Amazon Expeditions

View itineraries

April 8, 2022

Iricagua Creek, Peru

-4.433° S -73.436° E

Ramiro Adrian, Naturalist

Book August 14 - September 29, 2023. Save 25% on the cabin fare when booking any Category 1 cabin, including solo cabins, or Category SU on National Geographic Islander II, for departures in 2023 when you pay in full at time of booking. Valid for new bookings only, based on availability at time of booking, cannot be combined with other offers, and is not applicable on airfare or extensions. To qualify for the discount, non-refundable payment in full is due at the time of booking. Call for details.

We're a winner of Conde Nast Traveler's 2022 Readers Choice Awards

Sail into the Amazon’s cathedral of green

There’s a pulse to the Amazon, an undercurrent. Inky waters backed by layers of green forest. Wild bird calls fill the air. A leafy branch shakes to reveal a troop of clamoring monkeys. The river water levels can rise by feet overnight, creating new networks of tributaries in what used to be only forest. With nimble, custom-made skiffs we explore this flooded forest, venturing into places no human has seen. With the exquisite Delfin II as your base camp, you’ll discover the pristine upper reaches of the legendary Amazon in style.

Amazon

Special Ships

Upper Amazon Aboard the Delfin II

Duration

10 days

Year Round

From

$5,948

Prices are per person

Highlights

Amazon

Special Ships

Upper Amazon Aboard the Delfin II

Duration

10 days

Year Round

From

$5,948

Top Highlights

Explore the seasonally flooded forest of Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve at the headwaters of the Amazon with a team of experienced naturalists
See elusive, iconic Amazon wildlife like pink river dolphins, monk saki monkeys, piranhas, and scarlet macaws
Meet the welcoming ribereños, natives of the reserve, and learn about their ways of life along the river
Get photo tips in the field from a Lindblad-National Geographic certified photo instructor
Explore even more—seamlessly combine your Amazon expedition with an exploration of Galápagos or Machu Picchu & Peru’s Land of the Inca

View Itinerary Book Now

Special Offers

View Itinerary Book Now

Amazon

Peru

Special Ships

Wild Peru Escape: Amazon & Machu Picchu

Duration

9 days

Feb
May
Aug
Oct

From

$6,548

Prices are per person

Highlights

Amazon

Peru

Special Ships

Wild Peru Escape: Amazon & Machu Picchu

Duration

9 days

Feb
May
Aug
Oct

From

$6,548

Top Highlights

Explore iconic Machu Picchu with a full day to explore the extensive archaeological site with hand-picked guides
Sail the headwaters of the mighty Amazon River aboard the splendid Delfin II, venturing out daily in narrow, nimble skiffs that are able to explore the tributaries rife with wildlife
Explore the Sacred Valley of the Inca, including the Temple of the Sun, as well as Cusco’s magnificently ornate 17th-century cathedral on the Plaza de Armas
For two nights, use the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo as your base camp. Its Andean-style casitas are set along a reserve with 300 species of orchid

View Itinerary Book Now

Special Offers

View Itinerary Book Now

Expedition Highlights

Peru’s Pacaya-Samiria Reserve is the largest protected seasonal flood forest in South America. The legendary river provides sustenance and utility for the communities who live along the banks and fosters a staggering level of biodiversity. The exquisite 28-guest Delfin II is perfect for our daily explorations; it's designed for the river environment and to keep you connected to it.

See more Highlights

Life On Board

Delfin II is a most gracious and lovely river ship. Spacious and clad in gleaming hardwood, she is both modern and authentically of the Amazon. Her public spaces are beautifully appointed—with tropical flowers and native handicraft decorative details.

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime?

1.800.397.3348

1.800.397.3348

A skiff on the Amazon River at dawn

A rainbow arcs over the Amazon River

The Best Time to Visit the Amazon: High Season Vs. Low Season

The Amazon, the “King of All Rivers,” supports the world’s most biodiverse rainforest. All life along it adapts to its seasonal fluctuations. What are these river fluctuations in this seasonally flooded forest, and when should you go?

Exploring the Upper Amazon

When you explore the Upper Amazon aboard Delfin II, you'll experience spectacular wildlife, top-notch accommodations, and unparalleled expertise from our team of naturalists.

Highlights from a Wonder-Filled Week on the Amazon River

Naturalist and certified photo instructor Linda Burback shares what it's like to spend an exhilarating week inside this pristine natural wonder.

6 Fascinating Birds to Find on an Amazon River Expedition

Exploring the Amazon’s Pacaya Samiria Natural Reserve has an uncanny way of inspiring travelers who’ve never gone bird-watching before to start scanning the trees and the sky for the most stunning, elusive, eccentric birds. Here are a few to look out for on your adventure.

Upper Amazon: Regional Flavors

Experience food that is locally sourced and represents the biodiversity of the Upper Amazon.

Upper Amazon Aboard Delfin II

Sail in tropical style & comfort with a small band of explorers. Delfin II accommodates just 28 guests in 14 beautifully appointed outside suites. This stately riverboat redefines modern elegance. Airy open spaces are detailed with clean lines in tropical hardwoods.

Discover

Discover the Amazon

Any given visit to the many small and medium-sized streams, known locally as 'caños,' is simply fascinating! This morning we spotted many colorful bird species: woodpeckers, tanagers, cotingas, jacamars, and kingfishers.

Carlos Romero, Expedition Leader, January 27, 2022

Read more daily expedition reports

Expedition Leader

Veteran expedition leaders are the conductors of your experience. Many have advanced degrees and have conducted research or taught for years. They have achieved expedition leader status because they possess the skills, the experience, and the depth of knowledge necessary to continually craft the best expedition experience for our guests.

Certified Photo Instructor

Every Amazon expedition offers an exclusive service—a Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic certified photo instructor. This naturalist is specially trained to offer assistance with camera settings and the basics of composition to help you become a better, more confident photographer.

Naturalists

Most of the naturalists were born in towns along the riverbanks and educated in schools in Iquitos. Each hand-picked guide is specially trained before joining the Lindblad expedition team. All are fluent in English, and their personal knowledge, gained from village elders, along with their scientific training makes for fascinating storytelling, as authentic as it is well informed.

Federico Pardo

Colombian filmmaker and photographer Federico Pardo specializes in natural history, environmental, and human stories. He received a National Geographic grant in 2019 for his Vanishing Primates project, and garnered two Emmy awards—one with National Geographic's “Untamed Americas” and another with Univision's “The Amazon: A Paradise for Sale.”

Join him aboard the Sep. 28, 2024, departure of Upper Amazon Aboard Delfin II.

Tim Laman

Wildlife photojournalist, filmmaker, and field biologist Tim Laman uses his cameras as tools for telling the stories of rare and endangered wildlife and revealing some of Earth's wildest places. He has published more than 20 feature stories in National Geographic magazine and worked on films for the National Geographic Channel, BBC, and Netflix. Tim's work has garnered numerous awards, including Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2016.

Join him aboard the Nov. 9, 2024, departure of Upper Amazon Aboard Delfin II.

Ami Vitale

Ami Vitale is a National Geographic Explorer, photographer and filmmaker, as well as an ambassador for Nikon. She is also the founder and executive director of the women-led nonprofit Vital Impacts, which supports humanitarian projects around the world.

Join her aboard the Dec. 7, 2024, departure of Upper Amazon Aboard Delfin II.

Praises to the chef and his crew for the best Lindblad foods so far. Wow! I loved the use of local fruits, etc., and special sauces. Keep the chef. He is excellent and we are foodies.

Kay G.

Making a Difference

Lindblad Expeditions supports stewardship efforts in the places we explore, and one way we do that is through the Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic (LEX-NG) Fund. Traveler contributions to the LEX-NG Fund in the Amazon currently support our regional partner, Minga Peru, in its efforts to promote sustainable change for indigenous women and their communities.

1.800.397.3348

Daily Expedition Reports

Daily Expedition Reports

9/9/2023

Read

Delfin II

Amazon Natural Park and Yanayacu River

Today was our last full day in the Peruvian Amazon Rainforest, and we decided to explore two wonderful locations. Nestled within the heart of the Peruvian Amazon lies the Amazon Natural Park, an ecological gem that showcases the unparalleled biodiversity of this pristine wilderness. Stretching over vast hectares of lush rainforest, it stands as a testament to the importance of conservation efforts in preserving Earth's most vital ecosystems. One of the park's most remarkable features is its network of hanging bridges, which offer visitors a unique perspective of the canopy-dwelling flora and fauna. These suspended pathways, meticulously crafted to minimize environmental impact, allow intrepid explorers to traverse the treetops, granting access to a world seldom seen from the forest floor. Our guides showed us the way and pointed out all kinds of plants and insects from the area. In the afternoon, we took a skiff ride along the sinuous course of the Yanayacu River, a sanctuary for a stunning array of avian life. Among the avian inhabitants, the striking red-capped cardinal takes center stage with its vivid plumage and distinctive red crown. This charismatic bird, known for its vibrant red head, punctuates the emerald foliage, offering a captivating sight for fortunate onlookers. With a keen eye and a hushed step, observers may catch glimpses of these cardinals flitting among the branches. Their presence is a testament to the thriving ecosystem of the Yanayacu River. The river's avian splendor does not end with the red-capped cardinal. Another jewel of the Yanayacu is the Amazon kingfisher, a masterful hunter and a living embodiment of aquatic grace. This bird, adorned in striking blue and white plumage, is perfectly adapted for life along the riverbanks. Perched on overhanging branches or gliding just above the water's surface, it displays its prowess in capturing small fish with surgical precision. With its meandering flow and diverse aquatic life, the Yanayacu River provides an ideal habitat for this piscatorial virtuoso. The convergence of hanging bridges, vibrant birdlife, and the serenity of the Yanayacu River creates an immersive experience that leaves a lasting imprint on all who venture into the Amazon Natural Park. The suspended walkways, swaying gently among the canopy, offer a surreal vantage point, revealing a hidden world bustling with activity. From the resplendent red-capped cardinals to the agile Amazon kingfishers, every sighting is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of life in this awe-inspiring ecosystem. Beyond the visual spectacle, the Yanayacu River's gentle murmurs and the chorus of avian calls create a sensory symphony that resonates deeply with those fortunate enough to explore this pristine wilderness. It serves as a reminder of the delicate balance that sustains this rich tapestry of life. To end our day, we took a quick dip in the river. What a great way to end our voyage.

Daily Expedition Reports

9/8/2023

Read

Delfin II

Amazonas Community and Casual Trail

We woke to a view of fishermen’s canoes and children overseeing our ship from the riverbank. We made a dry landing at a set of wood steps to further explore a small community known as Amazonas. The locals speak Spanish as well as Cucama-Cucamillas, which is the native tongue. There is some agriculture happening here, and the community has churches and a school system. We were welcomed by a representative from our partner nonprofit, Minga Peru. This nonprofit has been helping native communities in the Amazon for over 25 years. Lindblad Expeditions and Minga Peru are celebrating ten years of partnership, working together to help small communities along the Amazon River tributaries. Amazonas community has around 300 inhabitants. We learned about different areas of the community, such as the project where people work on fish farms; these farms are run by local teenagers. Teenagers also start their own vegetable farms. We were able to see the production of handicrafts made from the chambira palm tree. After lunch, we visited Casual. After a dry landing, we went hiking into the jungle forest and spotted several species of amphibians and reptiles, and we were lucky enough to spot a young three-toed sloth. The rainforest is quite dense, and several species of medicinal plants were spotted along the hike. We found a small red-tailed boa hiding in the dry foliage of the forest. We were amazed by how well reptiles camouflage here; luckily, our local naturalist can spot wildlife from a mile away. We hiked for around 1.5 miles, and at the end of the trail, we were delighted by locals selling their handicrafts. Visiting Casual Trail and the Amazonas community made for an excellent day.

Daily Expedition Reports

9/7/2023

Read

Delfin II

Amazon Natural Park and Yanayacu River

Today was our last full day in the Peruvian Amazon Rainforest, and we decided to explore two wonderful locations. Nestled within the heart of the Peruvian Amazon lies the Amazon Natural Park, an ecological gem that showcases the unparalleled biodiversity of this pristine wilderness. Stretching over vast hectares of lush rainforest, it stands as a testament to the importance of conservation efforts in preserving Earth's most vital ecosystems. One of the park's most remarkable features is its network of hanging bridges, which offer visitors a unique perspective of the canopy-dwelling flora and fauna. These suspended pathways, meticulously crafted to minimize environmental impact, allow intrepid explorers to traverse the treetops, granting access to a world seldom seen from the forest floor. Our guides showed us the way and pointed out all kinds of plants and insects from the area. In the afternoon, we took a skiff ride along the sinuous course of the Yanayacu River, a sanctuary for a stunning array of avian life. Among the avian inhabitants, the striking red-capped cardinal takes center stage with its vivid plumage and distinctive red crown. This charismatic bird, known for its vibrant red head, punctuates the emerald foliage, offering a captivating sight for fortunate onlookers. With a keen eye and a hushed step, observers may catch glimpses of these cardinals flitting among the branches. Their presence is a testament to the thriving ecosystem of the Yanayacu River. The river's avian splendor does not end with the red-capped cardinal. Another jewel of the Yanayacu is the Amazon kingfisher, a masterful hunter and a living embodiment of aquatic grace. This bird, adorned in striking blue and white plumage, is perfectly adapted for life along the riverbanks. Perched on overhanging branches or gliding just above the water's surface, it displays its prowess in capturing small fish with surgical precision. With its meandering flow and diverse aquatic life, the Yanayacu River provides an ideal habitat for this piscatorial virtuoso. The convergence of hanging bridges, vibrant birdlife, and the serenity of the Yanayacu River creates an immersive experience that leaves a lasting imprint on all who venture into the Amazon Natural Park. The suspended walkways, swaying gently among the canopy, offer a surreal vantage point, revealing a hidden world bustling with activity. From the resplendent red-capped cardinals to the agile Amazon kingfishers, every sighting is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of life in this awe-inspiring ecosystem. Beyond the visual spectacle, the Yanayacu River's gentle murmurs and the chorus of avian calls create a sensory symphony that resonates deeply with those fortunate enough to explore this pristine wilderness. It serves as a reminder of the delicate balance that sustains this rich tapestry of life. To end our day, we took a quick dip in the river. What a great way to end our voyage.

Daily Expedition Reports

9/6/2023

Read

Delfin II

Pacaya River

We woke up to a view of the Pacaya River and lots of birds flying over the river in search of the fish that inhabit the river’s shallow water. This river offers the opportunity to see most of the macrofauna of the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve. After breakfast, we went on a skiff ride in search of wildlife. We were lucky to find a few monkey species, including squirrel monkeys and red howler monkeys. We also spotted a couple of families of giant river otters. They were fishing and watching us from the shallow waters at the riverbank. Black-collared hawks (fishing hawks) were seen eating armored catfish on tree branches. At this time of year, the fishing is good for everyone, so breeding cycles are activated. There are three caiman species in the Peruvian Amazon. We were lucky to spot a large black caiman that spent some time near the skiff. We also spotted a group of hoatzins (also known as stinky turkeys) nearby. These birds are strictly vegetarians, and they feed on leaves. We enjoyed breakfast on the skiffs while pink dolphins swam around us. This was indeed an incredible experience that we will always remember. There are two species of freshwater dolphins in the Pacaya Samiria Reserve, pink and gray. We saw both species today. After lunch aboard the Delfin II , we went on a skiff exploration into the Pacaya River. We encountered several more caimans, and as night arrived, we spotted several groups of capybaras feeding on the green grass along the riverbank. Nightbirds soared in the sky, as well as long-nosed bats and fruit bats. The night here is incredibly dark, and we could see star constellations as well as the Milky Way. The Pacaya River delighted us with its large variety of wildlife, and it was a breathtaking day in the Peruvian Amazon.

Daily Expedition Reports

9/5/2023

Read

Delfin II

Ucayali River and El Dorado

Today we woke up early with a gentle rain — as expected in the rainforest, where it rains 250 days a year. At 6:00 a.m. we were ready to enjoy the Ucayali River. This vital waterway flows through the heart of the Peruvian Amazon rainforest. Stretching over 1,000 miles, it is one of the main tributaries of the Amazon River and holds immense ecological and cultural significance. The Ucayali River is known for its rich biodiversity, with innumerable species of flora and fauna inhabiting its banks and waters. It provides a habitat for various wildlife, including jaguars, river dolphins, macaws, and countless other bird species. The surrounding rainforest is a treasure trove of unique and often undiscovered species. During our skiff ride we got to see cream-colored woodpeckers, blue-and-yellow macaws, sloths, saddle-back tamarin monkeys, gray hawks and many more species of the region. We came back on board for breakfast after an exciting early morning. For the afternoon we sailed along the riverbank on another skiff ride, and we landed on a sandbank by sunset. The sandbank hosted several nesting shorebirds, including the large-billed tern (Phaetusa simplex) that graces the El Dorado River with its majestic presence. This elegant bird, recognized by its sizable bill and expansive wingspan, finds a haven in this lush region. Its distinctive call resonates along the riverbanks, weaving into the symphony of the Amazon's vibrant wildlife. With their adept fishing skills, they play a vital role in maintaining ecological balance in this dynamic ecosystem, contributing to the rich tapestry of life that thrives here. We also observed many black skimmers (Rynchops niger) flying just above our heads. This striking bird is instantly recognizable by its black coloration on top, contrasting white underneath, and long orange bill (with lower mandible longer than the upper). It navigates the winding waterways with precision, its wings slicing through the air as it skims just above the river's surface. With its keen eyesight the black skimmer hunts for small fish, insects, and crustaceans, performing its signature aerial feeding technique. The guides also found some mud, perfect for mud-therapy. We watched all the magnificent wildlife with an amazing sunset, and enjoyed some drinks in the sandbank—what a wonderful way to finish our day in the Amazon. As we returned to the ship, great egrets were flying across a beautiful pink sky.

FAQs

FAQs and key information

From climate conditions, to electrical outlets, to packing the right footwear, find answers to the questions Expedition Specialists get most often.

The jungle at the headwaters of the Amazon lives and breathes. It is an entity unto itself.

Sven-Olof Lindblad

1.800.397.3348

1.800.397.3348

View our brochure for more details

Upper Amazon 2023-24

Amazon

Upper Amazon 2023-24

2023-2024 Voyages

View online Request Brochure