We started exploring early this morning as we were going far and deep into the Pacaya Samiria Reserve. With blue skies above, we zoomed upstream. Highlights included a flock of comical looking hoatzins and a flock of six blue-and-yellow macaws. High in the treetops, we came across several troops of red howler monkeys. After a stop for lunch, we headed downriver for what was called the “piranha plunge.” No piranhas were to be found as we cooled off in the river, and we all left with our fingers and toes intact. True to rainforest cycles, the clouds built during the morning and early afternoon and then dumped their moisture on us by the bucketful as we made our way back to the Delfin II. We filled out the afternoon with origami towel folding lessons, a talk on creative ideas with our images, and a lesson in making the perfect pisco sour. It was a delicious and refreshing way to end our day in the Upper Peruvian Amazon.
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.
