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Published: September 5th 2006
Hello all,
So far the trip has been fantastic. Bryce and I landed in Lima on August 26th and hung around there on the 27th. Given the city is more metropolitan and filthy than enjoyable, Bryce and I decided to fly to Cusco, an ancient Inca town in the heart of Peru. The city itself is quite amazing, as it is built in a valley with the Andes in the distance. It rests at 3326 meters in altitude (approx 10,000 feet) and therefore takes your breath away (literally). There are many things to see in the town given its rich history, so Bryce and I set up camp for a couple of days.
And then we heard about these treks through Peru´s Amazon Basin and were immediately sold by the idea. The "Amazon" itself stretches across the northern part of South America, from Brazil to Bolivia to Peru (also Venuzuala, Columbia, Equador, French Guyana etc..). Peru´s portion is unique in that it is virgin and uncommercialized (and entrance is very restricted by the government).
Bryce and I hired a guide to take us through Parque National Manu, which covers almost 20,000 sq Km (about the size of Wales)
The Cessna
Our one prop airplane to Manu as well as the runway we used to land.and is boasted to be one of the best places in South America to see tropical wildlife. We flew out of Cusco on Aug 30 in a one prop Cessna. We landed one hour later on a very tight runway (made of grass) cut out of the rainforest.
The park starts in the eastern slopes of the Andes and plunges down into the lowlands, covering a wide range of cloudforest and rainforest that contain thousands of bird species (yes, thousands. Only Nepal has the same amount of concentration in the world), not to mention monkeys, tapirs, capybaras (the world´s largest rodent), giant river otters, and countless reptiles and amphibians. We saw a ton of wildlife (all of the above) but unfortunately did not get a glimpse of the giant anteater, the sloth, or the Jaguar. My arachnophobia was also put to the test in unimaginable ways as our night treks exposed an array of deadly spiders, large and small, including the infamous tarantuala - one of which was quite easily the size of my hand. We were also camping in tents which meant triple checking the zipper on the tent as well as my sleeping bag before hesitently falling
Bryce and Guide
Searching for monkeys in the trees. asleep.
The whole trip lasted 6 days and 5 nights and is one that will not be forgettable. We have just arrived back in Cusco today for much needed showers and laundry. But we are off again tomorrow on a trek though the Andes and to Machu Picchu (ancient Inca ruins). This trip is 4 days and 3 nights and is supposed to be very beautiful. However, we will reach altitudes of 4400 meters (approx 13,200 feet) which makes altitude sickness a threat and hiking hard (as there is less oxygen and your body must therefore work harder). It should therefore turn out to be a challenging, yet rewarding adventure.
Well, that´s it for now. Needless to say, I will be out of touch until probably Sept 9 or 10. At that point Bryce and I are likely headed to La Paz, the capitol of Bolivia. From there it may it is likely we will fly to Santiago and travel to the very southern tip of South America. I have tried adding some pics to this blog, PLEASE let me know if everything is working alright. Also, for some reason my blog subscribers have not received a note
Scorpion Spider
A nasty and very larger Scorpion Spider encountered on one of our night treks from travelblog that I would like them to see my sight. Please pass along this website to whoever you think may care to know about my trip. Much obliged! Best regards.
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Mom
non-member comment
Wow!
I love your commentary and can't believe what you're experiencing. I have commented before. Did you get it? Let me know if you're getting our comments. Your pictures are great and I'm glad to know both of you are well. Give our love to Bryce and we'll talk soon. Luvs, Mom