Today was our first full day exploring Amazonía. This vast region of interwoven rivers originates at the highlands of the Andes, and comes alive during the month of November with the beginning of the rainy season. We embarked our skiffs early this morning and ventured into Pahuachiro Caño to search for wildlife. Several bird species, including black-collared hawks, russet-back oropendolas, red-capped cardinals, mealy and orang-winged parrots, and many others were seen. We also found our first three-toed sloths, well camouflaged between the abundant Cecropia trees.
Exploring the jungle for the first time by foot, we became familiar with the terra firme environment. As most of the land near the rivers is low, it becomes flooded for a few months of the year. Terra firme is considered to be the "high lands," which are just a few meters higher and never flood. We had a nice introduction of the amazing biodiversity that exists here. As we walked, listening to our knowledgeable guides, the locals would venture into the jungle to surprise us with their findings. Pink-toed tarantulas, frogs, two boa constrictors and one anaconda! Some of these creatures were the theme of conversation for the morning, and good subjects for macro photography.
Back on Delfin II, we repositioned to the convergence of the Yanayacu and Marañón Rivers. Here the black water of Yanayacu joins the sediment rich Marañón, creating an interesting pattern of colors of dark and light browns in the water. Here, pink river dolphins can be sporadically seen, and more so when the Delfin II motors near the shore. Dolphins find it attractive, maybe because fish are easier to catch as our propeller stirs the bottom of the river.
In the afternoon, we had a delightful skiff ride through Yanayacu River. The weather was pleasant, and the light was excellent for photography.
After dinner, the hotel staff performed some local music for us in the dining room. Guitars, quenas, sampoñas and charangos, along with Amazonian voices reminded us that Peru is not only Amazonia, but also a rich country of immensurable biological and cultural richness.
