Macaws & The Peruvian Amazon
After a 4am wake up call I made my way to the departure point for the clay lick. A walk through the jungle down to the pier awoke an Armadillo crossing the path, he seemed to follow us for around 5 minutes.
Following a short boat ride across the river bank we sat patiently waiting for the show to begin. Silence, then in the far distance we heard the shrieks of Green-winged Macaws making their way to the clay lick for sunrise. Not far behind them were Scarlet and Blue-and-gold Macaws.
Perching in the near by trees awaiting the first Macaws to fly onto the lick. When the first few took their first flight of the morning, others followed, a truly spectacular sight. We were incredibly lucky to witness such a spectacular event and overhead close views of the beautifully coloured birds produced numerous blue sky shots! Still, its such a shame to think without the help of organisations such as Rainforest Expeditions operating conservation projects these beautiful birds may have become extinct.
Having spent 4 nights in the Peruvian Amazon, Tambopata Reserve (which is home to 32 parrot species, 10% of the worlds total), I had been fortunate to observe a number of different species of monkey, frogs, Caimans, birds along with an Anteater and Armadillo.
The Amazon Basin encompasses an area of around 7 million square kilometres, shared with neighbouring countries to Peru such as Bolivia, Brazil, Columbia, Ecuador, Guyana, Surinam, French Guiana and Venezuela. Of course the Amazon represents approximately half of the planets remaining rainforests and is disappearing at a rate of more than 3,200 square kilometres every half year and is increasing significantly.
After the Amazon I returned to the Sacred Valley which looked absolutely stunning during the rainy season, incredibly green and lush with lots of beautiful flowers. Visiting Maras and Moray I got a fantastic view of the entire valley, a definite must upon an itinerary! Of course, Pisac ruins, market and Ollantaytambo are also an incredible insight into Peru's culture and history.
Crossing Lake Titicaca I remember thinking how much it looks like the ocean, being so vast. Upon arrival into Suasi Island it was incredible to note the striking flora on the island. Furthermore, it is possible to be observe Vicunas, Llamas, Vizcachas, hummingbirds, cormorants and many other species of bird. A fantastic place to relax and unwind in amongst the beautiful well-kept gardens at Suasi.
Peru really does have so much to offer in the way of wildlife, history and culture, a great insight into Latin America..........
Departing Peru I had a short stopover in Santiago before my return flight home, during which I headed North to visit Valparaiso and Vina del Mar. With 25 funiculars, 12 still in operation offering a walking tour unlike any other, Valparaiso offers several hills featuring colourful tin houses, pastel shades making great coastal views. Just a short distance from Santiago, it is a great addition to a visit to Chile.
Following a short boat ride across the river bank we sat patiently waiting for the show to begin. Silence, then in the far distance we heard the shrieks of Green-winged Macaws making their way to the clay lick for sunrise. Not far behind them were Scarlet and Blue-and-gold Macaws.
Perching in the near by trees awaiting the first Macaws to fly onto the lick. When the first few took their first flight of the morning, others followed, a truly spectacular sight. We were incredibly lucky to witness such a spectacular event and overhead close views of the beautifully coloured birds produced numerous blue sky shots! Still, its such a shame to think without the help of organisations such as Rainforest Expeditions operating conservation projects these beautiful birds may have become extinct.
Having spent 4 nights in the Peruvian Amazon, Tambopata Reserve (which is home to 32 parrot species, 10% of the worlds total), I had been fortunate to observe a number of different species of monkey, frogs, Caimans, birds along with an Anteater and Armadillo.
The Amazon Basin encompasses an area of around 7 million square kilometres, shared with neighbouring countries to Peru such as Bolivia, Brazil, Columbia, Ecuador, Guyana, Surinam, French Guiana and Venezuela. Of course the Amazon represents approximately half of the planets remaining rainforests and is disappearing at a rate of more than 3,200 square kilometres every half year and is increasing significantly.
After the Amazon I returned to the Sacred Valley which looked absolutely stunning during the rainy season, incredibly green and lush with lots of beautiful flowers. Visiting Maras and Moray I got a fantastic view of the entire valley, a definite must upon an itinerary! Of course, Pisac ruins, market and Ollantaytambo are also an incredible insight into Peru's culture and history.
Crossing Lake Titicaca I remember thinking how much it looks like the ocean, being so vast. Upon arrival into Suasi Island it was incredible to note the striking flora on the island. Furthermore, it is possible to be observe Vicunas, Llamas, Vizcachas, hummingbirds, cormorants and many other species of bird. A fantastic place to relax and unwind in amongst the beautiful well-kept gardens at Suasi.
Peru really does have so much to offer in the way of wildlife, history and culture, a great insight into Latin America..........
Departing Peru I had a short stopover in Santiago before my return flight home, during which I headed North to visit Valparaiso and Vina del Mar. With 25 funiculars, 12 still in operation offering a walking tour unlike any other, Valparaiso offers several hills featuring colourful tin houses, pastel shades making great coastal views. Just a short distance from Santiago, it is a great addition to a visit to Chile.
posted by Emma at 4/08/2008
