Our final two days in the Peruvian Amazon with G Adventures included a sunrise cruise, piranha fishing, an afternoon nature hike, and a visit to a manatee rescue center before we bid our farewells.
WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE!
Culture in the Amazon
For our fifth day cruising the Peruvian Amazon with G Adventures, we continued along the Marañón River and its tributaries which flow into the Amazon near Pacaya Samiria National Reserve. It was a day of culture in the Amazon including meeting a Shaman and a mayor, having lunch in an Amazon community, learning to dye materials with resources from the Amazon, and enjoying music of the Amazon.
WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE!
A Long Weekend in Philadelphia: 5 Ways to Get the Most Out of It
Spending a long weekend in Philadelphia doesn’t just mean the opportunity to take plenty of great photos but is a chance for you to experience a place that has a distinct role in American history. If you’re looking for a long weekend, Philadelphia provides a mix of historical sites, cultural attractions, and more than a few culinary delights. So, here is a little guide to help you make the most of your time:
EXPLORE!
The Marañon River in the Amazon
For our fourth day on our river cruise by G Adventures in the Peruvian Amazon, we began with an early morning skiff ride down the Nahuapa River, a tributary of the Marañon River. The plan was to enjoy a box breakfast on the skiff while watching the dolphins. Unfortunately, they didn’t show, but we still got to enjoy the surrounding nature along the way. It’s about the journey, not the destination, right?
WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE!
How to Keep a Travel Journal That Tells a Story
“Travelling—it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.” – Ibn Battuta.
For some, the magic of travel isn’t only about the places visited but also about the stories you bring back. However, it’s easy to forget the finer details of these stories, so it’s a good idea to keep a travel journal. Documenting your travel experiences ensures those fleeting moments become lasting memories.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to create a travel journey that tells a captivating story. From capturing authentic moments to weaving a narrative and enhancing it with photography, these tips will help you craft a narrative that resonates for years to come. Get ready to transform your travels into stories worth sharing!
WRITE IT DOWN!
Three USA Locations Adventurous Types Should Explore
Adventurous travelers need exhilarating destinations that can cater to their high-octane demands. Fortunately, across the United States of America, there are endless opportunities to enjoy thrill-a-minute vacations that will take your breath away. Whether you’re a hiking enthusiast, water sports connoisseur or are just looking to try something new, here are three of the best Stateside destinations to keep in mind when adventure calls.
Peruvian Amazon: Nauta and Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve
Our third day in the Amazon began at the confluence of the three rivers, Marañon, Ucayali, and Amazon just a few miles from Nauta and on the border of Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve.
The Amazon River and Its Tributaries
The Ucayali is the main headwaters of the Peruvian Amazon and when it meets with the Marañon, it becomes the Amazon. Originating in the Andes not far from Cusco, the popular tourist destination for visiting Machu Picchu, the Ucayali travels 994 miles before it reaches the confluence next to Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve.
The Amazon, with its 1,100 tributaries, is the largest river in the world by volume and the first or second longest in the world (disputed with the Nile). The massive river was initially known to Europeans as the Marañon and later became known as the Rio Amazones in Spanish and Portuguese.
At the confluence, the waters of the rivers are two different colors. The Amazon, full of sediment, is a milk chocolate color while many of the tannin filled tributaries are black and lack sediment and nutrients. Accordingly, settlements in the Amazonian Jungle are found near the sediment filled water and fishing takes place in the blackwater.
WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE!
Peruvian Amazon: Part II
For our second day in the Peruvian Amazon with G Adventures, we began with a pre-breakfast skiff ride. Donning our life vests, we loaded onto the skiffs around 6:30 am as the sun rose overhead. We cruised the bank in search of wildlife and birdlife near Huasi Village where we “anchored” for the night. Anchored is in quotes because they don’t use an anchor or a mooring. Instead, the just beach the boat on the shore!
WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE!
Peruvian Amazon: Part I
Planes, Trains, and Automobiles. That’s what it takes to get to the Amazon. Just kidding! I like that movie title, and the title does imply that it takes some effort to get to the Peruvian Amazon, which it does. But more accurately, it takes planes, buses, and boats!
From Dallas, we flew to Lima via Miami and stayed the night before hopping on a plane to Iquitos, Peru. For those who imagine the Amazon is in the middle of the jungle, you might be surprised to learn that Iquitos, the gateway to the Peruvian Amazon, has a population of 500,000!
Iquitos, the 4th largest city in Peru and the capital of the Loreto Region, boasts an international airport and may only be accessed internationally by plane or boat. As a result, it is one of the most expensive cities in the world because everything has to be flown in! For example, strawberries in Iquitos cost 35 soles or almost 10 USD!
While there is one road between Iquitos and Nauta, another city in the Peruvian Amazon, it does not extend further. I was amazed by the size of Iquitos given its relative inaccessibilty in the jungle!
WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE!
Things to Do in Miraflores
During my first visit to Lima, which was a short layover on our way to Machu Picchu 15 years ago, we spent most our time in the historic district wandering around the Plaza de Armas which features the Lima Metropolitan Cathedral, the Museo del Pisco, and the Palacio de la Municipalidad that includes a museum and the changing of the guards at noon daily.
While the historic district is interesting, it is not as upscale or safe as Miraflores, a district of Lima home to many shops, fine dining, luxury hotels, and a lovely boardwalk. Thus, during our next layover, this time on our way to the Peruvian Amazon, we spent a day exploring Miraflores (which means look at the flowers).
EXPLORE!