One of the most important components of our expedition in the Upper Amazon in Peru is to learn about, appreciate, and interact with the local people who inhabit this amazing region of our planet. Today we visited the lively Amazonas Community. We were greeted by the locals, who were eager to share their lifestyle and their culture with us. Minga Perú is the nonprofit organization that Lindblad chose as beneficiary of the Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic Fund for the conservation of the Upper Amazon. Minga is a Quechua word that means “collaborative community work.” Our joint dream — which is becoming a reality — is to design a sustainable and equitable future for communities in this part of the world. By empowering local women, Minga Perú seeks to improve the lives of the people in this region. The generous and constant funds that our guests have provided are vital for the well-being of many people in the area.
5/31/2025
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Delfin II
Marayali River, Amazonas Village, Peru
Leaving Delfin II at 06:00 for our morning skiff ride, we explored the Marayali River. The birds were up and working on obtaining breakfast while the three-toed sloths chose to sleep the morning hours away. On our way back to the ship, we encountered a snail kite having its namesake prey for breakfast right in front of us! The rest of the morning was spent at Amazonas Village getting an introduction to life along the river. Demonstrations of how to get sugar water out of cane, how to make and dye fiber for baskets and other items, as well as food preparation were given. We chatted with children who had monkeys as pets! Our evening was topped off by a toast to the beginning of the actual Amazon River, where the Marañon and Ucayali Rivers converge. Salud! This is my final daily expedition report as a full-time Lindblad employee. I am retiring after 21 years as a National Geographic certified photo instructor and naturalist, ready to begin a new life of travel and exploration. I want to give a big thank you to all of those Lindblad guests whom I have traveled with over the years, and I will leave you with these words: Travel as often as you can, as far as you can, for as long as you can. May God and your luggage be with you!
