Today we continued exploring the Ucayali River in a pre-breakfast morning activity. This river is probably the main tributary of the famous Amazon River, and it has many creeks and lagoons for skiff exploration. So far, we have already seen many Amazonian animals that most people are only ever able to see on tv!
The Amazon region is about 60 percent of Peru’s territory and reaches many other South American countries. It’s not until you’re here that you get a sense of the magnitude of this amazing natural region.
Walter was born in a very small town on the mainland of Ecuador. His first trip to the Galápagos was when he was 12 years old, visiting friends and aunt, who had moved to the islands. From the first moment he saw the Islands, he fell in love with the...
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This morning, we embarked on an early skiff excursion along the tranquil waters of the Iricahua Stream. The stillness of the morning was accompanied by the gentle sounds of the rainforest awakening. After a brief and refreshing rainshower, we enjoyed a delightful breakfast aboard the skiffs. The experience of dining amidst such natural beauty, surrounded by the sights and sounds of the Amazon, was truly unforgettable. We avoided the warmest hours of the day while enjoying various presentations on board. Isaac, a Delfin II bartender, taught us how to prepare Pisco sours and also gave us dancing lessons. In the afternoon, we went for a guided walk in the Yanallpa area. The highlight was an encounter with the elusive pygmy marmoset, the world’s smallest monkey. We observed these tiny primates as they nimbly navigated the trees, their curious eyes watching us as intently as we watched them. This rare sighting offered a profound connection to the rich biodiversity of the Amazon.
Early in the morning, we explored Yanallaquillo Creek. The riverbanks teemed with life—kingfishers darted ahead of us, and a few pink river dolphins surfaced very close to our skiffs. It was the best welcome to the Jungle of Mirrors: The Pacaya Samiria Reserve. After breakfast, as we navigated the Marañón River, we had the privilege of meeting a local master shaman, Carola, who shared her deep knowledge of medicinal plants. With practiced hands, she pointed out bark used to treat fever, roots that soothe stomach ailments, and leaves that serve as natural antiseptics. It took her eight years to get her training from her grandfather. Her wisdom, passed down through generations, was a reminder of the Amazon’s living pharmacy and the vital role these plants play in local communities. In the afternoon, we explored the Pucate River aboard our skiffs. As we glided through calm, mirror-like waters, we spotted squirrel monkeys leaping through the canopy and scarlet macaws flashing brilliant colors against the green. The tranquility of the Pucate was broken by our screams of joy when jumping in for a sunset Amazon plunge.
This morning, our guests had a truly special experience visiting the Amazonas community, a well organized village where many of the community leaders are women. They warmly welcomed us and shared a glimpse into their daily lives, showing us how they cook traditional dishes, use plant-based dyes to create beautiful handicrafts, and most importantly, their incredible efforts in leadership, sustainable fishing, and agroforestry farming. Their work is a powerful response to soil acidification and climate change, demonstrating resilience and innovation in their way of life. In the afternoon, we navigated toward the great confluence, where the Marañón and Ucayali Rivers merge to form the Amazon River. We explored a narrow creek in search of wildlife, and as our three skiffs returned to the Amazon River, we tied them together and raised a glass, celebrating the end of a fantastic expedition.
