Seeing the wilderness of the Amazon is only half the story. This morning we had the privilege of visiting the San Jorge community on the north banks of the Marañon River. Kids on their summer vacation greeted us at the dock, and acted as tour guides at their 400-inhabitant village. We then met with the women of Minga Peru, a NGO focused on women’s empowerment and environmental sustainability. It was hard leaving such an enlightened village, but today would be our longest day of river navigation of the trip, and we would meet the confluence of the true Amazon River before heading up the Ucayali.
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.
