Amazonia - A Journey To The Green Heart Of Our Planet

 

 

 

It was always my dream to get to know the rainforest.

So this year my husband decided to offer me an extra special surprise gift :A journey to Peru's Amazonia region.

I must not forget to mention that the best husband of all was  quite skeptical about this trip.

Not a huge fan of adventure trips, his main concerns were:

mosquitos, snakes, tarantulas and the jungle in general :)

So there was not much left for him to look forward.

But what a surprise when his transformation started before my incredulous eyes as soon as we arrived: in one moment from couch potato to Indiana Jones!

Oh boy, I felt so proud. 

Already the flight from Lima to Puerto Maldonado, capital of the Madre de Dios region, offered some incredible sights first over the snow covered Andes, then over the winding Madre De Dios river, enclosed by deep rainforest, looking from above a bit like an accumulation of giant broccolis.

After arrival we were driven to the small river port  of Puerto Maldonado and after a 50 minutes boat ride arrived at the InkaTerra Eco Lodge.

The place is a fusion of comfort, culinary excellence and has developed a project of sustainable tourism and conservation that is unique in the region..

The first impression were the fantastic shades of green, the enormous extend of the river and the jungle and the sights and sounds of the wilderness.

Even the smell is unique: a particular mixture of water, mud, chlorophyll and humidity.

Excursions were led by very well trained guides and gave us the opportunity to get a close look at rare wildlife and unique natural beauty.

Sometimes we walked ankle high in mud, so thank heavens for the rubber boots we were provided with.

Thanks to the outstanding service and dedication of the Lodge's stuff, we spend an amazing and unforgettable time.

(I would like to mention as well that this post is proudly non sponsored, so our impressions and opinions are totally free of commercial interests.) 

According to the World Wildlife Fund at least 441 new species have been discovered between 2010 and 2013 in the under explored forest of the Amazon.

There are of course problems as well in this paradisiac region.

One of the most concerning comes from illegal mining.

The activity cuts deep wounds into the rain forest and polluting water and soil for decades and generations to come. 

Therefore, conservation plans to save the rain forest and improve the life of indigenous communities have an outstanding importance.

 

All in all this journey was an unforgettable adventure to a paradise of biodiversity and home to indigenous communities that is worth the effort to conserve this unique place for future generations.

View over the snow covered Andes on our flight from Lima to Puerto Maldonado

The Airport of the Capital of  The Madre de Dios department

The sun sets over the Madre de Dios river, displaying amazing colors and adding drama to the scenery.

Our cabaña at the InkaTerra Amazon Lodge 

View from our Bungalow at the Lodge's garden

Relaxing at our little veranda after a long walk through the jungle

Twilight

Coming home at sun set

 Front view from our cabaña at the river

Walking at the river side at the Lodge's garden


Excursion to the rain forest

 

A turtle with a little butterfly on his head

The InkaTerra canopy walkway is made of the aggregation of continuous treetops intertwined with each other, giving the impression that the rainforest is a giant carpet.
The average tree size at the rainforest is about 98m (147 feet).
Crossing a hanging bridge over the giant trees at 23m(about 80 feet) height.

A view at the hanging bridge from the ground. Don't you think it looks a bit scary??? But I promise, it's worth while.

 

The trunk of a giant tree.

 

A cocoa tree

 

Exploring the rain forest, feeling so small

 

 

A lake with the most beautiful reflection, mirroring the landscape at Quebrada Gamitana.

 

Landscape at Quebrada Gamitana

 

The remains of Fitzcarraldo's boat

Fitzcarraldo was one of the famous rubber barons, who accumulated amazing fortunes during the rubber boom in the Amazonia's region. 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fitzcarraldo

 

 

Evening impression

 

These boots were made for walking :)

A cashew nut fresh from the tree 

Beautiful fresh, exotic fruits. This one is called Zapote.

Amazonia landscape

 

Close encounter with a graceful snake

 

 

Sun rise at the Tambo Pata National Reserve

A swamp

A Cayman enjoying a mud bath

Lodge garden

A Shaman from a local indigenous community preparing a "Flowering Bath" where medicinal plants are used to relax body and soul and help to charge positive energies.

Full moon

Samy, the charming Tapir is the Lodge's pet and a very friendly and curious companion

Roots of a tree from which the indigenous communities prepare a kind of local Viagra. The shape is quite explicit.

One of the innumerous, exotic flowers of the region.

Puerto Maldonado, the lively capital where everybody moves around in motorcycle or scooter.

Saying goodbye to the rainforest at sunset