We left Delfin II at sunrise today and explored deep into the reserve along the Pacaya River. We had stunning scenery, unlike any other on this trip, and also abundant wildlife. Many monkeys were enjoyed, and waterbirds congregated by the thousands. We took our breakfast with us, enjoying it along a beautiful lake. A midday swim in a lake with pink river dolphins and ice cold cervezas was very special. A late lunch led to an afternoon transit back downriver, and our first rain of the entire trip! Patchy clouds and rainbows made for a relaxing afternoon after a busy morning.
9/23/2023
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Delfin II
Amazonas Park and Yarapa River
We are getting to the end of an amazing week exploring the Upper Amazon aboard the Delfin II . It has been an astonishing trip in many ways. This morning, we explored the Marañon River. We disembarked on the riverbank of the Amazon Natural Park, a protected area where the primary forest is full of birds and wildlife. Three small catamarans took us around the lake. We paddled slowly and observed the fauna. Once in the jungle, we walked for about two hours to explore this emerald world where trees cover the sky and light doesn’t reach the ground. Inside, it was dark. Plants struggle with each other for photosynthesis, some strangling their neighbors to survive. We observed the birds that live in dark areas. Thanks to evolution, they are sensitive to sunlight. The capped manakin is a very small, interesting creature. They feed on fruits and make mechanical sounds that are not vocals; rather, the sounds come from their wings. They have special, modified feathers that produce the sound. In the afternoon, we explored Yarapa River. Some of our intrepid guests kayaked to explore the creek in solitude and silence. Along the river, we spotted many kinds of birds, including herons, parakeets, orioles, neotropical cormorants, and more. At night, we enjoyed the slideshow of the week, a compilation of the great memories and experiences of this incredible week aboard the Delfin II . The Pacaya Samiria Reserve is a place to protect, to love, and to enjoy a vast array of biodiversity. A very complex network of rivers and creeks and abundant flora and fauna hold so much life.
