We set out on our morning skiff excursions under a brooding sky that quickly turned into a torrential downpour; reminding us how the waters we’ve been navigating can rise so high in the wet season. Photo instructor Michael Nolan and I led an iPhone photography class while the rains died down and then we headed to the small village of San Francisco de Loreto. There we spent time meeting the local people and getting a glimpse of daily life along the Marañon River. Before lunch we toasted with pisco sours while passing the official head of the Amazon River at the confluence of the Marañon and Ucayali Rivers. The afternoon gave us an opportunity to take a skiff ride on Lake Clavero.
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.
