Our exploration of the Upper Amazon began today with a sunrise skiff ride on the Marañon River. Bits of fog created a beautiful atmosphere and kept the bird life quite active with cooler temperatures. River dolphins, both gray and pink, were actively feeding on the abundant fish that we observed jumping around our boats. A few fishermen passed by, and a distant sloth was a great start to our day.
After a delicious breakfast we visited a village to learn about the local way of life and the important work done by an organization called Minga Peru. Many of the villagers were off at a big soccer tournament, but a friendly teacher and some school children welcomed us into their classroom. The children enthusiastically told us about their school and even sang a song or two. Later, we learned about the community projects sponsored by Minga Peru, especially focused on the women. A few women told us about how they learned self-esteem and women’s rights from the radio programs they were able to listen to. A teenage girl told us about learning many things on reproductive issues, and how she shares that with her classmates. And a man told us about the fish farming and reforestation projects that Minga Peru assisted him with.
Later in the afternoon, we again took to the skiffs to explore a beautiful blackwater river system called Yanayacu River. This river goes into the Pacaya-Samiria reserve, which we will be visiting daily for the rest of our trip. A massive area of around 5 million acres, it is a beautiful area of forest, most of it flooded for three or more months of the year. Currently, it is low water season, and the dolphins were taking advantage of this by herding fish into sand banks. Iguanas were enjoying the afternoon light, and birds became very active towards sunset. Huge flocks of parrots and parakeets passed overhead, heading to an island to communally roost for the evening.
An incredible sunset turned the sky to flames, as distant lightning added to the show. We finished the day with another creative meal and the danceable sounds of “Los Viejitos” band.
