Many things were put on hold during the peak of the pandemic, including travel. We reveled today in visiting the deepest reaches of the Pacaya-Samaira National Reserve. We visited areas that our local guides have not had the opportunity to explore in almost three years. We were richly rewarded by sightings of capybaras, brown capuchins, squirrels, Isabel’s sakis, and red howlers. The bird species sighted numbered over three dozen. The weather gave us a reminder that we are in a tropical rainforest, as the skies dumped a cleansing rain on us and everything else as we made our way back to Delfin II. It was an awesome experience of the sounds, sights, and smells of the rainforest.
4/5/2025
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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.
