: Lindblad's Amazon cruise, Upper Amazon: Exploring Peru’s Pacaya-Samiria Reserve, begins and ends in Lima, Peru. Plan to arrive anytime on day 1 of the itinerary. Disembarkation is after breakfast on day 10 of the outlined itinerary.

Internal Flights: For all programs, airfare is an additional cost unless otherwise indicated. Sample airfares are based on current year's fares and are subject to change.

Payment & Cancellation: In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of $500 is required at the time of booking. A Reservation Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. The balance of the trip price is due 90 days before the departure date. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Cancellations are subject to the following fees, based on number of days prior to departure:
Up to 91 days - 50% of deposit
90 to 31 days - 50% of total trip cost
30 to 0 days - 100% of total trip cost

Terms & Conditions: This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information is sent upon confirmation.

Travel Insurance: We highly recommend our travelers protect their investment with travel insurance. Please note that you must purchase your travel insurance policy within 14 days of booking your trip for it to cover pre-existing medical conditions. Click the link below for a selection of policies from our partners at Travelex.



Qualifications: Upper Amazon: Exploring Peru’s Pacaya-Samiria Reserve will be enjoyed by anyone who is in good health and leads an active life. Daily excursions from the boat to the islands will be made in pangas (dinghies). Trip members will hike from the landing point to specific areas for wildlife observation. Hiking time for most landings will be a couple of hours roundtrip with lots of time to stop to study, photograph and enjoy the flora and fauna. Some landings are dry but many are "wet", requiring cautious footing on slippery rocks. The boat staff will be on hand to assist. There are numerous opportunities to swim and snorkel. Easy-to-use, sit-on-top kayaks are also available.


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