June 18 -20
The whole eastern 1/2 of Peru is Amazon forest, and there are several options for visitors. Puerto Maldonado’s (PM) big advantage is its proximity to Cusco.
Amazon Lodge
Part of Amazon experience is to stay in the jungle. To get to the lodge, we were transported out of PM on a highway for 1 hour, than unto a bone jarring dirt road for another 1 hour, and a quick boat ride across the Tambopata River to our destination.
A squirrel monkey behind our bungalow
We were at the foot of a Ceiba tree, the tallest tree in Amazon forest. Below, Ceiba viewed from a distance.
Katy’s holding a Cacao fruit (known as Cocoa in US); it is the raw material for chocolate.
Relaxation at the river bank
Macaw Clay Lick
We woke up before sun rise departing 2 hours up river to witness the famous Macaw clay lick, a popular spot for Macaws to gather licking the clays and absorbing minerals.
As sun rise, we started seeing animals on the river bank.
A family of capybara, world’s largest rodents. having breakfast.
A capuchin monkey climbing
Parakeets above, Macaw below.
On this day the macaws did not gather to feed on the clay.
Gold mining along the river.
Lake Sandoval
Our last full day in Amazon, we took a tour to this wildlife oasis.
Termite mount along the trail.
At the end of walking trail, we got into a row boat.
The most famous residents of the lake are members of a Giant River Otter family. We saw them frolicking, and eating from a distance.
For lunch we had a local favorite – Juanes, leave wrapped rice and pork.
We saw a least one dozen black caiman large and small around the lake.
Puerto Maldonado
We enjoyed our stay at PM, taking Tuk Tuk around the town, and eating at local restaurant.
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