Today was another full day exploring the Amazon region. We began with a peaceful morning skiff ride on Marayali Caño where we saw teeming bird life. After breakfast we visited the small village of Amazonas along the banks of the Marañon River. The local people, known as ribereños, greeted us warmly into their homes and we were given a presentation on how the Lindblad Expeditions/National Geographic Fund helps support these communities through Minga Peru. In the afternoon, we passed the mouth of the Amazon River and navigated up the Ucayali River where we took a dip in Clavero Lake.
4/5/2025
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Delfin II
Amazonas, Piranha Creek, and the Amazon River
Today, we learned about the inspiring projects Minga Perú (with National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions) has developed in the Peruvian Amazon. We began by watching skilled artisans weave beautiful baskets, then learned how they use natural dyes extracted from forest plants to decorate them. At another station, Panchita—a female community leader—welcomed us with traditional dishes, showing us how they are prepared using local ingredients. We discovered how teachers enhance their students’ learning using audio classes and educational materials provided by Minga Perú. We also witnessed the traditional method of extracting juice from sugarcane, and we couldn’t resist doing a bit of shopping for local crafts. To celebrate the week, we boarded skiffs to explore a hidden creek teeming with wildlife. As the day came to an end, we returned to the majestic confluence of the Marañón and Ucayali Rivers, the birthplace of the Amazon. There, we raised a toast in gratitude for the beauty of nature and the unforgettable experiences we’ve shared.
