San Francisco Community / Clavero Lake, 5/10/2017, Delfin II
Aboard the
Delfin II
Amazon
It is always important when visiting an area to include in the experience the human part of it. Today was the day for this. We visited the small community of San Francisco by the river’s edge to see how people make a living in this very remote part of the world.
We visited their school and their homes, and with the aid of our local guides, got to talk to the children and the teachers at school then other local people inside their homes. They were happy to talk about how it is to live so far away from the rest of the world.
We were very happily impressed by how welcoming the people of San Francisco were to us!
Nicknamed “Indio” (Indian) because of his powers of observation and quiet nature, José has almost two decades of experience working as a naturalist and photography guide; as well as being recognized as an expert birder and nature photographer in Cost...
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Today, we learned about the inspiring projects Minga Perú (with National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions) has developed in the Peruvian Amazon. We began by watching skilled artisans weave beautiful baskets, then learned how they use natural dyes extracted from forest plants to decorate them. At another station, Panchita—a female community leader—welcomed us with traditional dishes, showing us how they are prepared using local ingredients. We discovered how teachers enhance their students’ learning using audio classes and educational materials provided by Minga Perú. We also witnessed the traditional method of extracting juice from sugarcane, and we couldn’t resist doing a bit of shopping for local crafts. To celebrate the week, we boarded skiffs to explore a hidden creek teeming with wildlife. As the day came to an end, we returned to the majestic confluence of the Marañón and Ucayali Rivers, the birthplace of the Amazon. There, we raised a toast in gratitude for the beauty of nature and the unforgettable experiences we’ve shared.
A day aboard Delfin II in the Peruvian Amazon is always an unforgettable adventure. We began our morning with a delicious breakfast buffet, enjoying the stunning views of the lush rainforest. Today, we embarked on an exciting four-hour exploration of the Pacaya River, where nature’s wonders unfolded around us. As our skiff glided through the river, we spotted troops of playful monkeys, both howlers and capuchins swinging through the trees. The pink river dolphins made their appearance, gracefully emerging from the water, while colorful frogs and a rare caiman lizard added to the scene. Sloths lazily clung to tree branches, and vibrant birds filled the air with their calls. We were so lucky to see so much! Back on board, we attended a portrait photography presentation, perfecting our skills for tomorrow’s town visit. A flavorful lunch followed, offering a taste of local cuisine. Afterward, Naturalist Jorge took us on a fascinating journey through the jungle with his talk, "People of the Jungle of Mirrors," connecting us to the culture and history of the region. The afternoon continued with a two-hour skiff ride down the Magdalena River, filled with even more beauty. We followed this up with a recap, briefing, and a fun trivia game. The day ended with a delicious dinner, leaving us in awe of the Amazon's splendor.
We started the day with a skiff ride along Yanallpa Creek. We found four species of monkeys, several sloths, both scarlet and blue-yellow macaws, and my favorite bird so far, the cream woodpecker, among many others. After breakfast we walked along orchards in Yanallpa (which means black soil) to search for the smallest species of monkey in the world, and we were rewarded with several sightings. Later in the morning, we gathered for a hands-on culinary experience, preparing traditional Peruvian ceviche. Under the guidance of our skilled chef, we learned to marinate fresh fish in tangy lime juice, adding onions, cilantro, and a touch of chili to create this iconic dish. As dusk settled, we boarded skiffs for a nocturnal safari along the Dorado River. The transformation of the jungle at night was mesmerizing. Our guides expertly spotted caimans resting along the banks, their eyes reflecting our lights.
