Just after breakfast we visited the Amazon National Park. This private protected area is located in the outside boundaries of the Pacaya-Samiria Reserve. The late owner, Mr. Roberto Rotondo, unfortunately passed away just a year ago. He managed this property so well that it was recognized by the Peruvian environmental authorities as a national private protected area as recently as June 2011. The legacy has been passed on to Mr. Rotondo’s daughter and older brother, who are currently managing it.
We began our activities in this area by traversing the lagoon by catamarans, rowing peacefully across the water. After a short ride, we disembarked and began our 2.4 mile hike. While walking in the forest, we admired very big and well-known trees, like the rubber and chewing gum trees, and some lianas, vines and wild flowers as well. The trail leads to a very long suspension bridge which is approximately a quarter of a mile in length. It allows us to experience an exciting bird’s eye view of the middle strata of the rainforest, just below the upper canopy. At that height, we could see the rainforest from a completely different perspective.
After the walk we boarded the catamarans once again to come back to the skiffs that were waiting to take us home, to the Delfin II. Once onboard, refreshed with a well-deserved shower, we had a questions and answers session with the Delfin II naturalists, followed by a delicious lunch. In the early afternoon, our photo instructor Aura Banda had a presentation on how to take better pictures, not only during this trip but in any environment!
The rest of the afternoon was spent exploring Nauta Caño. This stream is locally known in Spanish as “caño”, roughly translated to English as a creek. It is covered with thick vegetation, where our naturalists spotted several species of neotropical birds like parrots, herons, flycatchers as well as several bats hanging on submerged tree trunks, a couple of night monkeys, and even some three-toed sloths. Some guests opted to go kayaking and they had a wonderful time as well.
Finally, late in the afternoon during cocktail hour, the Delfin II naturalists gave a presentation about their own interesting lives and backgrounds. After dinner we had a night walk. The complete darkness of the night allowed us to focus on the beautiful sounds that emanate from the jungle at night. Several critters were spotted, including many insects and a whip snake.
A great full day concluded. It will remain in our visitors’ minds and hearts, for it was filled with new experiences that will evoke memories for years to come.
