As of 2022, cruise ships remind me of two things: crowded covid nests and horrid Vegas casinos. Two things that the Delfin III is not.
When googling “why are cruise ships…” one of the recommended search results is “why are cruise ships so ugly”. Surprisingly (or, unsurprisingly), there is a collective aversion for these beasts roaming the seas. They are the perfect intersection of unraveled consumerism and mall-like architecture—not precisely welcoming or, um, aesthetically harmonious, let’s say.
And so, it amused me to find, in the middle of the Peruvian Amazon rainforest, a gilded exception to the rule: The Delfin III. Why? Well, partially because of the abysmally smaller dimensions of both the number of passengers on board and the vessel itself. This luxurious river cruise doesn’t feel like an unabashed artifice, nor a covid receptacle. There are only fifteen rooms available, which translates into a more personable (and Covid-save) atmosphere.
Metrics and proportions aside, the cruise and her perfectly positioned suites seize upon one of the best views on Earth: the never-ending green blanket that is the Amazon jungle. But the towering trees aren’t just a pretty vista; they are the stage for an auditive phenomenon. The everpresent dialogue amongst birds, insects, frogs, and mammals echoes—inside you.
I know, I know, it sounds a little bit (read: a lot) New Age. But the Peruvian rainforest has that effect on people. It awakens something. One is reminded of a grander order, one in which humanity, and the self, are unimportant. And, as westerners filled to the brim with humanist ideals, that is something we should be more acquainted with.
The Delfin cruise ships get her name from the flamboyant and amiable pink dolphins which inhabit the Amazon River and its enormous tributaries. Although hiding from us even from the vantage point of the three stories vessel, fauna takes the central stage in this trip. Expect pink dolphins, piranhas, tarantulas, anacondas, sloth bears, a myriad of monkeys, birds (probably the best location in the world for birdwatching), and frogs when going out on expeditions through the virgin forests.
The five-day cruising journey is filled with on the ground—and on the waters—explorations: nocturnal and diurnal hikes through the Amazon jungle, skiff outings, and paddleboarding.
And the guides behind these Amazonian safaris are just magnificent. It suffices to say that you can hardly find a Tripadvisor review that doesn’t mention the team of expertly trained guides—by name. They are not only walking encyclopedias; they are also the kind of people you’re going to miss once you’re on a plane heading home. All of them, feverishly passionate locals with a contagious love for the ecosystem they share with other equally integral living beings.
Also part of the most discussed amongst the frolicking reviewers, the food. To cuisine connoisseurs, I’m not unveiling news. Peru is a hardcore contender for the best dishes out there. But the cruise affects your taste buds in an indelible way, and they don’t do so just by recreating some applauded Peruvian recipe (like Ceviche or Lomo Saltado). The chefs compile the environs as ingredients and, together with freshened amazonian recipes, they set a table to die for.
Related: 5 little known Peruvian dishes you must try
Said ingredients are harnessed by the nearby communities inhabiting the riverbanks. What’s more, all of the Delfin cruises have set this goal: to actively aid these families, partially, by providing them with tourists hungry for masterfully-made souvenirs with Amazonian motives and by deploying them as supporting guides, after all, they are the ones who better know those lands.
Visiting the school funded by the Delfin cruises is optional, but I highly encourage it. To see that one of many trips can be the engine of a transformative process for a little someone is a great reminder of the importance of sustainable travel. Besides the green discourse, which can be wearying, we need to first look out for each other.
Inadvertently the best cruise might be tucked away in the meandering Amazonian rivers. Still, why don’t you seize on the long flight and dream of a broader travel agenda? After all, Machu Picchu is in Peru too. Perhaps you could take an Amazon tour from Cusco! Contact us for a tailor-made luxury vacation through this amusing Southamerican nation.
To ensure the well-being and safety of our travelers and staff throughout our operational chain, Terra Explorer will comply with the health and safety measures and protocols established by the Peruvian Association of Adventure Tourism and Ecotourism (APTAE), and implement the Covid-19 health and safety guidelines for adventure tourism developed by the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA).
Our experiences are designed considering the least possible exposure, where the final destinations are usually remote places. By their very nature, our adventure activities are considered to be low risk, mainly because they are performed outdoors where ventilation is constant and making it easy to achieve social distancing.
During these times we are working together with a small staff of honorable people who have been part of the Terra Explorer family for many years. They and their families are aligned with the established health and safety measures. Employing these staff members also seeks to reactivate the local economy.
We guarantee a safe, soul-fulfilling trip to all our travelers for whom we make these adventures possible.
Terra Explorer will strictly comply with the safety, cleaning, and hygiene protocols during our internal processes, third parties, and throughout your trip. This involves:
Follow the instructions related to health and safety given by the Terra Explorer team and your guide, before and during your trip.
Stay home if:
With the intention of delivering the most flexibility at the time of confirming your trip, we will determine the amount of the initial deposit individually and according to your itinerary characteristics.
Secure your trip with a deposit and pay the rest in one or more payments, at a time that suits you best. Please make sure you adhere to our policy and pay in full at least 31 days prior to your trip date.
If you need to cancel your trip, we will apply the following flexible policies.
For more detailed information on our terms and conditions and Covid-19 policies, please contact us at [email protected]
