Atun Poza Lake & Pacaya River
One of my favorite days of this expedition started with a skiff ride exploration of an oxbow lake known as Atun Poza. It was a successful morning for we spotted several Squirrel monkey troops and many bird species. We even had the chance to come closer to a local fisherman who gently showed us the first catch of the day. The icing on the cake was, for many of our guests, having our breakfast outdoors aboard the skiffs! We had our first meal of the day served in the most fashionable way, white gloves on our servers’ hands, fabric napkins in our laps, and even handcrafted dolls holding the napkins were included. As a background we had the green surroundings and a concert of tropical sounds as companions all while being covered with the rain forest. On our way back we paid a short visit to the small village that holds the same name as the lake, Atun Poza Village. As the whole area is underwater at this time of the year, the villagers adapted a boardwalk to go directly from the skiffs inside a small house on stilts where we observed their handicrafts.
At around lunchtime we arrived to the farthest destination we will be in our expedition this week, the Pacaya River. Early in the afternoon at 1500 we started to travel with our skiffs upstream the Pacaya River. Our goal was to go as far as we could in this remote river. The fun was not over yet for as soon as the skiffs arrived to a large black water oxbow lake called Yanayacu Lake (black water lake) we went swimming in this remote location! Many adventurous swimmers went in the water for refreshing swim!
After swimming we continue exploring the area. It was a successful afternoon in terms of wildlife sightings. We spotted a couple of Red Howler monkey troops. This monkey species is one of largest monkey species in South America and one of the most famous and attractive for they have one of the most impressive voices in the Neotropical rain forest. The loud howlers’ call sounds just like a mix between a windstorm and an imaginary dragon-like creature.
In addition to the many mammal species, we saw several bird species as well. Two species are well worthy to mention. We spotted a flock of Hoatzins as well. This prehistoric-looking bird has a peculiar natural history that has made it famous. It feeds exclusively on leaves, and their young have claws on their wings to climb back into their nests from the water after escaping from predators. A couple of gorgeous Blue and yellow Macaws flocks were admired as well.
Another day in the magical Peruvian Upper Amazon is over; one that has left many impressions and memories that will be in our hearts and minds.
