Halfway through the expedition, we are now accustomed to our 5:30 am wake-up call, and well aware that an early start means cool river temperatures and abundant wildlife. This morning didn’t disappoint. Excursions up the Ucayali River and Belluda Creek revealed monk saki monkeys, squirrel monkeys, colonies of macaws, and several hawks, all seen from skiffs, canoes, and paddle boards! We extended our afternoon excursion well past dusk, seeking out several juvenile white caimans in the wetlands of the Dorado River.
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.
