The fun has truly begun!
After my travel buddy, James, met me in Lima, we spent the day exploring this amazing city. Similar to Mexico City, the Spanish influence is strong in the city square where cathedrals and ornate facades are in abundance. However once we crossed the bridge we were in a very different side of town. The colorful Peruvian slums that cover the mountainside are bustling with kids playing in portable swimming pools in the street, skateboarders and stray dogs. After some glares from big men hanging on street corners we decided to return across the bridge.
On Tuesday 23rd we flew from Lima city into the depths of the Amazon. It was like entering Disney's 'The Jungle Book'. From the air we saw the river weaving like a snake through the dense, green Amazon jungle. We landed in Puerto Maldonado and transferred by motorized canoe to Amazonia Ecolodge. The Ecolodge was a jungle paradise. Resident animals including 'Migul' the Howler monkey, and a colorful Mekaw bird welcomed us. Amongst a tropical garden of papaya trees and birds of paradise, the lodge consisted of 70 private bungalows and large communal dining area. On our first day we were taken to monkey island, home to 60 monkeys of 3 different breeds. We only saw spider monkeys. But saw them we did. Somehow I ended up with one inquisitive monkey climbing onto my head and reaching for my plastic drink bottle. He unscrewed the cap, finished off my water and threw the empty bottle onto the ground. Between him, and 'Migul' cuddling into my neck, I became some sort of monkey magnet.
On our second day in the jungle a local guide took us on a private walking tour to a bird watching observation deck. We spotted turantula, giant butterflies, tapir tracks, birds, and a speedy whip snake along the trek. That night we floated with the fast current down river, observing the stars, owls and bats. On our final night we fell asleep listening to the insect symphony and spooky echoes of the territorial Howler monkeys.
For a change of scenery, we took a bus to Nazca on Friday. For 7 hours we saw nothing but desert and shanti shacks erected by villagers trying to make a claim on the government land. The next morning we took a flight over the ancient Nazca lines. The lines are thought to be signs to the Gods created by the Nazca people 1000years ago. The lines consist of a series of rocks stuck into the earth, taking the form of various animal and triangular symbols. From the air, the expanse of the desert, and contrast with the green valleys was astonishing.
We concluded the day on a high. A sand dune buggy drove us over and down steep sand dunes. We stopped to sand board and see the dry oasis.
Jungle one day, desert the next, I've never experienced such intensely diverse landscapes. Now to trek the ancient path of the Incas!
No comments:
Post a Comment