The Pacaya River, in the heart of the reserve, is one of the most pristine areas in the Upper Amazon. 379 kilometers in length, it is home to such diverse kinds of wildlife as howler monkeys, caimans, and capybaras. To come to the rainforest and have no rain, it is like having not been here! But indeed, we experienced it! Today it rained cats and dogs, and it was a magnificent experience. In addition to seeing wildlife, we had a terrific and fun experience along the river — jungle plunge-swimming, surrounded by pink dolphins in the middle of a blackwater lagoon. The afternoon was very different, as we motored a few hours to visit the Magdalena River; it was sunny, warm, and full of wildlife.
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!
