Our journey continues along the Ucayali River, this morning we explored Supay Creek by skiffs and kayaks, we encountered many different species of birds but also monkeys and a rare type of snake.
In the afternoon we explored Supay Creek and spotted two different types of monkeys, wooly and spider very close to the riverbank.
Mar 20
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Delfin II
After another delicious breakfast we went to a local village called Amazonas to learn about the traditional way of life and how it’s changing. While we were there a few dozen of the local children followed us around and posed for photos, we watched a demonstration about pressing sugarcane juice for drinking or fermenting, we learned about how to use traditional plants to make dyes, and we visited the local school house. After lunch we utilized the skiffs to explore two small streams and found even more rare birds including the white-headed marsh tyrant, slender billed and snail kites, a red and white spinetail, and a grey breasted saber-wing. We then went to the confluence of the Ucayali and Marañon Rivers where they form the Amazon River and had a champagne toast to celebrate the last night on the Amazon. On the way back to the ship we stopped at a small island and had a moment of silence to enjoy the sound of tens of thousands of canary winged parakeets flying across the water to roost.
Mar 20
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Delfin II
We woke up to a beautiful sunrise over the Marañon River. After breakfast, we were outfitted with rubber boots for a hike in the jungle. After a short skiff ride, we entered the rainforest for a beautiful hike in Casual Forest, where we saw an abundance of fascinating creatures. There were two different poison arrow frogs, a giant monkey frog, and a huge tarantula, among others. On the way back to the landing we walked through the “rainforest mall” where locals go to sell their crafts. When we got back onboard, the photo team put together a lightroom demo and the bartender taught a pisco sour masterclass. After lunch (and siesta), Denis, one of our naturalists, presented a talk on the future of the Amazon. In the afternoon we took the skiffs up Nauta Creek and saw a harpy eagle, a lemon throated barbet, a great potoo, a plum throated codinga and night monkeys.
Mar 20
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Delfin II
We finally got to sleep in this morning…at 6:00 a.m.! We skipped the usual pre-breakfast skiff ride and went directly to breakfast, which was fantastic as usual. Before we even boarded the skiffs, there was wildlife viewing to be done. From the bow of the riverboat you could see squirrel monkeys and saddle back tamarinds. Then, when we boarded the skiffs for an exploration of the very narrow Iricahua Creek, there were many, many more gorgeous things to see. Blue-yellow macaws, hoatzen, and white-eared jacamar are just a few of the birds we viewed. In the middle of the skiff ride, a few fishermen came by and let us look at the assortment of fish they had caught, including catfish and piranhas. After lunch we watched an incredibly informative presentation by Sandro, one of the naturalists, about the medicinal plants of the Amazon that the indigenous people have been using for generations. Sadly, the knowledge is being lost as the younger generation leaves for the cities. Then we set off for the afternoon skiff excursion to explore the Yarapa River. It was a truly spectacular exploration! We saw wooly monkeys, monk saki monkeys, spider monkeys, and noisy night monkeys. We saw several spectacular and extremely rare birds too, like the paradise jacamar and the Amazonian umbrella bird.
