So we arrive at the lodge. Totally overwhelmed with the heat and humidity. The afternoon plan is a hike to the canopy tower. We had been in the north and was well aware of canopies and bridges etc. well in the south it is an 85 foot tower you climb up to view the vegetation. We are actually staying in the Tambopata Reserve which is a national park.
I am totally underwhelmed with the canopy. The climb not withstanding was okay but not terrific no sense that you were above the tree line. This is the highlight of the trip. Dinner and then bed. There is really no lodge activities although there is a 30 minute lecture before dinner each evening.
Our first impression is the southern Amazon is drier than the north. We saw lots of mud on our walks in the north when compared to the south. The upside is in the south there are tons more animals and they are much closer than the north. We have seen 3 different species of monkeys many with babies on their backs. Lots of birds. We even saw a toucan with a bright yellow beak fly overhead
The river environment is entirely different. The Amazon is a large well travelled river with lots of settlements along the banks. You see people fishing and farming along the Tambopata there is no such thing since it is a national park only the official lodges can operate a business for tourists. Others that come in and fish can be considered “poaching “. Although you are able to own land or at one time were able since there is a farmers across the river from the lodge.
Food at the lodge is much the same always chicken and fish always rice and potatoes in addition to several vegetables. There is even a green lettuce salad each night with vinegar and oil to use. Several spicy salsas or cream sauces. The main difference is in the south there is dessert every night cake or some other sheet type dessert in the north the only dessert we saw was fresh fruit.
Will add some photos
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