Today we started our expedition in one of the most spectacular nature destinations on Earth, the Amazon region. This name is very powerful for it conjures images of mystery, magic, and bewildering biodiversity in a land of seemingly endless rivers and rain forests. Abundant rainfall, continual warmth, and a huge drainage basin have allowed our planet’s most diverse and extensive rain forest.
Early in the morning and in high spirits right after breakfast we went for a sensational hike in an area known as Casual. Equipped with rubber boots and accompanied by our three naturalists and three local native scouts from the community we explored a well-maintained “terra firme” rain forest trail. This walk is great introduction to the enthralling Neotropical rain forests. We observed several animal species that our native scouts spotted including frogs, lizards, and snakes.
We saw a pink-toed tarantula and several beautiful flowers as well. The highlight of the visit was the encounter of a very large Anaconda snake (Eunectes murinus). We could feel in the air the excitement this rare sighting provoked.
Anacondas are very large snakes that represent in a big way the magic and amazement the Neotropical rain forest evokes in their visitors. They can reach up to 10 meters plus (approximately 30 feet plus in length!) but most found are much smaller. This mythical snake ties with the reticulated Python for being the largest snake on Earth; the Anaconda however, is more massive.
Once back on board we had a couple of introductory talks. The first one was on the Amazon region, its origin, geology, biodiversity, and facts. The second one was on the Pacaya-Samiria Reserve, the area in the Peruvian Upper Amazon we will be exploring during the week.
In the afternoon, after lunch, we explored the Yanayacu River. The latter is a fairly big black water tributary of the Marañon River. In this area several bird species were spotted and many pink river dolphins that were seen from the skiffs.
Late in the afternoon with company of a stunning sunset, we came back to the Delfin II with unforgettable memories in our hearts and minds.
