Pacaya Samiria is a vast reserve with over twenty thousand square kilometers of protected terra firme and varzea forests. This is the largest protected area of Peru. It is located between two major rivers on the north the Marañón River and the Ucayali River on the south.
This morning, the rainforest greeted us with an early downpour! Luckily, these do not last very long, and the rain had stopped by the time we had finished breakfast, so we headed out once again into the heart of the jungle aboard the skiffs. This time, we explored Zapote River and the surrounding forest. Large trees and murky waters are the trademarks of this site, and the vibrant wildlife is always a highlight. There are birds everywhere! Fly catchers, tanagers, caciques, many types of egrets, and more.
Once we were back on board it was time to relax a little before resuming activities. We started with an origami towel-folding class, which taught us how to fold towels in the way that our cabin boys do, to decorate our beds every day. Moments later, it was time to learn how to make a classic Peruvian drink as well. We are in Peru and therefore learning how to make and taste a good Pisco sour is a must!
In the afternoon, we explored another tributary of the Ucayali River, called Magdalena River. Great surprises awaited us as we explored this picturesque area of the flooded forest. The river banks are dotted with secropia trees and aguaje palms, as well as many hundreds of other types of grasses, trees and bushes. These often harbor nesting squirrel monkeys, yellow rump caciques, and oropendolas.
The forest along the riverside is home for wood peckers and raptors, like black-collared hawks and yellow-headed cara-caras. The most exciting part of this outing was the moment we spotted a pair of white-throated toucans. For some of our guest, these birds were top on their bird-watching lists!
If you are a nature lover, the rainforest will never disappoint you. It always brings surprises.
