Cedro Caño, Flor de Castaña & Belluda Caño
We started our expedition exploring a very small tributary of the Ucayali River, “Cedro Caño.” In this week’s expedition we have the joy and privilege to have onboard a group from the New York Yacht Club. Two options were offered today: kayaking or a ride in skiffs. We had a rather cloudy morning with a soft drizzle that accompanied us during the whole outing. The best part was that it was not hot at all and many bird species were identified. This morning presented a new challenge for our guests for they realized that in the rainforests we need not only cameras and binoculars to look for wildlife but a lot of patience and experience to search for wildlife amidst the rather intricate vegetation characteristic of this tropical ecosystem.
After breakfast we went to visit the “Flor de Castaña” community. This village was at its best today for we observed how the locals live their normal lives in harmony with the rainforest and their precious products. A true highlight was that we were able to observe the whole process of the main staple food in the Amazon, the starchy root known as “yuca” (manihot esculenta), not to be confused with the poisonous yucca that does not inhabit these latitudes. This famous plant is also known as “manioc” or “cassava” as well.
We went to a hunter’s house as well and were fascinated by the stories of his tough life. He explained to us that in order to hunt he needs to paddle his dugout canoe for at least six or seven days. We observed the skills and pride of the younger ones with their fishing catch of the day as well. Many children came out to observe us with curiosity. On the way back we had the feeling that we’d had a real and authentic intercultural exchange that in many ways felt refreshing and invigorating.
In the afternoon, we visited Belluda Caño. Caño is a Spanish word used locally to describe the many small black-water creeks found in the reserve. We spotted many tropical bird species, including the yellow-rumped cacique (cacicus cela). The peculiar name of this beautiful bird cacique means “chieftain” and was applied to this bird because, in addition to its bossy personality, it imitates the songs of many other birds, just like a mockingbird. In popular belief, these perfect imitations are like orders to the other birds in their own languages therefore the cacique is believed to be the chieftain of all.
Late in the afternoon we came onboard the ship to enjoy a drink and share with our fellow travelers our impressions of our first full day in the incomparable and mighty Amazon.
