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.
5/31/2025
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Delfin II
Marayali River, Amazonas Village, Peru
Leaving Delfin II at 06:00 for our morning skiff ride, we explored the Marayali River. The birds were up and working on obtaining breakfast while the three-toed sloths chose to sleep the morning hours away. On our way back to the ship, we encountered a snail kite having its namesake prey for breakfast right in front of us! The rest of the morning was spent at Amazonas Village getting an introduction to life along the river. Demonstrations of how to get sugar water out of cane, how to make and dye fiber for baskets and other items, as well as food preparation were given. We chatted with children who had monkeys as pets! Our evening was topped off by a toast to the beginning of the actual Amazon River, where the Marañon and Ucayali Rivers converge. Salud! This is my final daily expedition report as a full-time Lindblad employee. I am retiring after 21 years as a National Geographic certified photo instructor and naturalist, ready to begin a new life of travel and exploration. I want to give a big thank you to all of those Lindblad guests whom I have traveled with over the years, and I will leave you with these words: Travel as often as you can, as far as you can, for as long as you can. May God and your luggage be with you!
