Exploring Peru's Pacaya-Samiria Reserve
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UPPER AMAZON EXPLORING PERU’s PaCAYA-SAMIRIA RESERVE ABOARD DELFIN II — THE FINEST SHIP ON THE AMAZON | 2013-14 TM As astonishing as the photos in National Geographic. And an exhilarating life adventure: A Lindblad-National Geographic expedition — into the heart of the Amazon TMTM Lindblad Expeditions and National Geographic have joined forces to further inspireinspire thethe worldworld throughthrough expeditionexpedition travel.travel. OurOur collaborationcollaboration inin exploration,exploration, research,research, technologytechnology andand conservationconservation will provide extraordinary travel experi-- ences and disseminate geographic knowledge around the globe. Celebrating of National Geographic Dear Traveler, In an age when we can look at detailed maps of the planet’s most remote places on our phones, it may seem like there is little left to discover. There are no islands that have gone unnoticed by our satellites or seas left to name after explorers. But in a way, the Upper Amazon is different. It is a place shrouded in green, where river levels can rise and fall by several feet overnight, creating ever-new networks of waterways or revealing new forest trails—each one never before explored by kayaker or hiker. Ever-changing, it is a place that begs to be discovered, day after day. Our ship is what allows us to reach these remote regions. Outfitted with fleets of skiffs and kayaks, we’re able to venture into these winding, wildlife-rich tributaries. And through our relationships in the region, we’ve arranged to venture outside of the protected reserve to explore a primary growth forest, which we reach after crossing a lake aboard local canoes. Here we explore on foot, and hikers who choose to venture further afield can even walk across a series of suspension bridges strung through the rain forest canopy. And our ship is the perfect place to use as our base camp after a day of exploring; its open top deck offers a singular experience, for there’s nothing quite like relaxing in the cooling evening air listening to the sounds of the jungle. Our staff, unmatched in the region, will be the key to your experience. You’ll go with a veteran Lindblad expedition leader as well as a Lindblad-National Geographic certified photo instructor. This naturalist is specially trained to help you capitalize on the rare wildlife sightings while shooting in dense rain forest, which under some conditions can present challenges. And our hand-picked local guides, most of whom grew up along the banks of this river, have more experience than anyone when it comes to finding the wildlife you seek. And, since they’re from the region, they’re the most gracious hosts we could have when we enter villages along the river. Our ship, our staff, and our expedition experience ensure you’ll get the absolute most out of this dynamic rain forest. I hope you’ll join us in the Amazon. Best regards, P.S. Join us to explore the world in 2013, the 125th Anniversary of National Geographic, and receive this limited edition commemorative book as our Sven-Olof Lindblad thank you. Cover photo: Sunrise over the River of Mirrors. © Ralph Lee Hopkins Celebrating of National Geographic This spread: Flooded forest, Ucayali River, Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve, Amazon River, Peru. Venture deep into the jungle The 28-guest river ship Delfin II was purpose- built to explore the upper reaches of the Amazon, venturing to places that would be inaccessible to larger ships, and doing so in supreme comfort. A fleet of skiffs aboard allows access to flooded forests and hidden, winding jungle tributaries rich in wildlife. Kayaks offer peaceful, personal experiences in the wild jungle. Traveling with the best staff in the region, including a veteran Lindblad expedition leader and a Lindblad-National Geographic certified photo instructor, plus local guides, ensures maximum wildlife sightings and peak experiences. Top: Our river ship, the Delfin II; right: nimble skiffs allow us to venture up wildlife-rich tributaries. 2 1.800.EXPEDITION (1.800.397.3348) 3 Delfin II, superb comfort and tropical style on the river With an open top deck and airy staterooms with panoramic windows, the river views are brought inside at every turn. Rattan-draped sofas on the breezy deck are ideal for lounging or gathering, and air-conditioned staterooms offer a personal oasis. You’ll discover a new world of dining, with nearly every ingredient the chef uses sourced locally. Make daily discoveries, and return to the finest accommodations on the river. 4 1.800.EXPEDITION (1.800.397.3348) Delfin II, superb comfort and tropical style on the river Clockwise from top left: Staterooms are spacious, with panoramic river views; the open, breezy top deck brings the river views inside; a guest enjoys river views at sunset; Recap is held in the airy, top deck lounge, comfortably accommodating the entire expedition community; five-star, sustainable dining aboard. WWW.EXPEDITIONS.COM 5 A Lindblad-National Geographic certified photo instructor on every departure Exclusive to us, every expedition sails with a Lindblad- National Geographic certified photo instructor at your service. This veteran naturalist is trained to assist you with camera settings, the basic elements of framing, composition and lighting, and to provide shooting tips to ensure you go home with fantastic photos. And since your photo instructor is a veteran naturalist, they are uniquely adept at helping you understand the nuances to shooting extraordinary wildlife photos in the dynamic environment of the Amazon. Deep in the jungle, in the company of top pros Explore the rain forest with veteran Lindblad expedition leaders and top-notch local Amazonian natural- ists. These top pros ensure you get the most out of your Amazon experience, and our local experts have deep ties to the communities we visit, ensuring rewarding and mutually beneficial encounters. MIKE GREENFELDER CARLOS RoMERO RENINGER COQUINCHE LUIS VELA EXPEDITION LEADER AND EXPEDITION LEADER AND AREVALO NATURALIST CERTIFIED PHOTO instruCTOR CERTIFIED PHOTO instruCTOR NATURALIST Originally from a small town Versed in marine biology, ornithology, A 16-year expedition leader, Carlos Raised in a town along the on the Peruvian Amazon, Luis and photography, Mike brings this brings his deep experience in banks of the Rio Huallaga in the enjoys sharing his enthusiasm unique environment to life. As a conservation biology to the Amazon, Peruvian Amazon, Reninger has and experience in the region. certified photo instructor, he is adept and as a certified photo instructor been a naturalist in the Amazon His first-hand knowledge gives at providing assistance to novice and he offers tips to capture jungle for over 30 years. He has worked our guests a deeper, richer expert photographers alike. wildlife at its best. with various scientists, including understanding of the Amazon renowned botanist Alwyn Gentry. jungle waterways he calls home. 6 1.800.EXPEDITION (1.800.397.3348) Black-collared hawk. National Geographic began conducting Amazon expeditions when wide swaths of the map were simply labeled “unknown.” For 125 years, they’ve shared this part of the world with adventurous readers. And over 40 years ago, the Lindblad Explorer sailed up the Amazon River carrying the first ‘citizen explorers.’ Now Lindblad Expeditions and National Geographic have formed an alliance to further inspire the world through expedition travel including the wilds of the Amazon—a land where “unknown” still promises discovery. WWW.EXPEDITIONS.COM 7 Explore this cathedral of green & meet the ribere˜nos, natives of the region In this flooded rain forest, opulent in vegetation and wildness, water levels can change by several feet in mere hours, causing networks of jungle waterways to appear overnight as if by magic. Our nimble skiffs and kayaks allow us access to explore these brackish tributaries, often where no one else has gone. You’ll see sloths, troops of vocal monkeys, and a myriad of bird species. One afternoon you’ll have a chance to swim in a peaceful lagoon frequented by pink river dolphins. You’ll meet ribere˜nos, who make their lives on the banks of the Peruvian Amazon. Visit their villages—a rare privilege—where we’re often welcomed by their friendly children. Many elements of the decor and decorative accents aboard Delfin II are made by riberenos,˜ and you will have the chance to purchase similar handicrafts directly from the artisans, in what is invariably a mutually rewarding and responsible transaction. Clockwise from top left: Ribere˜nos in school and colorful woven handicrafts in their villages; a monk saki monkey perched high in a tree; children of the reserve enjoying Expedition Leader Cindy Manning’s camera. 8 1.800.EXPEDITION (1.800.397.3348) THE PacaYA-SAMIRIA National RESERVE “The water was dark, tannin-rich and still. For good reason this river is sometimes referred to as the River of Mirrors. The lush vegetation, white-barked trunks, green vines and tall trees reflected peace and a certain timelessness. Troops of howler monkeys, the snort of pink dolphins, brown capuchins, squirrel monkeys, horned screamers, egrets of all sizes; the Amazon flood forest was at its best this afternoon.” — Cindy Manning, expedition leader, December 24, 2010 9 UPPER AMAZON 10 DAYS/9 NIGHTS—AboaRD DELFIN II EXPERIENCE & EXPERTISE DEPARTURE: 2013 & 2014: Expeditions depart every Saturday (some exceptions). We have conducted numer- PRICES FROM: $5,870 to $6,990 (See page 16 for complete prices.) ous Amazon expeditions in A+ our history, and launched SPECIAL OFFER EXPEDITION our first voyage aboard the Book by October 31, 2013 and receive a $500 air credit on select 2013 Upper Amazon teaM beautiful, 28-guest Delfin II in departures. Subject to availability; new bookings only. August 2010. In order to provide expedi- tion leadership in this pristine region, we EXPEDITION HIGHLIGHTS tapped our tenured expedition leaders to ▶ Explore the lakes of the flooded forest of Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve with a lead our Amazon voyages, providing our team of experienced naturalists.