M/V Delfin II, Iquitos

Location

ex Iquitos (Iquitos, Peru)

Description

A 135 foot traditional Amazon river boat, sleeping up to 30 passengers, built with tropical woods and decorated with local artefacts. The thatched roof upper deck has open sides with sitting areas and a bar. The restaurant is air-conditioned and the food is excellent.

Departures

Sundays (3N) and Wednesdays (4N)

Capacity

30

Activities

The Delfin II cruises to the beautiful Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve, the largest protected area in Peru with over 2 million hectares. The guides are excellent. Activities are mainly taken by motorised skiffs to observe wildlife during the early morning and early evening/night time. There is also the opportunity to visit the local communities, fish for piranha and go on excursions.

Accommodation

14 very comfortable, spacious air-conditioned cabins with large picture windows and private facilities. 4 of the cabins are interconnected to cater for families.

Our comments

The classic way to experience the Amazon and its tributaries on a traditional river boat. Wonderful wildlife, knowledgeable guides and ideal for relaxing! We would recommend the 4 night cruise which takes you deeper into the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve.

When to go

Year round. June to October is the low water season and November to May high water, and exact itineraries vary slightly to suit conditions.

Delfin II offers 3 and 4 night cruises into the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, journeying along the Ucayali River during the low water season and along the Marañon River during the high water season.

Delfin II: 3 night itinerary (low water season)

Day 1: Iquitos; Nauta; Marañon River (skiff exploration)
Day 2: Belluda Caño Creek (skiff exploration and pink dolphin watching); Dorado River (skiff exploration and piranha fishing); night safari
Day 3: Clavero Lake (skiff exploration, kayaking and swimming); Yarapa River and Puerto Miguel (skiff exploration and community visit)
Day 4: Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre of River Mammals; Iquitos

Delfin II: 3 night itinerary (high water season)

Day 1: Iquitos; Nauta; Fundo Casual (jungle trail walk); Nauta Caño (night safari)
Day 2: Las Palmas (early morning birdwatching and sloth expedition); Yanayacu Pucate (community visit, kayaking and swimming); Amazon Park (jungle trail); evening Shaman ceremony
Day 3: Yanayaquillo (skiff expedition with picnic breakfast and piranha fishing); Piranha creek (skiff exploration on the confluence of rivers); Puerto Prado (night hike)
Day 4: Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre of River Mammals; Iquitos

Delfin II: 4 night itinerary (low water season)

Day 1: Iquitos; Nauta
Day 2: Belluda Caño Creek (skiff exploration and pink dolphin watching); Dorado River (skiff exploration and piranha fishing); night safari
Day 3: Zapote River (skiff exploration and kayaking in the Pacaya Reserve); Pacaya River (skiff excursion, swimming and kayaking)
Day 4: Clavero Lake (skiff exploration and swimming); Yarapa River and Puerto Miguel (skiff exploration and community visit)
Day 5: Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre of River Mammals; Iquitos

Delfin II: 4 night itinerary (high water season)

Day 1: Iquitos; Nauta; Pahuachiro (skiff exploration); Nauta Caño (night safari)
Day 2: Las Palmas (early morning birdwatching and sloth expedition); Yanayacu Pucate (community visit, kayaking and swimming); Yanayaquillo (skiff expedition); evening Shaman ceremony
Day 3: Amazon Park (jungle trail); Palm forest (skiff exploration)
Day 4: Samiria river (skiff excursion and picnic breakfast); river confluence and San Francisco (skiff excursion and community visit); Piranha Caño (skiff excursion); Puerto Prado (night hike)
Day 5: Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre of River Mammals; Iquitos

The low water season is from June to November and the high water season from December to May. All itineraries are subject to change, due to weather and other conditions.

Master Suite

There are 4 Master suites in the bow, each with 180 degree panoramic windows and king size beds. Suites 7 and 8 are on the main deck, and suites 15 and 16 are on the upper deck.

Suite

10 Suites (4 of which can be interconnected to accommodate families) feature king size beds and large picture windows. Suites 1-6 are on the main deck, and suites 11-14 are on the upper deck.