Explorer, author and prominent historian Dr. John Hemming is arguably the world’s greatest-renowned expert on the Inca Empire and a leading authority on the history of the Amazon and its people. To coincide with the 2015 launch of Hemming’s latest work, Naturalists in Paradise: Wallace, Bates and Spruce in the Amazon, Aracari and Delfin Amazon Cruises are hosting a special 5 Day / 4 Night lecture cruise led by Dr. John Hemming. Delve into the Amazon and the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, Peru, aboard the luxurious Delfin II. This unmissable voyage, with highly limited places, will take place on February 10 to February 14, 2016.
Director of the Royal Geographical Society for 20 years and recipient of Peru’s highest national honours for his work, Hemming is extensively travelled throughout Peru and has conducted a number of expeditions into the Amazon. Drawing on this unparalleled experience and expertise he will deliver a series of three lectures as guests explore the Amazon from the comfort of the Delfin II vessel, with its fourteen large, air-conditioned guest suites, holding a maximum of 28 passengers.
Sharing the stories of his first great Amazonian expedition when Hemming’s friend Richard Mason was ambushed and killed by a totally unknown tribe – the last European ever to suffer such a death – the first in the lecture series will look at the indigenous people of the Amazon. Hemming has penned a definitive three-volume history on Brazilian and Amazonian Indians from time of conquest to present day: Red Gold, Amazon Frontier and Die If You Must. Hemming has also written a general history of the Amazon, Tree of Rivers: the Story of the Amazon. Hemming will share beautiful photographs from when the tribes were first contacted.
The second lecture will focus on the three naturalists and explorers of Naturalists in Paradise: Wallace, Bates and Spruce in the Amazon; guests will receive a signed copy on board. These nineteenth century scientists spent thirty years non-stop between them in the forests and rivers of the Amazon exploring new territory, identifying thousands of new species and writing terrific popular and scientific works, alongside Indiana Jones-style adventures.
The search for El Dorado will provide the focus of the third lecture topic, exploring how Spanish conquistadores instigated a series of disastrous expeditions through Amazon forests.
During the cruise guests will have the opportunity to converse with Dr. Hemming and take advantage of the included activities: dolphin watching, kayaking, skiff explorations and community visits.
Places are highly limited with prices as follows:
Double occupancy (price per person, USD):
Master Suite: $4100
Suite: $3900
Single occupancy (price per person, USD):
Master Suite: $6150
Suite: $5850
Contact us now to reserve your place on this exclusive expedition.