Traveling by boat, we arrived at Explornapo Lodge for the next part of our Amazonian adventure.
Welcome to my home away from home for 2 nights. The mosquito netting came in handy since there aren't any screens on the windows and bats roost on the ceiling. You quickly learn to adapt to primitive bathrooms and cold water showers. The people who work here are great! They help us with everything and provide us with yummy meals. Rice, beans, fish and fresh mango are available every day. I had no idea how delicious fresh mango and bananas could be until I came here.
This Pale-winged Trumpeter greets the newcomers to the island. It is always found foraging quietly or visiting those who find their way into the hammocks.
This cute capybara, one of the largest rodents in the world, finds his way near the lodge daily as well.
A troop of Squirrel Monkeys come early in the morning to devour the hanging bananas.
This Yellow-tufted Woodpecker is the first woodpecker of the trip so far. Check out the eyes!
I couldn't capture the belly but it is red. Quite a stunning bird.
These two different species of parrots arrived together and spent the rainy afternoon together. I watched them call to each other and look at one another throughout their time at the lodge. Once one left, the other soon followed.
Explorama helped establish this canopy walk years ago. It is one of the first built in South America. The main purpose is for researchers and students to learn about life in the canopy. Visitors through this conservation group are able to traverse these walkways reaching over 100 feet above the forest floor. Imagine seeing only trees for as far as your eyes can see...
Like the Inca Tern, this is one of the birds I had hoped to see while I was here in Peru. Ari, our guide, has been working hard to help me find one of the Trogons. This day was the day! A beautiful Violaceous Trogon showed up as we were packing up to leave this special place in the jungle.
The dining hall is full of wooden signs like the ones above that groups have created while staying at this incredibly special place! I wish we had another day or two here despite the cold showers!
Click on photos to enlarge.
Photos and content by Robin Roberts.
