The Peruvian Amazon is a perfect place for reuniting with nature and its variety of flora and fauna.
One of the most biodiverse places on earth
Because of the high temperatures in the Amazon region, there is lush vegetation all year long. This makes it one of the most biologically varied areas on the planet, with numerous species of flora and fauna endemic to the region. On top of this, there’s still many plants and animals that have yet to be discovered.
Among the most important protected zones in the Amazon are the Rio Abiseo National Park (Juanjui, San Martin) and the Matsés, Pacaya Samiria and Allpahuayo Mishana Reserves, all of which are located in Loreto. These ecosystems house animals such as the lizard, jaguar, wild boar, tapir, capybara, Boa Constrictor, anaconda, deer, monkey, sloth, turtle, and parrot, among others.
Endangered species include: the Peruvian Jaguar, Black Lizard, Amazon Manatee, several species of river turtles, the River Otter, Red Macaw, Pink dolphin, and Paiche (a large, river fish).
A river of many tributaries
There are more than 100 tributaries of the Amazon River. Throughout its extensive journey through Peru, this river changes names many times, including the Apurímac, Ene, Tambo, Ucayali, and Marañón. Once it arrives in Brazil, it becomes the Solimões River until it merges with the Negro and Manaos Rivers, after which it goes back to its original name: the Amazon River.
Looking for luxury on the river? Take the Dolfin I or the Dolfin 2
The most original, lavish and enjoyable way to ease into the Peruvian Amazon is by taking a luxurious Delfín Amazon Cruise. The six-year-old company operates in the Pacaya Samiria Reserve on its two boats, The Delfín I and the Delfín II. Both of these boats offer the passenger a high quality of comfort, experience, and cuisine.
The Delfín I has two suites and four double rooms, all with fine wood finishes and outstanding quality linens. The Delfín II, on the other hand, has 14 large, comfortable suites, allowing larger groups the chance to enjoy this destination with a degree of extravagance that few have the privilege to experience. Both vessels have ample terraces from which one can enjoy the views.
Gastronomy of the jungle
Traditional Amazonian cuisine includes local meat like the wild boar and huangana, and Amazon fish such as paiche (considered the second biggest fresh-water fish in the world), gamitana, dorado (mahi-mahi) and bagre (catfish). Along with this, you’ll find an endless variety of unique fruits and vegetables.
The jungle is also home to a wide variety of ajies (chili peppers) including charapita, ayuyo, pucuna and pipi de mono; different aromatic herbs, and the bijao (banana) and pijuayo (peachpalm) plants. One of Peru’s best-known advocates of jungle food products is chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino, whose restaurants incorporate these exotic ingredients. They’ve set a trend for other restaurants in the country to follow.
Popular jungle dishes include juanes (rice, chicken pieces, egg, olives – all wrapped in banana leaves and cooked on a skewer), tacacho con cecina (mashed plantain balls with bacon), inchicapi (soup with chicken, peanuts, yucca, and cilantro), timbuche (fresh fish, cilantro, and whipped-egg soup), and chonta (heart of palm) salad. These dishes are common in all the areas of the jungle, including the high-jungle in which meat from mountain animals is a regular ingredient.
In terms of fruits, some of the superfoods from the jungle include aguaje, sauco (elderberry), maracuya (passion fruit), and camu camu. Banana is often used in these areas to create el chapo – a typical drink given to young children due to its high nutritional value.
And of course, there are the aphrodisiacs: beverages typically made with rinds, fruits and other local ingredients, macerated in distilled cane liquor, and given names like quita calzón (underwear remover), salta para atras (jump back), siete raices (seven roots), huitochado, uvachado and chuchuhuasi (these last three named after particular ingredients they contain).
Flying adventure
Temperatures range between 32 and 40 degrees Celsius throughout the year in the Amazon. Still, a visit to this dense and tropical forest is considered by many to be an essential tourist experience. Bird watching tends to be one of the most satisfying activities in the region. There are roughly 806 different species that inhabit the Peruvian Amazon, making this area a dream destination for American and European bird enthusiasts. Listening to the songs of the birds mixed with the sounds of the vegetation rustling in the wind and the calls of innumerable animals is an experience totally unique to this region.