A good way to explore any tropical jungle is to start early when critters are active and the air is fresh and cool. So, very shortly before sunrise, we could already hear the movement around Delfin II in preparation for our first excursion. With watercraft deployed, we were soon face to face with nesting kingfishers and magnificent egrets catching fish from the shores of Iquitos Caño. Later in the morning, we landed for our first walk that included the crossing of seven hanging bridges from which we could get a perspective of the canopy area of this primeval forest. Just before lunch, we had a presentation from Shamana Carola, showing us the different plans and the preparations she takes, caring for people that need her help. In the afternoon, after a photo lecture, we ventured out for a ride in search of the many dolphins that were swimming at the mouth of the Yanayacu River.
5/24/2025
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Delfin II
Yarapa River, Amazonas Village, Peru
Leaving Delfin II at 06:00 for our morning skiff ride, we explored the Yarapa River and monkeys were everywhere! We saw common wooly monkeys, monk saki monkeys, and common squirrel monkeys. We weren’t monkeying around! In addition to the monkeys there were woodpeckers galore! We photographed crimson-crested, yellow-tufted, and cream-colored woodpeckers as they were busily hammering away at trees and termite nests. Our afternoon was spent at Amazonas Village getting an introduction to life along the river. We enjoyed demonstrations of food preparation, basketmaking with palm fibers, and hand-dying with local plants to give the baskets vibrant colors. We also had an introduction to Minga Peru, a group serving 40 different communities in this area. Our evening was topped off with a toast to the beginning of the actual Amazon River, where the Marañon and Ucayali Rivers converge. Salud!
