Day 8: Pacaya Samiria National Reserve—Belluda Caño Creek / Dorado River

As day breaks, we awaken in the heart of the vast Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, a flooded forest covering 5 million acres—nearly 10,000 square miles—at the headwaters of the Amazon. As the sun rises over the canopy near the origin of the world's greatest water artery, we head out in skiffs for Belluda Caño Creek. This small tributary is a prime spot to seek out pink and gray river dolphins. These freshwater-adapted dolphins are highly social cetaceans—and especially intelligent with a brain capacity 40% larger than humans.

As we travel, look upward, too, for active birdlife in the skies. This afternoon, explore the Dorado River by skiff. Cruising at a lazy pace, search for the Amazon's transitional forest species, such as snail kites, brilliant parrots, endangered scarlet macaws, olive-spotted hummingbirds, Amazonian parrotlets and wood creepers, among others. Later, as night falls, our environment is transformed. An orchestra evolves as nocturnal creatures awaken, with crickets and night birds providing a percussive song. In the darkness, our guides use spotlights to search for wildlife: frogs, opossums, nighthawks and caimans are frequently spotted along the narrow river's banks. Masked by the cloak of the night, the biodiversity is amazing. Back aboard the ship, enjoy a cocktail under the stars on the upper deck before dinner is served.

Accommodation: Delfin II

Day 9: Clavero Lagoon / Yarapa River / Puerto Miguel

On a morning excursion to Clavero Lagoon, look for several species of egrets, herons, hawks and long-legged neo-tropical cormorants fishing for breakfast. Traveling by skiff, we explore other linked blackwater lagoons that are part of this huge water system. Wattled jacanas compete for food with spiders, and grasshoppers and butterflies thrive along the grassy edges of freshwater swamps and marshes. In the lush rain forest, watch for large blue and yellow macaws flying overhead and two-toed sloths sleeping in the trees. At every turn, our guides reveal the secrets and surprises of the jungle.

This afternoon, the Delfin II continues upstream to reach the Yarapa River, a pristine tributary of the Amazon, where we have the option to paddle kayaks. Turning into the Yarapa's remote reaches, watch for troops of curious squirrel monkey and colorful birds such as the plum-throated cotinga. We'll also look for gray and pink dolphins swimming alongside. Local lore teaches that dolphins turn into humans during celebrations to steal handsome men or pretty women from their villages. Later in the day, travel a short distance by skiff to Puerto Miguel, a riverside village where we meet residents whose indigenous culture has been a part of this region for centuries. We may visit the school where children are always very happy to greet visitors, then stop by the local women's arts and crafts market to admire and purchase handicrafts. These sales help support the community and empower women artisans, indirectly helping to preserve local wildlife, since income generated decreases the propensity for illegal hunting. This evening, under the dark cloak of an Amazonian night sky, the ship's multitalented staff enlivens the final night of our Amazon voyage with live music.

Accommodation: Delfin II

Day 10: Nauta—Disembark / Iquitos / Lima / Depart

As we return to the port of Nauta, it's time to disembark, and our ground crew awaits to drive us back to Iquitos. En route to the airport, we visit the Rescue & Rehabilitation Center for River Mammals. Here, biologists and volunteers care primarily for endangered Amazon manatees that conservation authorities have seized from fishermen and locals who have captured them illegally. Scientists discuss efforts to help these vulnerable mammals, including how they are prepared for reintroduction into their natural habitat. We'll have the chance to see baby manatees and interact with charming, docile adults, maybe even helping to feed them. Other animals are also cared for at the center, often rescued from capture with the intention of being held as pets.

Our grand adventure comes to a close as we check in for our return flight to Lima, where we connect with late-night flights home. Day rooms are provided at the Wyndham Costa del Sol at the Lima airport. Please Note: This itinerary is meant as a guideline and can change due to weather conditions, internal flight schedules and river water levels. On some occasions, these conditions may require us to deviate from our intended itinerary, in which case we will provide the best available alternative. And we'll make a great adventure of it!

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