We started our day by visiting and area known as Zapote. This location has a river with the same name, as well as a community with approximately four hundred inhabitants.
Our morning skiff ride was quite productive; within a few minutes, we were already observing a very “active” three-toed sloth. Although sloths are slow-moving animals, this particular individual was making its way down its tree and showing us all his climbing abilities.
Continuing down the river, we encountered more primates, including one of the most bizarre looking monkeys in the Amazon—the Monk Saki Monkey! The name itself indicates something special about it; its long furry coating creates the perfect camouflage, and its long tail was the source of desire for many poachers long ago. Now, they are all fortunately protected by law, and a healthy population exists in this particular region of the Amazon.
It was almost time for our breakfast, however, instead of returning to the ship for it, we decided to add a little twist and provide a picnic-style breakfast on board the skiffs! We were pleasantly surprised by a assembly of crew members wearing white gloves and handing out coffee, sandwiches, muffins, eggs…you name it! It was simply delicious!
As for our afternoon, we traveled down the main Ucayali River to a location known as Magdalena Creek. Although it is as large and wide as a river, this creek receives a large amount of water provided by many smaller creeks. Several species of birds and monkeys are frequently found in this area, but the most exciting sightings of the afternoon were several pairs of white-throated toucans. This species, together with macaws, are perhaps the most representative species of birds in the Amazon basin. However, we cannot diminish the beauty of all the other species of birds, mammals and reptiles that inhabit the Amazon, as they all make up one of the most ecologically abundant places on the planet!
