Amazon Natural Park and Yanayacu River, 7/11/2022, Delfin II
Aboard the
Delfin II
Amazon
Whether walking through the rainforest, exploring small blackwater creeks by skiff, paddling a kayak with river dolphins, or walking amongst the canopy of the forest, our first full day in the Upper Amazon of Peru was exciting. We enjoyed charismatic species such as monkeys, pink river dolphins, and sloths, as well as tiny frogs, huge spiders, and little kingfishers. As we returned to Delfin II, a gorgeous sunset left us thinking ahead to tomorrow.
Mike learned early on that the best way to escape Ohio was to become a marine biologist. During college at Wittenberg University he attended a semester at Duke University's Marine Lab — that time only confirmed his love for all things oceanic and ma...
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As the sun was rising, we boarded the skiffs to explore Nauta Caño, a serene creek renowned for its abundant wildlife and lush vegetation. We were greeted by playful squirrel monkeys leaping between branches and vibrant macaws soaring overhead. After breakfast, several guests opted for an invigorating kayaking excursion, while others joined Certified Photo Instructor Giulia for a ride with an emphasis on photography. After our morning adventure, we returned to Delfin II for my presentation about the Geology of the Amazon basin. Geology is the key to the past, present, and future of this fragile area. In the afternoon, we navigated the Yarapa River, a tributary celebrated for its diverse flora and fauna. The highlight of this excursion was encountering the majestic giant water lilies (Victoria amazonica), some measuring up to eight feet in diameter. These remarkable plants, capable of supporting the weight of a small child, created a picturesque and serene landscape. Additionally, we had the opportunity to observe six species of primates and dozens of birds.
Our day commenced with a visit to the community of Amazonas, and we had the privilege of engaging with Minga Peru, a nonprofit organization founded in 1998 dedicated to promoting sustainable change in remote communities of the Peruvian Amazon. The term “minga” reflects a collective effort for the common good, embodying the organization’s mission to empower indigenous women and families. During our visit we interacted with local women and young adults who shared their experiences of leadership and community development. They demonstrated traditional crafts and discussed initiatives in health, education, and environmental stewardship. In the afternoon, we navigated to the confluence where the Ucayali and Marañón Rivers merge to form the Amazon River, near the town of Nauta . This significant juncture, often referred to as the “Meeting of Waters,” showcases the unique phenomenon where distinct water bodies flow side by side without immediately mixing . Amidst this natural wonder, we raised our glasses in a toast, reflecting on the week’s enriching experiences and the majestic beauty of the Amazon.
This morning, we embarked on a long skiff ride to explore the diverse wildlife inhabiting the Pacaya region. We were fortunate to spot several three-toed sloths nestled in the treetops and observed capuchin and squirrel monkeys playfully moving through the canopy. The richness of the Amazon’s biodiversity was on full display. We also had a picnic at the serene Yanayacu Lagoon, a pristine body of water nestled within the Amazon Rainforest. The high level of the water (more than 40 feet) allowed us to navigate deeper into the flooded forest. The water’s calm surface mirrored the towering trees, creating a mesmerizing “Forest of Mirrors” effect. Taking advantage of the tranquil setting, many guests enjoyed a refreshing swim in the lagoon’s warm waters, fully immersing themselves in the Amazon’s natural beauty. In the afternoon we explored Magdalena Creek, where we saw a wild pig swimming to us, as if asking for a ride. After dinner we met in the lounge to dance to the rhythms of music from around the world. The crew were amazing Amazon dancing instructors.
