This was the first full day of our expedition in the Upper Amazon, and it was nothing short of extraordinary. Our morning began with a pre-breakfast skiff outing at Yanayaquillo Creek where we navigated the black waters, spotting pink river dolphins while the sounds of the forest enveloped us. The calls of tree frogs and cicadas formed a natural symphony, and we remained silent to take in the vibrant colors and sounds of our surroundings.
After breakfast, we visited Carola, a plant medicine woman and the healer of her community. She welcomed us into her ceremonial space and shared her wisdom about the medicinal plants of the Amazon, explaining how they have been used for thousands of years.
In the afternoon, we explored the Pucate River, first by kayak and later by skiff. We even had the chance to swim in the black waters of the Yanayaku and Pucate Rivers. As we continued exploring, we encountered three-toed sloths and Isabelle’s saki monkeys just a few feet away. It was truly a day to remember.
