Family Adventure in the Heart of the Amazon

A Fond Farewell to the Amazon

As our incredible journey through the Peruvian Amazon draws to a close, I find myself filled with a mix of emotions. There's a sense of accomplishment, having navigated the wonders of Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve with my family. There's also a tinge of sadness, knowing that our time in this extraordinary ecosystem is coming to an end. But above all, there's an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for the experiences we've shared and the memories we've created. Today, our final day, was a blend of exploration and reflection, a perfect culmination to our Amazonian adventure.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at YAKUMAMA RESTOBAR FLOTANTE. The floating restaurant offered a unique dining experience, with gentle waves creating a soothing ambiance. We savored traditional Peruvian breakfast items while reminiscing about our time on the water, spotting pink river dolphins and navigating the intricate waterways of the Pacaya-Samiria Reserve. Lara was especially fond of the fresh juice, declaring it the best she’d had on the entire trip.


Discover exquisite Peruvian cuisine on the tranquil waters of Yakumama Restobar Flotante in Iquitos - a perfect blend of flavor and natural beauty.

After breakfast, we ventured to the National Reserve Allpahuayo-Mishana. This reserve is known for its incredible biodiversity and is home to the famous Iquitos Gnatcatcher, a bird species that attracts wildlife observers and nature experts. It was a change of scenery from Pacaya-Samiria, with different types of forests and ecosystems to explore. We spent the morning hiking through the reserve, binoculars in hand, hoping to catch a glimpse of some of the unique bird species that call this place home. Although we didn't spot the elusive Gnatcatcher, we were rewarded with sightings of colorful macaws and playful monkeys, adding to our already extensive list of Amazonian wildlife encounters.


Discover the breathtaking biodiversity and stunning landscapes of Allpahuayo-Mishana National Reserve, a gem in the heart of Peru's Amazon rainforest.

The journey may be ending, but the memories and lessons learned will last a lifetime.

One of the most remarkable aspects of the Allpahuayo-Mishana National Reserve is its high levels of endemism. Endemic species are those that are found nowhere else in the world. The reserve’s unique ecosystems, including white-sand forests, black-water lakes, and palm swamps, provide habitats for rare and exotic species.

For lunch, we decided to try THE YELLOW ROSE OF TEXAS RESTAURANT. Yes, you read that right – Tex-Mex in the heart of the Peruvian Amazon! It was a quirky and unexpected choice, but we were intrigued by the reviews and wanted to try something different. The restaurant was festively decorated, and the aroma of barbecue filled the air. Hans, missing the flavors of home, was particularly excited. We ordered a variety of dishes, from BBQ ribs to burritos, and were pleasantly surprised by the quality and authenticity of the food. It was a fun and lighthearted meal, a welcome change from the more traditional Peruvian cuisine we had been enjoying.


Experience an eclectic mix of American, Belgian, Chinese & Russian cuisines at The Yellow Rose of Texas Restaurant in Iquitos.

After lunch, I took the opportunity to do some last-minute shopping at Tour Pacaya Samiria. I wanted to find some souvenirs to bring back home, something that would remind us of our time in the Amazon and support the local communities. I found some beautiful handmade crafts, including woven baskets and carved wooden figurines, each one telling a story of the Amazonian culture and traditions. It felt good to know that our purchase was contributing to the preservation of this incredible ecosystem and the livelihoods of the people who call it home.


Discover the Amazon's natural beauty and cultural richness with Tour Pacaya Samiria, your gateway to unforgettable adventures in the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve.

As the day drew to a close, we made our way to Amazon Bistro for our final dinner in Iquitos. Located near the Malecón Tarapacá, this charming restaurant offered a cozy and relaxed atmosphere. We savored a delicious meal of local specialties, reflecting on our incredible journey through the Amazon. I remember when we were planning this trip in Dresden, Lara had her doubts. Now, seeing her so happy and engaged made all the effort worthwhile.


Discover authentic Peruvian cuisine with a twist at Amazon Bistro in Iquitos - where every dish is a celebration of flavor.

Our time in the Amazon has been nothing short of transformative. We've witnessed breathtaking landscapes, encountered incredible wildlife, and learned about the rich culture and traditions of the indigenous communities. We've challenged ourselves physically and mentally, stepping outside of our comfort zones and embracing the unknown. And most importantly, we've grown closer as a family, sharing experiences that will bind us together for years to come.

As I sit here tonight, packing our bags and preparing for our journey back to Dresden, I can't help but feel a sense of gratitude for this incredible opportunity. The Amazon has a way of getting under your skin, of captivating your senses and awakening your soul. It's a place that will stay with me forever, a reminder of the power and beauty of nature and the importance of protecting our planet for future generations.

While our Amazon adventure may be coming to an end, I know that this is just the beginning of our journey. We've been inspired to continue exploring the world, to seek out new cultures and experiences, and to share our stories with others. And who knows, maybe someday we'll return to the Amazon, to once again immerse ourselves in its magic and wonder.

For now, it's time to say goodbye. But as we do, we carry with us the memories, the lessons, and the spirit of the Amazon, ready to embrace whatever adventures lie ahead. Tomorrow, we begin our long journey home, filled with stories to tell and photographs to share. Our hearts are full, and our minds are buzzing with the incredible experiences we've had. Thank you, Amazon, for an unforgettable adventure.

As we prepare to leave, I am reminded of a quote by Jacques Cousteau:

The Sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever.

I feel that way about the Amazon. This experience has cast its spell on me, and I know I will forever be drawn back to its wonders. Thank you for joining us on this journey. Until next time!

P.S. I almost forgot! I managed to find a small tour operator selling gyotaku fish prints, supporting the Project Selva initiative. It’s a wonderful way to contribute to the local economy and preserve the rainforest, a cause close to my heart.

It’s been an emotional rollercoaster, but as Hans always says, “The best view comes after the hardest climb.” And this climb, this journey, has been worth every step. Now, off to pack and prepare for the long trip back to Dresden. I can’t wait to share all our stories in person!