Background Info.
March 1-10, 2002
|
Background Info. March 1-10, 2002 |
|
Spend your spring break doing something different. Travel with other students from the University of Florida to the Peruvian Amazon. If you are thinking about doing graduate research in the Amazon, this is a good introduction to the environment. Even if you are not planning to do research in the Amazon, you may change your mind once you go there. Regardless, traveling by boat on the Amazon River and it’s tributaries is an excellent way to experience the different realms of the Amazon in relative comfort.
Join
a small group as they travel by river boat through the emerald forest for
the expedition of a life time. Experience one of the least explored places
on earth, the enchanted Amazon...... the largest rainforest in the world,
covering over 2,700,000 square miles in nine countries. It’s a land of
mysteries with the world’s biggest river system and most diverse ecosystem.
The Peruvian Amazon is one of the best preserved areas in the Amazon. They
have not experienced as much environmental degradation as the Brazilian
Amazon. Peru also has the highest density of flora and fauna found anywhere
in the world.
See parrots, macaws, caiman, sloths, and howler
monkeys. Hike in pristine rainforest as you learn about the plants and
animals of the 
forest
from native, English-speaking guides. Watch thousands of terns and snowy
egrets dive into the water as they feed on small fish early in the morning.
Catch a glimpse of a pink dolphin as it surfaces in the mist of the river.
Visit native villages and small river towns. Fish for piranha and peacock
bass. Experience a spectacular night show like you have never seen by observing
the stars, including the Southern Cross. Relax on the deck of the boat
as you watch the Amazon jungle go by. Bring plenty of film to capture the
beauty of the Amazon, as each bend in the river brings new opportunities
to create stunning photographs.
Meet the friendly people who live along the river,
growing most of their food, fishing, and hunting. Watch the evening sky
turn multiple colors of grays, oranges, and blues, as a storm brews over
the horizon.... experience a beautiful purple sunrise as a new day starts
in the Amazon rainforest.
|
Fisherman |
Kids enjoying the river |
THE PACAYA SAMIRIA:
The Pacaya- Samiria reserve is the oldest nature
reserve in Peru. The land was set aside in 1940 and became a National Reserve
in 1972. This large reserve, located between the Marañon and Ucayali
Rivers, encompasses 5,139,680 acres. This area contains 85 lakes which
are home to 250 species of fish as well as pink and gray dolphins. The
surrounding jungle and flooded forest of the reserve has 132 mammal species
(13 of which are primates), 449 bird species, and 150 reptile and amphibian
species that have been recorded so far. This is a beautiful area for observing
wildlife. Since the reserve does not allow people to settle within its
borders, the reserve has many pristine forest areas abundant with wildlife.
It is not uncommon to see howler monkeys, capuchin monkeys, spider monkeys,
squirrel monkeys, and other species of monkeys. You may also see iguanas,
sloths, pink and gray dolphins, and numerous species of birds.
 |
 |
During our expedition we will stop at small villages,
enjoy early morning excursions to watch birds, go on hikes in virgin rainforest,
and 
observe
life along the river. Once in the reserve we have several outings by johnboat
each day, we will go swimming, enjoy hikes in the primary rainforest, and
go fishing. The sunrises and the sunsets on the river provide an excellent
opportunity for observing birds, dolphins, as well as the colors of the
sky and forest. Night time provides travelers with good viewing of the
stars, including the Southern Cross, along with a chance to hear the sounds
of frogs, crickets, and other creatures of the forest.
In the Pacaya-Samiria there are many winding channels and creeks, along with blackwater lakes. The blackwater lakes provide spectacular views, reflecting the tall trees and sky in the dark water. Due to the reflectiveness of the water, the area is often referred to as the Mirrored Forest. The reserve is a truly a photographer’s paradise.
DESCRIPTION OF OUR BOAT, THE DELFIN:
The boat company is owned by Paul Wright, and American who has lived in the Amazon for almost 40 years. The boat company has been showing visitors the Amazon since 1965. The Delfin is a small riverboat, perfectly at home on the Amazon. A comfortable way to explore the wonders of the Amazon with a small group. Each level of the boat has plenty of open decking for observing the Amazon. The 65 by 20 foot boat has two decks with cabins, dining area and bar. The top floor is an open sundeck with an awning covering part of it. There is plenty of seating on the top deck where you can watch the world go by as you cruise along the forests.
The
Delfin has 10 small, 2-person cabins with screen windows and doors, and
fans. Enjoy the night sounds of the river as you sleep in the comfort of
your cabin. The boat has 4 shared bathrooms with flush toilets, sinks,
and showers. Although the showers are not heated, the water is not very
cold since it warms up as it sits in tanks on the top of the boat. The
boat carries a small john boat that is used for expeditions away from the
Delfin.
The Delfin has a crew of 7-8 people. Most of the crew has been with the boat company for many years. Some of the crew speak English very well, and others continue to learn. They are always friendly and very helpful and aim to make your trip a success. We will have a Peruvian guide who will be with us the entire time spent on the boat. They speak fluent English and they know the flora and fauna of the region very well. They are always available to answer your questions about the Amazon.
MEALS:
The cooks on the boats serve delicious, fresh, healthy foods. All meals are served buffet style. They serve fresh Amazonian fish of various types, cooked different ways. They also typically serve chicken and beef for some meals. They make fresh juices from Amazonian fruits such as cocona, asai, pineapple, and papaya for breakfast each morning. Lunch and dinner usually includes rice and beans, a staple of most Latin diets, along with fish or meat. They also make a variety of cold salads. Deserts include fresh fruits, pastries, and cakes.
The boat provides filtered, bottled water which they buy from the Coca Cola bottling plant in Iquitos. There is also a coffee station with hot water, tea and coffee available throughout the day.
Costs and other important information
Return to the Ethnoecology Society Main page