As dusk falls in the Amazon, giant water lilies begin their remarkable two-night lifespan. Their white flowers blossom, perfuming the air with a pineapple-sweet scent that lures beetles inside before closing shut to secure pollination. By the second night, the lilies reopen, transformed in blushed shades of pink and purple. Elsewhere on the forest floor, glass frogs live among small streams, their translucent skin revealing their heart, liver and bones. Jaguars hunt for capybaras and caimans in the dark of night, while mysterious pink river dolphins use echolocation to stalk fish and crabs in the murky waters.

Life in the Amazon Rainforest is constantly buzzing, unfolding, transforming — a myriad of scenes in perpetual flux. APT Luxury Travel invites you to uncover the heart of this spectacular wilderness on a three-night Amazon River Cruise aboard the Delfin III, combined with our longer South America tours. Led by expert naturalist guides and defined by effortless indulgence, this voyage offers an incomparable way to experience the wonders of the Peruvian Amazon.

Witness Wildlife in the Amazon Rainforest

A living treasure trove, the Amazon is home to an extraordinary range of wildlife, spanning from elusive jaguars to sleepy sloths and poison dart frogs. Within its vast expanse, one in every ten species on Earth can be found — including more than 40,000 plant varieties, 1,300 different birds, and 3,000 freshwater species. Step ashore to adventure through the Amazon on land, accompanied by an expert naturalist guide who will share insights on the local flora and fauna, along with the importance of preserving this natural environment. Set out on trail walks deep into the rainforest on terra firme (dry earth on high ground that is not subject to seasonal flooding). This biodiverse forest offers the chance to encounter an array of diverse wildlife, from toucans and macaws to various monkey species, frogs, iguanas, tarantulas, anacondas, rainbow boas and more.

Keep Watch for Pink River Dolphins and Piranhas on the River

Lined with canopies of trees and dense jungle, the Amazon’s wetlands, vast rivers and snaking tributaries teem with life. As you glide along the Amazon’s waterways, keep on the lookout for playful pink river dolphins jumping out of the water. Known as bufeo Spanish and boto in Portuguese, this endangered species of freshwater dolphin is endemic to South America. Skiff excursions with your expert naturalist guide offer more opportunities for wildlife encounters as you keep watch for sloths clambering onto trees overhead and monkeys darting swiftly between the branches. Try your hand at piranha fishing and marvel at the razor-sharp teeth of these ferocious fish, then paddle a kayak along a calm tributary to experience life right on the water. You’ll also take a skiff to the confluence of the Marañón and Ucayali rivers, where the mighty Amazon River begins — the largest river system in the world.

Visit a Ribereño Village

Step ashore to meet riverbank communities who have lived in balance with the Amazon for generations. Life in these ribereño villages is shaped by the land. Bananas are fermented into a sweet, nourishing drink, while palm stems are woven into baskets and bags. As residents share insights such as ancestral fishing practices, local crafts and time-honoured traditions, you’ll discover an authentic glimpse into daily life in the Amazon. These enriching cultural encounters are rooted in genuine exchange, shaped by mutual respect and meaningful connection.

Meet a Local Shaman

On your Amazon River cruise, you may have the opportunity to meet with a local shaman and learn about the important role they play in the community. Also known as curanderos or vegetalistas, Amazonian shamans are healers with an extensive knowledge of medicinal plants, spiritual practices and ancient traditions. Shamanic training is a life-long commitment that begins at a young age with a master healer. Knowledge is acquired by working extensively with plants, maintaining strict diets, and spending extended periods of time in the jungle in isolation. Shamanic practices are deeply rooted in the cultures of Indigenous communities throughout the Amazon, with the healing traditions of the Shipibo-Conibo people dating back more than 3,000 years.

Hear the Sounds of the Jungle

Wake each day amid the jungle, where a symphony of birdsong fills the air and the raucous roars of howler monkeys can be heard off in the distance. Every now and then the scene is punctuated by another boat passing by, but with little river traffic, you are truly immersed in the sounds of the jungle. And as dusk descends upon the Amazon, the forest buzzes with a new energy, creating an enthralling soundscape: the chirping of crickets, the croaking of frogs and the fluttering of bats. Embark on an unforgettable night safari and be awed by the captivating orchestra of the jungle’s nocturnal creatures.

Savour Amazonian Delicacies and Gourmet Delights

Experience contemporary Peruvian fare with a menu adapted for the season as you take in sweeping river views from the elegant onboard dining room. Days begin with buffet breakfast featuring a variety of hot and cold dishes, eggs your way, freshly brewed coffee and juices. Three-course gourmet lunches and dinners are paired with complimentary wines, beer and pisco cocktails. On occasion, fresh fish may be caught from the river throughout the voyage for use in tantalising dishes. Starters may feature vibrant Nikkei cuisine — the Japanese-Peruvian fusion found across Peru — such as sea bass tiradito drizzled in sacha cilantro sauce. For main, savour options such as braised chicken with cheese and cured meat-filled ravioli in a creamy huancaina sauce, served with burnt cocona crema and red wine egg. Desserts combine decadent flavours with Amazonian fruits, such as arazá and hunhurahui.

Explore the World’s Largest Rainforest in Unrivalled Luxury

There are few places in the world where you can experience five-star comforts while completely immersed in the wilderness of the Amazon. APT Luxury Travel has partnered with Delfin Amazon Cruises to deliver these exceptional voyages — the first river cruises offered by Relais & Châteaux, one of the world’s leading luxury hotel brands. Hosting a maximum of just 44 guests, the Delfin III delivers an intimate cruising experience, characterised by personalised service and unscripted encounters with nature. Between thrilling excursions, take a refreshing dip in the open-air plunge pool, sip a pisco sour as you take in panoramic views of the lush jungle, unwind with a treatment at the spa, or learn about Peruvian cuisine with a cooking class. Designed for refined comfort and effortless sophistication, every suite features deluxe beds with fine Peruvian linens, individual climate control, and floor-to-ceiling windows to seamlessly connect you to nature.

Where quiet sophistication meets untamed wilderness, this unforgettable voyage invites you on an intimate discovery of the Peruvian Amazon’s inimitable wildlife, vibrant communities, and mesmerising landscapes. An adventure like no other awaits.