Life in the Jungle - Part 2

Butterflies by morning, piranhas by night...This island is the home of a mariposario. Originally, it was started by a university in Iquitos. Now it is run by local campesinos. Farmers who now see the value of planting for butterflies for the health of the rain forest are in charge of the butterflies in this project.

Our guide through the mariposario works 12 hours a day checking on caterpillars, chrysalids and butterflies. His passion is palpable.

If you have traveled to a Central or South American country, you probably have been dazzled by the Blue Morpho. It is nearly impossible to capture their captivating blue wings that are only seen in flight. When they land, their beauty is hidden.

The chrysalid of this butterfly looks like a  sparkling gold/silver nugget.

Owl Butterfly

Golden Butterfly
Fortunately, some butterflies are easier to see.

Once again, I was amazed at the kindness of the local people to gringos carrying cameras. This young lady was peeling  breadfruit and extracting the seeds. Once they were softened by boiling, she offered us some. They tasted like boiled peanuts.

We saw lots of busy people. A young man loaded down with palm fronds for a thatched roof; a young mom carrying a basket of acai nuts; and a young boy washing clothes.

Every village has a soccer field with net or goal. Great to see kids and adults playing a universally loved sport!

Twelve year old Dante joined our group on a hike across his island. When he learned I liked pajaros, he worked hard finding some for me. He also proudly showed us his pet Boa Constrictor and tarantula. He's not missing out on learning about this beautiful world that surrounds him!

I have to share this really cool iguana! I had a lot of iguanas pointed out but this is the only one that I could really see. What a ferocious prehistoric "dinosaur"!

What's an Amazon River trip without fishing for piranhas? Check out those teeth!

This trip to Peru has not ended but we did say farewell to our new friend, Ari. Life in this part of the world is amazing. We have a few more adventures before us but this part is over.  I already miss the jungle of the Amazon!

Click on photos to enlarge.
Photos and content by Robin Roberts.