One of the most important components of our expedition in the Upper Amazon in Peru is to learn about, appreciate, and interact with the local people who inhabit this amazing region of our planet. Today we visited the lively Amazonas Community. We were greeted by the locals, who were eager to share their lifestyle and their culture with us. Minga Perú is the nonprofit organization that Lindblad chose as beneficiary of the Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic Fund for the conservation of the Upper Amazon. Minga is a Quechua word that means “collaborative community work.” Our joint dream — which is becoming a reality — is to design a sustainable and equitable future for communities in this part of the world. By empowering local women, Minga Perú seeks to improve the lives of the people in this region. The generous and constant funds that our guests have provided are vital for the well-being of many people in the area.
4/5/2025
Read
Delfin II
Amazonas, Piranha Creek, and the Amazon River
Today, we learned about the inspiring projects Minga Perú (with National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions) has developed in the Peruvian Amazon. We began by watching skilled artisans weave beautiful baskets, then learned how they use natural dyes extracted from forest plants to decorate them. At another station, Panchita—a female community leader—welcomed us with traditional dishes, showing us how they are prepared using local ingredients. We discovered how teachers enhance their students’ learning using audio classes and educational materials provided by Minga Perú. We also witnessed the traditional method of extracting juice from sugarcane, and we couldn’t resist doing a bit of shopping for local crafts. To celebrate the week, we boarded skiffs to explore a hidden creek teeming with wildlife. As the day came to an end, we returned to the majestic confluence of the Marañón and Ucayali Rivers, the birthplace of the Amazon. There, we raised a toast in gratitude for the beauty of nature and the unforgettable experiences we’ve shared.
