The Upper Amazon is well known for its biodiversity. The forest contains more species of plants and trees in one hectare than any other forest of the tropics. But the Upper Amazon is not only forest and animals; it is also host to human inhabitants. Today we had the opportunity to visit one of the communities settle along the Marañon River, called San Francisco.
We disembarked after breakfast and walked with the naturalist through the village. We found several of the village people concentrated on their daily activities. A group of gentlemen were working on building a boat. Another gentleman was extracting the juice from a sugar cane, while another was preparing palm fronds to be used as a roof. The women of the communities were working on their crafts, and the children were attending the village school.
We were welcomed at several homes. The owners felt honored by our visit and made us feel at home. We were greeted by dozens of smiling faces as we went through the village. After the visits, we all gathered to learn about the projects that are being carried out in this village by the NGO Minga Peru. This nonprofit organization has the mission of promoting social justice and human dignity, primarily for women and families in rural communities of the Upper Amazons.
The entire village had a special program for us. They performed some of their traditional dances and invited us to dance with them. It was hard to say no, so many of use joined this opportunity to interact with the village people. After the presentation we had the opportunity to see some of the art and crafts that are produced here.
Back on board, we continued our navigation towards Clavero Lake. We could see how the strong currents of the river were changing the topography of the river banks. On some sandy banks, we could easily see how the locals had used several of the sand banks to plant watermelons, corn and rice.
As soon as we arrived to the entrance of the lake, we geared up and loaded the skiffs. We could see the fishermen setting up their nets, and other picking up their catches. A flock of buff-breasted sandpipers were seen foraging while a great potoo was perched in a host tree, disguised as part of the bark.
We explored the lake, enjoying all the wildlife sighted, until it was time to return to Delfin II. This day had been a unique and special day. Now, Mother Nature presented us with a beautiful sunset full of light colors as we said farewell to this section of the Ucayali River.
