In this part of the Amazon, there are two main types of forest. Terra firme is forest that never floods. Here are found massive trees, a bit of relief in the terrain, and an incredible diversity of plants and animals. Varzea forest is a type of forest that is flooded for about three to four months of the year. This area is incredible, as there basically is no land for many months, and everything has to adapt to this change. Today we explored both habitats, in a variety of ways.
Our morning was spent exploring the terra firme of a private reserve along the banks of the Marañon River. Not only was the forest here spectacular, but a series of bridges allowed us to leave the forest floor and be amongst the trees. A few saddleback tamarins were spotted as numerous butterflies flitted below us. Chachalacas were feeding on ripe fig fruit, while the bell-like chiming of a wren was our soundtrack. Add to this parakeets flying above, vibrant Heliconia flowers, and leafcutter ants working on their massive colonies and we had an exciting morning.
For the afternoon, we took to the skiffs and kayaks to enjoy the varzea forest. The blackwater stream we explored seemed like we were gliding across a mirror, with perfect reflections on all sides. Squirrel monkeys were common and curious, and the birds extra colorful. From the red of a tanager to the blue of a cotinga, the vibrant hues were certainly shining on a perfectly sunny afternoon. And as the sun got lower, the chorus of the forest increased, and added immensely to our experience.
We returned to the Delfin II with dolphins leaping around the ship in a spectacular sunset. To finish our day, we learned how to make pisco sours, but more importantly, how to drink them!
