A good way to explore any tropical jungle is to start early when critters are active and the air is fresh and cool. So, very shortly before sunrise, we could already hear the movement around Delfin II in preparation for our first excursion. With watercraft deployed, we were soon face to face with nesting kingfishers and magnificent egrets catching fish from the shores of Iquitos Caño. Later in the morning, we landed for our first walk that included the crossing of seven hanging bridges from which we could get a perspective of the canopy area of this primeval forest. Just before lunch, we had a presentation from Shamana Carola, showing us the different plans and the preparations she takes, caring for people that need her help. In the afternoon, after a photo lecture, we ventured out for a ride in search of the many dolphins that were swimming at the mouth of the Yanayacu River.
10/8/2022
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Delfin II
Amazon Village and Casual Forest
We have had an astonishing week full of the kind of unfathomable experiences that only happen once in a lifetime. Tomorrow, we will be back to another jungle built with cement and other kinds of wildlife. But this morning, we are visiting a very small community at the foot of the Amazon River. People living here are poor in possessions but rich in a very natural way of living, and you see very happy people everywhere. Our guests enjoyed interacting with locals, eating their food, and learning how they use local materials found in the jungle for agriculture, fishing, and handicrafts. Minga Peru is a non-governmental institution. The Lindblad Fund supports these communities in the Upper Amazon through education and by empowering people, especially women, to develop job skills, create jobs with better incomes, and eradicate domestic violence. In the afternoon, we went to Casual Forest. With the help of some local, expert guides, we explored the jungle. The site is home to many creatures, like tarantulas, tiny frogs, and boas. We observed many medicinal trees. This outing was a great learning experience for our guests. Once we got back on board, we enjoyed a farewell cocktail party with all the crewmembers. Our guests were very happy after a great week exploring the Amazon of Peru. Our week was very special. We found capybaras and large caimans during our nocturnal outing, and the highlight was spotting a big jaguar resting on the riverbank of the Pacaya-Samiria Reserve. To celebrate the end of our memorable journey, our talented crew performed in the dining room. They played some local music and danced. We will depart in the morning for Iquitos, where we will visit the Manatee Center and the city’s boulevard. We had a wonderful time together. We made new friends and will remember this trip forever. Cheers to Peru!
