This is a summary of the impressions of my trip to the Amazonian Rainforest that I undertook in March 2015 with the kindest help of Fauna Forever in March 2015.
Over three months have passed since my return from Amazonia, and I still cannot believe that I did it. And that I had finally realized my 10-year-old dream. That I was struggling through the bogs and logs in the real Amazonian Rainforest. That I was swimming in the tropical lake with caimans. That I was walking and talking with Kris – indefatigable leader of Fauna Forever, Mark - crazy wildlife photographer, Jesus - the genuine forest man and incomparable bird watcher, Tara - thoughtful adventurer from Holland, and other not less remarkable people I met in this expedition.
The biodiversity of Amazonia is different when compared to the African one.
In Africa it has "Yan" character: it is screaming, roaring, jumping on the roads. In Amazonia I felt more like a treasure hunter – you never know who will appear when you are walking in the jungle or sailing in the boat by the lake or river. Every moment you can expect something that you have never seen in all your life nor in any books that you have read. And it was absolutely fabulous!
On top of it all, I was reading during this time about the horrific sultriness in the rain season, but I still didn't feel bothered about it all. During the day, the temperature was about 28-32 degrees celsius, and in the nights I preferred to use a blanket.
Certainly, if you’re going to walk in the jungle, you are bound to get soaking wet in just a few minutes! But it's bearable, especially if you find some forest shade.
Certainly, if you’re going to walk in the jungle, you are bound to get soaking wet in just a few minutes! But it's bearable, especially if you find some forest shade.
I loved the food in Peru - it was really tasty and healthy, no matter if I had my lunch in the center of Lima or in the remote biological station Venado. There was no junk food at all; instead, everything was fresh, natural, and well-cooked. It was the heaven for vegetarians and seafood lovers, but also carnivores didn't suffer at all, as I could note.
Peruvians impressed me as these people are cheerful and kind; they are not spoiled by the tourists as I felt they were in many other countries, so they are not obtrusive and never beg for money. I suppose the educational system in Peru is pretty good since everyone I met was quite well-educated and highly professional in their field.
In Peru it was much cleaner than in Asia: the rivers were clean and full of fish. People don't tend to leave rubbish on the streets and amazingly, I have never seen a cockroach, even in the wooden huts!
So the first touch of South America left an excellent impression in many respects because I found the right people who helped me to organize everything in the best way I could imagine. If Gods are willing, without doubt, I will go again to South America. Even in Peru, there were so many interesting things that I didn't manage to see - and so many that I'd like to see again!
Peruvians impressed me as these people are cheerful and kind; they are not spoiled by the tourists as I felt they were in many other countries, so they are not obtrusive and never beg for money. I suppose the educational system in Peru is pretty good since everyone I met was quite well-educated and highly professional in their field.
In Peru it was much cleaner than in Asia: the rivers were clean and full of fish. People don't tend to leave rubbish on the streets and amazingly, I have never seen a cockroach, even in the wooden huts!
So the first touch of South America left an excellent impression in many respects because I found the right people who helped me to organize everything in the best way I could imagine. If Gods are willing, without doubt, I will go again to South America. Even in Peru, there were so many interesting things that I didn't manage to see - and so many that I'd like to see again!