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Amazon Jungle

After a short flight we landed in Puerto Maldonado, a small fairly dingy place, on our way to the Tambopata River. Another couple of hours on a bus and we arrived at the river and our long motorised canoe to take us to the Tambopata Lodge. We were warned to bring mosquito repellent and yes, it was definately required. It was incredibly hot and humid but the eco huts we stayed in were reasonably cool and comfortable. The lodge is quite gorgeous, a climb up from the river and nestled in the jungle.

We went out for a night walk armed with more mozzie repellent and torches. We wildlife spotted and mostly saw insects and birds. Everyone was pretty keen to see Jaguars but after listenning to the guide we discovered they had been hunted almost to extinction. Up early again in the morning for another forest walk and a cruise around a lagoon on a barge. More wildlife, howler monkeys, and dense forest. The afternoon was a boat ride to a local farm. Needless to say, farming in the Amazon is quite different to home! The local people are very poor and mostly grow fruit.

A night cruise up the river to spot caymans (small alligators). Our guide seemed to be able to spot them from miles away. It was beautiful on the river at night, much cooler. We came across a huge capybara, the largest rodent in the world!

The food was excellent and our guides incredibly informative. So strange to go from the cold temperatures and thin air of the Andes to the heat and sultry air of the Amazon! The trip back up was spectacular with the sun rising over the river. Everyone was eaten alive but Josie took the prize for the most bites!

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