Last week, one of my best friends Jen came in for an adventure we'd never forget. I picked her up in Lima and after an almost sleepless night, we got up super early and made it to Iquitos (the capital city of Loreto). We were met in the airport by our guide Rodrigo, who took us around the local marketplace until the boat arrived to take us on our adventure.
Three hours later, we arrived at the Tahuayo Lodge. Built right into the jungle, it is beautiful but basic. No AC or amenities, solar paneled electricity, etc. We definitely signed up for an adventure :) The first day we had a great lunch, relaxed in hammocks, then went exploring a bit and did the zipline. I decided to hoist myself up instead of let them do it cuz I wanted the challenge. I got about 10-15ft up and changed my mind, but what they neglected to tell me was that I couldn't turn back. So onward and upward I went, and I did it! Still have the healing blisters to show for it.
Day 2: The next day we went hiking again and saw the smallest monkey in South America- and it really is tiny. We also saw a family of spider monkeys but they moved so quickly we couldn't get pictures. Our guides, who have all had survival training, did a demonstration of a trap you would set to catch animals. Super neat. Also they showed us how to make rubber from the rubber tree by scraping away the bark and putting flame to the white sap. At lunch we got to try fresh juice made from Camu Camu- the fruit with the highest concentration of vitamin C in the world... soo yummy. In the afternoon we went looking for pink dolhpins and found them! They were beautiful but seldom showed themselves and when they did it was only to grab some air for an instant. They like to play hide and seek. I also saw a hawk come down, scoop up its prey from the water and disappear into the sky-all in about 3 seconds. Craziness. At night we went exploring by boat, "looking for frogs." Til the moment the guide grabbed the caiman (aligator) from the water with his bare hands we still thought it was a big frog...man were we fooled!
Day 3: We went fishing, caught piranas, catfish and other kinds and then headed two hours further into the amazon to the research lodge. There we got to see a sloth!! We named him "Sid" (Ice Age). We also saw a beautiful woodpecker and I got to go swimming in the Amazon :) That night we went hiking and saw a jungle chicken and the most beautiful night sky I've ever seen. They said they cloudy-looking part was the milky way!
Day 4: our boat driver catching an anaconda with his bare hands! Playing soccer with the employees at the lodge (all guys lol), and going for a night canoe ride with our guide and talking to him about God and Jesus :)
Day 5: long boat ride followed by loooong hike looking for poison dart frogs, and finally we found them (when I say "we" I mean our guides lol). They are small but might creatures. Then on the way back we lost our propeller cuz the water level is so low and we crashed with tree branches. As soon as it happened our boat driver Freddy, a local, goes "Now this is an adventure!" haha. Jen and I just look at each other and laugh. They paddled for a while with tree branches and canoe paddles, then Freddy got off at a village and appeared downriver with a new propeller in hand. Impressive. On the way back, we had the biggest highlight of the trip...monkeys that came into the boat!! They are so adorable. The company rescued them from locals who kept them as pets and didn't know how to care for them. Now they know the sound of the motors of the company's boats and come running. We got to pet and interact with them, and feed them. The one monkey name Chela cried when we left...my heart broke. Such a beautiful experience. Jen and I decided to pass the time back to the lodge by making up raps for our guide and boat driver...lol. Back at the lodge they made us a delicious goodbye cake and thanked us for coming... so nice!
Day 6: Went on a cultural visit to a local village, El Chino (named because apparently the people look a little asian...not sure if I saw it). It was very interesting to see the slow pace of life and how things work. Most people have farms where they grow corn, rice, watermelon, yuca, etc. The kids were goregous and we got to buy some artisan stuff. They make beautiful woven baskets and hand crafts that they dye with natural colors. The women we bought from would always give us a little gift to show their appreciation. I was able to give the necklace I was wearing, that was made from an artisan woman in Morocco, to one of the ladies. It was a very special moment.
Then we had to leave and I was so sad. I absolutely loved it there and sharing it with Jen made the experience. We flew back to Lima, had a quick dinner at one of my favorite spots- the burger restaurant of the most famous chef in Peru (Gaston) and parted ways. I am so blessed to have had such a wonderful experience and I hope you enjoyed reading about it.
Til Next Time,
Jackie
