In Peru, the rain forest dazzles even in darkness
By Jackie Bolen of Santa Clara, California, 3-time traveler & Overseas Adventurers’ Club member
Photos by Charles Pfefferkorn of San Jose, California
2-time traveler
Picture entering a tributary in a launch, with twenty-four other people, under a dark and moonless clear night sky.
And, as we rounded the corner, rain forest stretched before us in all its nightly splendor, boasting thick, black foliage, while tall, leafy trees loomed overhead, just barely visible as large splotches of thick, black ink against an incredibly dark and starry sky.
Further on into our journey, the skipper, Willy, turned off the launch engine and we sat there silently taking in all the sounds of this magnificent forest, so full of life; from a background of crickets and other insects, to birds, here and there, with an occasional one flying overhead.
The whole scene was offset by a panoramic view of the Milky Way, high up in the heavens, as it shone brightly against a sky that was so black, it served as a reminder that we were truly in a remote area, without any city or village lights nearby to obscure it.
Then it was over, as Willy restarted the engine and we headed for home: the comfort of our riverboat, tied to some trees at the edge of the river, which greeted us with open arms as our guide, Edgard; naturalist, Neil; and crew members helped us aboard.
Now, as I look back on my experience of Peru, I realize that a part of my heart will always remain there among the beautiful people of the Amazon, with hopes to return some day.
Experience the Amazon on OAT’s Amazon River Cruise & Rain Forest and Ultimate Galápagos Exploration & Ecuador’s Amazon Wilds Small Ship Adventures; and as an optional extension on Machu Picchu & the Galápagos.