The canopy walkway and Nauta Caño
After continuing farther up the Marañon River last night, we set out early this morning to explore Terra Firme, or forest that never floods. This was a very special reserve, with not only an amazing forest, but a canopy walkway to see the forest from a different perspective. The journey to the canopy itself was a marvelous experience. First, we boarded catamaran canoes and quietly paddled across a black water lake. Here, we were welcomed by swallows, flycatchers, and a group of squirrel monkeys. Then, it was a gentle hike through some excellent forest. Massive trees lined the way, including strangler figs, Kapok, and rubber trees. Quite a few flowers were photographed, and we learned many more medicinal uses of the plants.
The real joy of the morning was the series of suspension bridges that allowed us to get up in the forest. Being in the midst allowed us to be eye-to-eye, so to speak, with many of the epiphytic plants that make up some an important part of the forest. Bromeliads, Philodendrons, and Orchids were all seen up-close and personal. Looking down on birds and being level with nests was another advantage of this walkway. Returning by another gentle paddle on the black water lake was a beautiful ending to our morning.
During the afternoon, we returned downriver on the Marañon, and reached our afternoon destination of Nauta Caño. Here we set off in the skiffs to explore this skinny black water stream. Kingfishers seemed to be perched about every one hundred yards or so. A group of Hoatzin was also spotted. These vegetarian birds are simply stunning with a punk rock hair do and some wonderful colors, especially when they open their wings.
We continued on, reaching a large covered in floating vegetation. A large group of squirrel monkeys was feeding on fig fruits, and a flock of around one hundred Muscovy Ducks was feeding in the lake. As the sun set, some massive clouds were developing. A rainbow signaled a tiny bit of rain, but that wouldn’t slow us down. We returned in the dark, enjoying the many night creatures that were emerging.
