In the Jungle, Part 1

2/16/14 5:45 PM

Yesterday, we were picked up at the airport by our jungle guide and a driver. We were driven about an hour on a dirt road past one-room shanty houses held together with blue tarps. We were told that these shanties belong to native people. The driver took us to a boat dock where our motorized boat and boat driver were waiting. our bags were taken aboard, and we boarded behind them. 

In the boat, we zipped past areas of dense trees and vines. In about two hours, we arrived at Cayman Amazonie Lodge, our accommodation for our three nights in the jungle. After a short rest, we were taken on a short walk around the lodge property to see birds and animals active in the late afternoon. We saw a few birds and an agouti.  We took a break until dark at which point we were outfitted in Wellingtons. Wearing the wellies, we trudged through to the back of the lodge property. The guide, machete in hand, led us along a path in an attempt to see nocturnal animals. Not seeing anything beyond insects, we were led a ways down a couple of other paths. Still nothing. The guide called it quits, and we were taken back to the main building of the lodge for dinner.

When we booked the tour, I expected to be guided with other people. However, we are the only people on the tour. In fact, we are not sure if there are any other paying guests on the property. One room appears to be occupied, but we haven't actually seen the occupants. 

Peru is in the middle of rainy season, so there definitely aren't as many people touring the country right now. The jungle in particular is finicky right now. Apparently, rain means that the animals stay under cover and don't emerge.

The lodge

I visited the rainforest in Costa Rica during it's rainy season three years ago.  The rain came regularly every afternoon. Seeing animals was definitely more difficult. In fact, I remember taking a private tour at Santa Elena Cloud Reservve. The highlight of the tour was a hummingbird mama in its nest. The guide spent a lot of time talking about insects because there wasn't much else he could show me.