Small cruise ship cruising the Amazon on a calm cloudy day
orange bird taking flight in the upper amazon with its beck wide open and wings out wide
Small river boat filled with travelers and a guide exploring the upper amazon on a bright sunny day
Bright green lily pad basking in the sun on a bright sunny day
Monkey looking straight at the camera sitting in the trees and resting on the bright branches
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South America Amazon Cruise

National Geographic Delfin III Upper Amazon Cruise

Embark on a 6-day upper Amazon journey aboard the 42-guest riverboat Delfin III. Navigate winding jungle waterways by skiff or kayak, seeking out an array of diverse wildlife. Glide past giant lily pads, gaze up at majestic ceiba trees, and soak in breathtaking sunsets reflected on the tranquil lakes hidden within the vast Amazon. Connect with local ribereños communities, whose lives and culture you help sustain through your visit. 

During your exploration, you will explore the seasonally flooded forest of Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve at the confluence of the Amazon River with a team of experienced naturalists; meet the welcoming ribereños, natives of the reserve, and learn about their ways of life along the river; and watch for elusive Amazon wildlife like pink river dolphins, monk saki monkeys and piranhas, while getting photo tips from a National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions Certified Photo Instructor.

The 42-guest Delfin III immerses her passengers in the rainforest experience while simultaneously treating them to the highest levels of luxury. Beautifully finished with the finest details—panoramic windows, hardwood floors, designer furniture and handmade Peruvian artifacts—she is the perfect luxury river vessel for exploring as much wildlife as the Amazon has to offer.

Read on for details about this trip, or learn more about AdventureSmith’s Amazon cruises and Amazon trips.



Itinerary

Upper Amazon: A River Expedition 6-Day Itinerary

This 6-day National Geographic Upper Amazon Cruise operates round-trip from Lima, Peru, exploring with National Geographic guides and a fleet of kayaks.

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Day 1
Arrive Lima, Peru

Arrive in Lima, Peru’s thriving capital, and transfer to the convenient Wyndham Costa del Sol, connected to the airport. Most international flights arrive in the late evening.

Accommodations

Wyndham Costa del Sol

Meals

n/a

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Day 2
Fly to Iquitos & Embark Nauta

After breakfast, fly to Iquitos in the Peruvian Amazon basin, and continue overland to the riverside village of Nauta, where the Delfin IIl awaits. Settle into your cabin and gather for a welcome dinner of fine Peruvian cuisine on board. Tonight, step out on deck to gaze at the magnificent Amazon night sky.

Accommodations

Delfin IIl

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Days 3 - 5
Exploring the Pacaya-Samiria Reserve

Explore the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve, a pristine swath of jungle stretching more than five million acres and harboring some of the Amazon’s most fascinating flora and fauna. The reserve is bordered by the Marañón and the Ucayali, two powerful rivers that converge to create the famed Amazon, which floods annually with nutrient-rich waters and is known locally as the Mirrored Forest for the reflections created by its seasonal glassy water.

Set out into this remarkable wilderness on daily excursions by skiff, kayak, and, when the water level permits, hikes on dry land. Look for sloths and monkeys, including variably colored saddleback tamarins, noisy howlers, and shaggy-tailed monk saki monkeys. Watch for an astounding variety of birds, from tanagers and hummingbirds to parrots and endangered scarlet macaws. In the river, look for massive paiche fish, the Amazon’s largest; rare pink dolphins; and the infamous piranhas.

One of the unexpected joys of traveling in the Upper Amazon of Peru is the interaction you have with the local ribereños, the traditional people who live on the riverbanks. Visit the local non-profit Minga Peru, including a program of handicraft development, radio broadcasts, women’s health initiatives, and efforts in sustainable farming.

Accommodations

Delfin IIl

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 6
Disembark Nauta, Fly to Lima, Peru & Depart

Disembark in Nauta, stopping at the Amazon Rescue Center on the drive to Iquitos. Fly to Lima and connect for flights home. Ask your expedition specialist about options to extend your stay, including an overnight at the Wyndham Costa del Sol Lima Airport hotel.

Accommodations

n/a

Meals

breakfast, lunch

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Details
Inclusions, Terms & Notes

Included

Accommodations aboard ship and in hotel as indicated on itinerary (or similar); meals as indicated; beer, wine & full bar; excursions; services of expedition leaders, naturalists and a medic assistant; port charges and service taxes. Gratuities for all departures of National Geographic Explorer, Orion, Endurance, Resolution, Sea Cloud, Jahan and Lord of the Glens.

Exclusions

Air transportation (contact your adventure specialist for 2026 domestic flight pricing); immigration fees; extensions; meals not indicated; reserve wines & premium spirits; gratuities for all departures of Delfin II, Endeavour II, Islander II, Venture, Quest, Sea Bird and Sea Lion; personal items such as emails, laundry, voyage DVD, etc.; and insurance of any kind.

Payment & Cancellation

In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of 15% of the total trip cost is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 120 days before the departure date. Special payment terms apply for groups of 8 or more; inquire for details. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person fees, based on number of days prior to departure:
120 or more days – 100% of deposit**
119 to 90 days – 50% of total trip cost
89 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost
**Advance payments will be credited in the form of a Lindblad Expeditions Travel Certificate, valid for 12 months from the date of cancellation, and which may only be applied towards final payment on any future booking.

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 Traveler Information Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. Your Adventure Specialist will send you a unique link to complete this form along with a packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information upon booking confirmation.

Arrival & Departure

The National Geographic Upper Amazon Cruise begins and ends in Lima, Peru (LIM). Plan to arrive in Lima anytime on Day 1 of the itinerary. Plan to depart Lima anytime after breakfast on Day 6 of the itinerary. We highly recommend arriving one day prior to your trip start date in case of any flight delay, cancellation or lost luggage issues. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit our Booking Flights resource page.

Internal Flights

The National Geographic Upper Amazon Cruise Itinerary has a required flight between Lima and Iquitos on Day 2 and Day 6 of the itinerary. These internal Peru flights are not included in the cruise price (see Exclusions), but are arranged for you by AdventureSmith Explorations through your ship. Your Adventure Specialist will book these flights for you on the scheduled Amazon flight for your particular departure.

Activities

Activities include skiff rides exploring the various tributaries and waterways, kayaking, hikes, walks, wildlife viewing from the ship, swimming and visiting local communities. The Delfin III is equipped with a fleet of kayaks and stand-up paddleboards, providing the rare privilege of intimate up-close experiences in this magical environment. On-ship activities include spending time on deck or enjoying a rejuvenating massage (added cost). Each day the choice of what to do is yours.

Room Configuration

In addition to the listed Solo cabin rates, select double-occupancy cabins may be available for single occupancy with a single supplement fee. Holiday solo rates may fluctuate. Some rooms in the Suite category may be interconnected for families. Contact AdventureSmith for further details and availability.

Families & Children

Children under the age of 18 are eligible for $500 off the double occupancy rate. Skilled staff members trained with National Geographic Education organize activities that inspire curiosity in young people of all ages. Programming for kids may include activities like photo workshops, journaling, scavenger hunts, Zodiac-driving lessons, hands-on nature and science programming and kid-friendly menu options.

Travel Insurance

Protect your travel investment with insurance. Our partners at Travelex Insurance offer a variety of plans and policies to fit every trip and budget. Coverage for a pre-existing medical condition is also available if you purchase the Travel Select plan within 15 days of the initial trip payment; refer to plan details. Learn more about travel insurance or get a free quote.

Itinerary Notes

Use the itinerary as a guide only. Itineraries may be altered due to weather, season, wildlife, National Park regulation or at the captain’s and guides’ discretion. Itineraries in the Amazon vary based on the high water season of November to May and low water season of June to October. The ability to be flexible makes this type of small ship cruising unique.

Rates & Dates

Cruise Rates & Dates

Rates are variable per remaining availability and are subject to change.

Jan 05 - Jan 10, 2026
Delfin III • 6 days
From $5130USD
Per Person
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Feb 09 - Feb 14, 2026
Delfin III • 6 days
From $5840USD
Per Person
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Feb 16 - Feb 21, 2026
Delfin III • 6 days
From $5840USD
Per Person
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Feb 23 - Feb 28, 2026
Delfin III • 6 days
From $5415USD
Per Person
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Mar 09 - Mar 14, 2026
Delfin III • 6 days
From $5130USD
Per Person
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Apr 27 - May 02, 2026
Delfin III • 6 days
From $5130USD
Per Person
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May 25 - May 30, 2026
Delfin III • 6 days
From $5130USD
Per Person
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Jun 08 - Jun 13, 2026
Delfin III • 6 days
From $5130USD
Per Person
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Jul 27 - Aug 01, 2026
Delfin III • 6 days
From $5130USD
Per Person
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Aug 17 - Aug 22, 2026
Delfin III • 6 days
From $5130USD
Per Person
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Aug 24 - Aug 29, 2026
Delfin III • 6 days
From $5130USD
Per Person
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Sep 14 - Sep 19, 2026
Delfin III • 6 days
From $5130USD
Per Person
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Nov 09 - Nov 14, 2026
Delfin III • 6 days
From $4850USD
Per Person
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Nov 30 - Dec 05, 2026
Delfin III • 6 days
From $4850USD
Per Person
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Dec 07 - Dec 12, 2026
Delfin III • 6 days
From $4850USD
Per Person
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Accommodations

Learn About the Small Ship & Hotel on Your Itinerary

Luxury
Delfin III

The all-suite Delfin III is a fully modern river vessel cruising the Peruvian Amazon. Delfin III provides her 42-44 guests a luxurious and intimate venue to learn about one of the world’s most important waterways.

Hotel
Wyndham Costa del Sol Lima Airport

For travelers arriving from North America to Lima and departing early for Cusco, this hotel's convenience cannot be beat. This luxury hotel is perfect for those traveling farther afield in Peru.

Deals

Current Deals on This Trip

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Offer expires December 31st, 2024
Book Early & Save On 2026-27 Nat Geo Fleet Worldwide

Choose from a variety of cruises worldwide wen you book your 2026-27 departure and save in more ways!

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Offer expires December 31st, 2024
Groups Save 5% On Select 2024 & 2025 Nat Geo Fleet Worldwide

Save 5% when traveling as a group of 8 or more on a variety of 2024 or 2025 National Geographic expeditions worldwide.

Expert Review

Reviews from Our Experts So You Know What to Expect

Arielle Lightcap • May 25th, 2023
Expert Aboard: Delfin Amazon Cruises Review

Hear from two AdventureSmith experts about their time sailing aboard the Delfin riverboat fleet in the Amazon. Get insight on which ship is right for you and their favorite experiences aboard.

Book with the confidence that comes from experience.

100+ combined years of experience, 7 continents explored, decades of expedition cruising around the world & here to help you find & book your dream trip.

Extend Your Trip

Additional Travel Options Before or After Your Cruise

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11 Day Land Tour
Peru Highlights

On this 11-day Peru Highlights tour, visit Lima, Arequipa, Lake Titicaca, Cusco, the Sacred Valley of Urubamba, Machu Picchu and more. Stay in upscale hotels, meet the people and traditions, delight your palate, embrace nature and discover Peru.

From $3855USD
Year Round
Add to Wishlist
5 - 6 Day Land Tour
Machu Picchu Explorer

Travel to Peru's most spectacular archaeological monument in South America: the ancient Inca site of Machu Picchu. This 5- or 6-day Machu Picchu Explorer adventure includes Cusco, the Urubamba Valley and upscale accommodations.

From $2335USD
Year Round
Add to Wishlist
5 Day Land Tour
Peru Amazon Adventure

Combine your Peru travels with an extension to the Amazon. Visit Lake Sandoval and Tambopata while staying at the famed Inkaterra Reserva Amazónica lodge. Birds, primates, extraordinary landscapes and breathtaking scenery await.

From $795USD
Year Round
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National Geographic Delfin III Upper Amazon Cruise