Peru Part 5: The Jungle

Our final Peru post takes us to our last stop--the rainforest. We flew from Cusco to a little frontier town called Puerto Maldonado, then we got to the Tambopata River . . . . . . where we boarded these motorized canoes and traveled for two hours to get to our eco lodge in the middle of the Amazon basin. They served us an awesome rice stir fry in a banana leaf, which we promptly tossed into the river when we were finished. The rooms can only be described as jungle-chic. Each room had three bamboo walls and a fourth side open to the rain forest. There was no electricity at the lodge, just candles and kerosene lamps. It was a completely unique and beautiful place to spend two days.

I'd like to meet the mosquito that can make its way through this net.
Well, here's our bathroom. Only bathroom I've ever been in where I can shower and wave at passers-by at the same time! Our guides were Fernando and Pedro. They were great guys who loved to joke around with the kids, and knew everything there is to know about the rainforest. We climbed a 120 foot tower that ascended above the canopy of the rainforest, and we were treated to some spectacular views . . . . . . at sunset. Perfect. Our last full day in Peru, we went out onto the river before sunrise to go view some exotic jungle animals. We were successful, and witnessed a family of giant river otters, numerous interesting birds, and some really super huge gigantic jungle insects. Fernando and Pedro gave us some primitive fishing poles with a piece of raw meat dangling on the hook. We dunked the bait in the water and pulled up some piranhas! We got up close and personal with our new toothy friends.


After fishing, we took a swim in the Tambopata. As soon as we jumped in, a brief torrential downpour came through, making our river swim even more unforgettable. And no, we didn't get nibbled by any piranhas.

So friends, that's Peru. If you have about five hours, come by and we'll tell you the whole story. It was the experience of a lifetime, and we've enjoyed sharing it with you!