After an early breakfast this morning, we explored Yarapa River by a skiff ride. We spotted several bird species, and some monkeys as well. In the afternoon we visited the delightful Amazon town of Amazonas. The community is beautifully organized and clean. We interacted with the residents while observing and learning firsthand how people live nowadays in Amazonia. Our guests had a once-in-a-lifetime experience. We were welcomed to the house of a villager who invited us to try some local dishes. Local artisans showed us how they make their beautiful handcrafts using natural fibers and colorants from the rainforest. We also enjoyed a brief but meaningful encounter with a welcoming committee from Minga Peru; this non-profit organization, founded in 1998, has a mission to promote social justice and human dignity for women and families in remote rural areas of the 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.
