The Pacaya River, in the heart of the reserve, is one of the most pristine areas in the Upper Amazon. 379 kilometers in length, it is home to such diverse kinds of wildlife as howler monkeys, caimans, and capybaras. To come to the rainforest and have no rain, it is like having not been here! But indeed, we experienced it! Today it rained cats and dogs, and it was a magnificent experience. In addition to seeing wildlife, we had a terrific and fun experience along the river — jungle plunge-swimming, surrounded by pink dolphins in the middle of a blackwater lagoon. The afternoon was very different, as we motored a few hours to visit the Magdalena River; it was sunny, warm, and full of wildlife.
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.
