Family Adventure in the Heart of the Amazon

A Day of Discovery on the Amazon

Today, the symphony of the Amazon unfolded in ways I could never have imagined. Leaving behind the familiar comforts of our lodge, we ventured deeper into the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve, ready to embrace the wonders that awaited us. The air was thick with humidity, a palpable reminder of the rainforest's vibrant life force. With Hans and Lara by my side, I felt a sense of anticipation, eager to explore the hidden corners of this natural paradise.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at THE YELLOW ROSE OF TEXAS RESTAURANT. Fuelled up, we set off towards Lago Sanango. The boat ride itself was an experience, the river a shimmering ribbon cutting through the dense foliage. I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe at the sheer scale of the Amazon. The landscape was a tapestry of greens, woven with the vibrant colours of exotic birds flitting through the trees. The air hummed with the sounds of the jungle, a constant reminder of the life teeming all around us.

As we approached Lago Sanango, the water transformed into a mirror, reflecting the sky and the surrounding trees with perfect clarity. It was easy to see why the Pacaya-Samiria is called the Jungle of Mirrors. The reflections created an ethereal atmosphere, blurring the line between reality and illusion. I felt as though we were floating in a dream, suspended between two worlds. The tranquility of the lake was broken only by the occasional call of a bird or the splash of a fish. It was a moment of pure serenity, a chance to escape the noise and chaos of everyday life and simply be present in the beauty of nature.


Discover the tranquil beauty of Lago Sanango in Yurimaguas, Peru – a perfect destination for nature lovers and cultural explorers alike.
Lara was particularly captivated by the reflections, pointing out the shapes she saw in the clouds and the way the trees seemed to dance on the water's surface. Hans, ever the pragmatist, was busy capturing the scene with his camera, determined to preserve the memory of this magical place. For me, it was a moment to reflect on the journey that had brought us here, the experiences we had shared, and the bonds that connected us as a family.

To truly experience the Amazon is to surrender to its rhythm, to let its beauty wash over you, and to find yourself transformed in its embrace.

After spending a blissful morning at Lago Sanango, we made our way to Esperanza de Yuracyacu. This small community offered a glimpse into the lives of the indigenous people who call the Pacaya-Samiria home. We were greeted with warm smiles and open arms, invited to share in their traditions and learn about their way of life. It was a humbling experience, a reminder of the importance of cultural preservation and the need to respect the wisdom of those who live in harmony with nature.


Experience the tranquil beauty and rich culture of Esperanza de Yuracyacu in Santa Cruz, Peru - a perfect escape for nature lovers and cultural explorers.
We enjoyed lunch at Amazon Bistro before visiting the local school, where Lara had the opportunity to interact with the children and learn about their education. It was heartwarming to see the joy and enthusiasm in their eyes, despite the challenges they face. I was struck by their resilience and their deep connection to the land. It reinforced my belief that education is the key to a brighter future, and that we must do everything we can to support these communities in their efforts to preserve their culture and protect their environment.


Discover authentic Peruvian cuisine with a twist at Amazon Bistro in Iquitos - where every dish is a celebration of flavor.
In the afternoon, we ventured into the forest with a local guide, eager to learn about the medicinal plants that grow in abundance in the Amazon. Our guide, a wizened old man with a twinkle in his eye, shared his knowledge of the forest's healing properties, pointing out plants that could cure everything from headaches to snakebites. It was fascinating to learn about the traditional uses of these plants, and to understand the deep connection between the indigenous people and the natural world. I made a mental note to research Khmer traditional medicine when I return to Dresden. Perhaps I can find some parallels between the two cultures.

The day wasn't just about sightseeing; it was about immersing ourselves in the local culture. We visited the Miraflores Indian Market, a vibrant hub of artisan activity. The market was a kaleidoscope of colours, filled with textiles, jewelry, and handicrafts from all over Peru. Lara was particularly excited, her eyes wide with wonder as she surveyed the stalls overflowing with treasures. I was on the lookout for a special piece to bring back to Dresden, a reminder of our time in the Amazon. I wanted something that captured the essence of this place, something that would transport me back to the rainforest whenever I looked at it.


Experience the lively Miraflores Indian Market, a cultural hub filled with Peruvian art, handicrafts, and delicious local flavors in the heart of Miraflores.
Hans, ever the shrewd negotiator, haggled with the vendors, determined to get the best possible price. It was a skill he had honed over years of traveling, and he clearly enjoyed the challenge. Lara, meanwhile, was busy trying on hats and scarves, giggling as she posed for photos. I eventually settled on a beautiful hand-woven tapestry, depicting the flora and fauna of the Amazon. It was a piece that spoke to me, a reminder of the beauty and fragility of this incredible ecosystem.

As the sun began to set, we made our way to YAKUMAMA RESTOBAR FLOTANTE for dinner, a floating restaurant on the river. The atmosphere was magical, the water shimmering in the twilight, the sounds of the jungle providing a soothing backdrop. We savoured the local cuisine, enjoying fresh fish and exotic fruits. It was the perfect end to a perfect day, a chance to reflect on the experiences we had shared and to appreciate the beauty of the Amazon.


Discover exquisite Peruvian cuisine on the tranquil waters of Yakumama Restobar Flotante in Iquitos - a perfect blend of flavor and natural beauty.
Tomorrow, we plan to explore the Reserva Nacional Pacaya Simaria and Shelter Posa Gloria. I am excited to see what other wonders await us in this incredible place. I anticipate another day filled with adventure, learning, and connection, further deepening our appreciation for the Amazon and its people.

As I sit here now, writing this blog post, I am filled with a sense of gratitude. Today was a reminder of the importance of travel, of stepping outside our comfort zones and embracing new experiences. It was a reminder of the power of nature to inspire and heal, and of the importance of connecting with other cultures and learning from their wisdom. And most of all, it was a reminder of the importance of family, of sharing these experiences with those we love, and of creating memories that will last a lifetime.

The Amazon has a way of getting under your skin, of capturing your heart and soul. It is a place that will stay with me forever, a reminder of the beauty and fragility of our planet, and of the importance of protecting it for future generations.