In the jungle

It has always been a dream of mine to see the Amazon jungle, so I was very happy that our tour included a couple of days in the Amazon rainforest.

On the first official day of our tour, we got together at 7:00 at our hotel in Lima for the trip to the airport. From there, we took a flight to Puerto Maldonada, our entry point into the Amazon jungle, with a stopover in Cuszo. Our flight was delayed, so when we finally arrived in Puerto Maldonada, everyone was tired and hungry! We were to pack duffel bags for a couple of days in the G Adventures Eco Lodge in the Tambopata forest and we were on our way. Another 30 minutes of a bumpy ride to the river and we boarded the boat to take us to the lodge. And finally devoured had our lunch!

Boarding our boat to the river lodge

Local kids playing on the river

A Capybura spotted on the way to the lodge. The largest rodent in the Amazon

The sun setting over the Tambopata river

Beautiful sunset!

The views on the river was amazing, and our lodge was magnificent. The rooms had no electricity, but electricity was being generated at the main lodge until 22:00 every night. After a bit of time to settle in, we assembled for a  night walk. with long sleeve shirts and lathered with insect repellent!

G-lodge, Tambopata river

The night life in the forest is really amazing, and we saw quite a few stick insects, spiders, butterflies, ants and other creepy crawlies!

A butterfly on our evening walk

A lizard in camouflage gear…

Some more creepy spiders…

The next morning, we left the lodge for a walk in the woods, and a boat ride. Our G Adventures guides, Edwin and Elvis (yes, we found Elvis – he lives in the Amazon…) were excellent and we had an awesome time sharing in their knowledge of the forest and especially local customs and beliefs!

The trees are so high you can only hear the birds!

A walking tree…not visible, but this tree moves about 10cm or more a year!

And a fertility tree…

We saw several insects, a huge tarantula, killer size ants, frogs, and a whole group of wild boar (new word learnt today, it is a sounder wild boar…). On a leisurely cruise on Lake Condenado (Lake of Condemnation or Condemned lake), we even spotted some wild Macaws and killer piranhas. The way they went for our breadcrumbs…! Unfortunately they did not opt to pose for photographs so you will just have to take my word for it.

Tarantula, the size of a man’s hand!

Spot the frog!!

Group picture in front of large elephant tree

Spectacular views from Lake Condenado

After a bit of a rest in the afternoon (or an attempt at shut eye, with 100% plus humidity!), we went on an expedition to spot some Caimans in the evening on the river. The guides had powerful spotlights and of course the Caimans (the Amazon equivalent of the crocodile) came out in their hundreds to see the spectacle on the river…

Caiman spotting!

Up close and personal…we were so close we could almost touch this one!

The next morning, we had to pack and after the final breakfast at the lodge, and an opportunity to tip the guides and cook who all did amazing jobs.

With excitement, but also sadness, we finally set sail (okay, got on a boat) headed for Puerto Maldonado again.

What an amazing adventure! And even after the insect bites finally stopped itching 2 weeks later, I have to admit that it was a priceless experience and I would love to have spent some more time exploring!

Last views of the Tambopata river on our way back to Puerto Maldonada

Next stop – Cuzco!