This holiday takes you to two of the most wonderful areas in Peru, to the Amazon's Pacaya Samiria Reserve in northern Peru on board the Delfin 1 and then onto Cuzco, the capital of the vast Inca Empire. From here visit many of the highlights of the surrounding Inca ruins. Drive into the stunning Sacred Valley, the larger Inca ruins of Pisac and Ollantaytambo are visited before Taking the train to Machu Picchu which provides a fantastic journey along the banks of the raging Urubamba River.

Places Visited

•  Lima
•  Iquitos & the Northern Amazon
•  Cusco
•  Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu
  

Itinerary 

Day 1:  South Africa / Lima
Fly from South Africa to Lima, where you will be met and taken directly to your hotel.

Day 2:  Lima
Morning tour of the colonial centre of Lima.

Day 3:  Lima / Iquitos / Delfin 1
Afternoon flight to Iquitos where you will be met and taken to board your Amazon cruise vessel, the Delfin 1 for 3 nights.

Days 4-5:  On board Delfin 1
Wildlife excursions from your cruise vessel.

Day 6:  Iquitos / Lima
Disembark your vessel in Iquitos and fly back to Lima for 1 night.

Day 7:  Lima / Cusco
Fly to Cusco for 3 nights.  Cusco Sightseeing.

Day 8:  Sacred Valley
Day excursion to Sacred Valley and fortress of Ollantaytambo

Day 9:  Machu Picchu
Day excursion by scenic train to Machu Picchu.

Day 10: Cusco / Lima / Sao Paulo
Fly back to Lima where you will connect with your flight to Sao Paulo with an overnight stay.

Day 11:  Sao Paulo / Johannesburg
Afternoon departure to South Africa.

Day 12:  South Africa Arrival
Arrive in South Africa.

To view the Delfin I detailed itinerary please [ follow this link ]

Holiday Cost:

R40,340 per person from Johannesburg for departures up to 17 November 2009

R41,850 per person from Johannesburg for departures from 18 Nov. 2009 to 26 Feb. 2010

NB. For pricing outside these dates please contact one of our Peru specialists.

  
Holiday Information

Taking a cruise is an interesting alternative to staying in one of the many Amazon lodges across Latin America.

In most cases cruise boats offer a more comfortable experience with air conditioned, en-suite cabins in which you can escape the heat of the rainforest.

In addition you can expect a similar level of expert guiding but on less strenuous excursions as most are done in small inflatable boats called Skiffs or aboard motorised canoes. This means less walking and being taken up small river tributaries close to the foliage for wildlife spotting instead of walking on trails from your lodge.

Most cruises also offer interesting cultural experiences with visits to small local communities which, being remote, have not been affected by mainstream, mass tourism and therefore provide an authentic experience.

Food is plentiful and well prepared and there is a range of boats to choose between the simple to the luxurious. Although more expensive than the lodge options there are more options than ever to explore the Amazon basin by cruise boat.

Delfin 1

The Delfin is a classic Amazon River boat that was originally built in 1986 but has undergone an extensive refurbishment in 2006, making it one of the most comfortable options for Amazon River cruises in Peru.

The vessel is purpose built for cruising the Amazon and on its four or five day itineraries visits the pristine Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve which is one of the best areas for wildlife viewing in Peru's northern Amazon region.

There are six cabins over two decks, each with private bathroom, wood panelling, shower, two open closets and air-conditioning units with remote control. Four cabins are twin bedded and there are two suites at the front of the boat with king size beds. Although labelled suites they are actually smaller than the standard cabins but the beds face out through the front facing windows of the boat so you can wake up seeing the Amazon journey ahead.

The observation deck and lounge is very spacious with a wooden floor, comfortable reclining chairs, a fully stocked bar and TV with DVD and video. The cosy dining room is air-conditioned with large panoramic windows and a window through to the kitchen so you can watch the chef in action.

The Delfin has two aluminium skiffs for excursions, flashlights for night excursions and ponchos with hoods and rubber boots in case of rain.