One of the most incredible trips I've ever taken was my solo adventure to the Amazon Rainforest, Peru last year. It happened during a really tough time in my life, and not only did it help me overcome stress and grief, but it also revived me. I'm sharing this experience because it played a major role in redefining my personality.
In my previous post, I talked about how my solo trip turned into a soulful journey. I almost cancelled my trip to Peru due to a number of obstacles, but some time in Miami and a moment of reflection encouraged me to continue on to the Amazonas after spending 5 days there.
I flew from Miami to Lima, stayed overnight, and then caught a flight to Amazonas (Puerto Maldonado airport). I arrived in the afternoon and waited for our tour guide. I remember they considered cancelling the tour because I had made a last-minute booking and there was no one else signed up. Luckily, someone else booked and the trip was confirmed.
The airport was smaller than a bus depot, so I sat outside with my bag and waited. Our guide, Victor, arrived and introduced himself. It was then that I met Michelle, another person on the trip. Michelle and I instantly clicked, forming a great trio with our guide. The weather was extremely hot, similar to tropical weather in India (around 30 degrees Celsius), and we traveled from the airport to a small village about an hour away where we left our bags in a mud house. From there, we journeyed another hour to the Madre De Rios river to catch a boat, and finally arrived in the jungle, which was an additional 30-45 minutes away. It took us about 2-3 hours to travel from the airport to the jungle (Tambopata National Reserve) where our lodge was located. We reached in the afternoon and had some local food along the way.
Our destination was part of the Tambopata reservoir, the second largest reservoir in Peru. This reserve is home to over 1,000 butterfly species, 100 mammal species, around 600 bird species, and hundreds of tree and plant species. It's truly one of the most biodiverse places on Earth! Additionally, Tambopata National Reserve holds historical significance for Peru as it was used by the Inca Empire for medicine and archaeological sites have been discovered there. The Inca Empire thrived in Peru between c. 1400 and 1533 CE.
The boat ride, the jungle, the scenery, the tranquility... everything just amazed me. It was the experience I had been searching for and longing for after months of feeling lost. Aside from our guide, cook, boat operator, my friend, and myself, there was no one else at the lodge. It was an ecolodge with one side completely open, giving us the feeling of being immersed in the jungle. It was beautiful, surrounded by nature and the sound of birds. So peaceful and calm. There was no electricity, internet, hot water, or even a door to the bathroom or room. The guide, cook, and boat operator were almost 1000 feet away from us.
When we arrived, we were greeted with fresh fruit juices from the lodge's garden. We were instructed to wear light-colored clothes with full sleeves and pants to protect against insects and mosquitoes, as they were attracted to dark-colored clothing. We couldn't take a single step in the jungle without spraying ourselves with mosquito repellent, including our faces and eyelids, because those pesky little bugs had no mercy :D
We went for walks in the jungle, watched breathtaking sunsets, observed colorful birds, and climbed up a tower to take in the entire jungle from a great height, where we could see Brazil, Bolivia, Argentina, and Puno in the distance. Victor, our guide, Victor was an incredible guide who knew the jungle like the back of his hand. Growing up there, he had a deep connection with the animals and a passion for protecting their habitat. We felt completely safe under his guidance, relying on his knowledge and expertise.
The nighttime in the jungle was a different story. It was both beautiful and eerie at the same time. With just the three of us, our guide would constantly remind us to watch out for elusive eyes shining in the darkness, which honestly made me even more terrified. I have a fear of wild cats and reptiles, especially snakes, so I was being extra cautious with each step I took. All I had in my possession was a torch, water bottle, and mosquito repellent. Our guide, on the other hand, carried a machete for protection. The two-hour walk back to the lodge in the pitch darkness felt like a nightmare.
Did you know that the Amazon rainforest is home to a staggering 400 billion trees spanning across 16,000 different species? It's an incredibly diverse ecosystem, with magnificent trees like myrtle, laurel, palm, acacia, rosewood, Brazil nut, and rubber trees. We saw a wide variety of trees during our trek, from sac trees to herbal and non-herbal ones. We even encountered ancient trees that have stood for hundreds and thousands of years. Along the way, we came across fascinating creatures like the Jewel Caterpillar, Assassin Bug, Bullet Ant, Jumping Stick, Lantern Fly, Fishing Spider, Leaf-Cutter Ant, Leaf-Mimic Katydid, Longhorn Beetle, and tarantulas that were bigger than my palm. It was a creepy yet awe-inspiring sight. Although we didn't spot many animals during our nighttime adventure, our guide would frequently tell us to remain quiet, indicating their hidden presence. On the first day, we couldn't help but let out a few screams here and there, much to our guide's amusement. Despite our fear, we were brave in our own way, full of excitement and curiosity.
Once we finally reached the lodge and saw the light, it felt like a tremendous accomplishment. But, why was there an electricity at that time? We learned that they had a limited supply of electricity for a couple of hours after sunset, mainly for cooking purposes. I took advantage of this time to charge my phone, which served as my camera, flashlight, and video recorder. It was the phone's only purpose during our stay.
While there was light in the main lobby area, our lodges had no access to electricity. Michelle and I, armed with a torch, made our way to her room, and then I hurriedly went to mine with fear as my companion. As soon as I turned on the switch, insects seemed to emerge from every corner. Taking a shower amidst the bugs became quite a task, and even using the restroom felt like an invasion of cockroaches and lizards staring at me. I often felt as though something with four legs was descending the stairs, considering the open structure of the wooden house. After a long day exploring the wild jungle, we cherished our first night by indulging in fresh food consisting of chicken, fish, and an array of fruits and vegetables. Contentment filled our hearts. However, returning to our rooms proved to be another ordeal. Michelle and I spent hours talking and giggling like teenage girls, as if we had known each other for years. We made a pact that if either of us felt scared, we could seek refuge in the other's room. We had to be back in our beds, protected by mosquito nets, before the electricity was switched off at 9 PM. I couldn't even use my phone's flashlight because it attracted even more insects. I couldn't help but let my imagination run wild, envisioning snakes creeping onto the bed or wild animals appearing for a midnight feast. Despite my fearful state, I managed to convince myself to surrender to sleep. It was a restless slumber, but the tranquil surroundings eventually embraced me. We had to wake up at 4 AM in the morning.
At 4 AM, the jungle started to come alive with the arrival of sunrise. It was the most enchanting and invigorating start to my day. I woke up to the sound of monkeys, surrounded by beautiful birds and lush vegetation. Sitting on my hammock, I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude for the incredible experiences life had blessed me with. This was my very first morning in the jungle, and I began it by practicing pranayama and yoga. Every morning, we were treated to a fresh fruit juice, a nutritious breakfast, and comforting coca tea.
Our safari adventures resumed as we embarked on journeys to observe various animal species. Monkeys of different kinds, as well as countless birds, filled our days with awe. One particular day, we were captivated by the sight of hundreds of macaws and parrots flying above us. It was a truly heartwarming experience. We even had the chance to follow a family of monkeys, which included howler monkeys, spider monkeys, Titi monkeys, and Black squirrel monkeys.
Above picture has our guide Victor posing for the picture.
On another occasion, we witnessed an entire family of otters swimming and feasting on fish in a serene lake. It was fascinating to watch them from such close proximity, witnessing their family dynamics. We even tried our hand at fishing in the same lake, where I learned the art of angling. The initial fatigue soon turned into enjoyment. During one of our morning safaris, we were joined by an elderly Danish couple. Day and night, we ventured into the jungle, eagerly searching for animals and the haunting glow of their eyes. As time went on, the once intimidating nights became more familiar.
Every day, we indulged in the abundance of avocados growing on the massive tree just outside our lodge. Fallen avocados were scattered all around, adding to the natural beauty of the place. After a wholesome meal, I loved nothing more than lounging on the hammock, reading a book, and taking a rejuvenating nap, soothing my tired limbs from exploring the depths of the jungle. It was pure serenity.
One day, we decided to visit a nearby village housing approximately 200 families. These families belonged to the native tribes of 'Ese Eja' and Pukirier. The village had only primary schools, but they were considering establishing a high school. Internet access had only arrived five years ago, and Spanish was a language known mainly by city dwellers, as it was considered advanced. Our guide, knowing their language, served as a bridge between their community and us tourists.
The villagers primarily relied on fishing, agriculture, cattle farming, and tourism for their livelihood. It was fascinating to witness the simplicity and contentment of their lives. Kids playing outside their homes, climbing trees, and laughter filling the air reminded me of my own childhood visits to my grandparents' house in the countryside. The locals were healthy and happy, often expressing their love for sports, especially during the World Cup. Jerseys of Brazil and Argentina dominated their wardrobes as they passionately followed the playoffs.
The most inspiring aspect was discovering that the town had a female mayor. In such a small and underdeveloped place, this was truly remarkable. Despite limited resources and infrastructure, their open-mindedness and lack of discrimination left a lasting impression on me. The houses were modest, with no paved roads, but their broad mindset exuded genuine hospitality.
We visited local schools, engaged in conversations with nearby residents, and learned about the hardships they faced during the pandemic. While they dedicated themselves to protecting the jungle and its inhabitants, there were instances where hunting became necessary for survival. We also visited a small factory that made homemade bags and bracelets, which unfortunately had been shut down. Nevertheless, we purchased items from their remaining stock to support their community.
This experience was absolutely fascinating compared to what we usually see in educated and developed cities. Despite their lack of knowledge, the people there didn't discriminate against others. The houses were muddy and the roads weren't paved, but what really stood out was their open-mindedness, which I absolutely loved. During our visit, we had the chance to speak with locals and visit the local schools, where we learned about how their businesses were affected by COVID. I was impressed by their commitment to protecting the animals and birds in the jungle, although there were times when they had to hunt for food. We also came across a small factory that made homemade bags and bracelets, but unfortunately, it had to shut down due to the pandemic. Even though it was closed, we still made an effort to visit and support them by purchasing items from their storage. This experience had a profound impact on me as a person. It made me realize the importance of gratitude and what true living is all about. It brought a sense of calm and helped me understand that there is so much to learn and grow from in life. It also reminded me of my roots, my country, my home, and my family. Traveling to places like this reconnects me with my roots while teaching me the value of growth and learning. Education and values have played a significant role in getting us to where we are today, but it's crucial to give back and remain humble throughout the process.
During our time in the jungle, we made an unexpected friend named Samuel, who is a Tapir (shown in the below video). He was a large and usually nocturnal animal. Samuel lost his parents to a jaguar when he was just a baby. Fortunately, Alejandro(an old jungle man) found him during a jungle walk and raised him for a few months before releasing him back into the wild. It was truly a lucky encounter for us to meet Samuel. He was friendly, despite bearing four stripes from recent encounters with jaguars. Whenever he was in danger or wanted to see Alejandro, he would visit our lodge. We felt incredibly grateful for the opportunity to feed and connect with him. One night, as we were returning from a visit to a nearby village, we encountered an alligator and its family right by our boat. One of them even crossed our path as we were disembarking. Life in the jungle was full of adventure.
There was also another day when Victor told us about Shamans and Ayahuasca. Behind our lodge, there was a plant called Ayahuasca, which is a natural psychoactive plant traditionally used for medicinal and spiritual purposes by indigenous populations in the Amazon basin. As I learned more about it, my curiosity grew. However, Michelle and I decided not to try it since we were traveling alone. Every day and night during our stay was filled with countless experiences and adventures. Victor even made leaf crowns for us, adding to the sense of wonder and joy.
The above video shows the encounter with a bay alligator.
As the days went by, I became less scared and the nights felt more joyful. I learned valuable life lessons and had unforgettable experiences. On our last day, we showed our gratitude by giving an extra tip to all the helpers who had made our experience so incredible and authentic. They truly deserved every bit of it. They showed us the beauty of simple yet fulfilling living, just like a family would. Victor became a true friend, and Michelle and I continued our journey to Lima city, where I spent two more days before heading back to DC.
This entire experience deeply moved me. It not only relieved my stress but also made me appreciate the small and meaningful things in life. As a result, I made the decision to distance myself from social media. I no longer use it for mindless scrolling or having false expectations from others or interested in someone else’s life.
Instead, I chose to invest that time in learning and investing on important things. It has been more than eight months since I made this beautiful change, and it has allowed me to avoid parties and gatherings that no longer hold any meaning for me. I realized how much time I had wasted being distracted from the true joys of life. Despite my busy work life, this decision has helped me declutter unnecessary things from my life and dedicate my time to make it more healthier, more meaningful, and more positive.
“What is life but one grand adventure?”
Started it as a solo adventure while making friends along the way 🍀
Truly blessed with a heart for adventure and a healthy body to embrace it !!
Beautiful days with no internet, no electricity, no hot water.
Just natural healthy life for a total retreat 🍃🌴🌳 🛶
It’s been the most awe inspiring, humbling experience.
Amazon Rainforest, Perú 📍Part (1/2)
Amazon Rainforest, Perú 📍Part (2/2) Creepy Crawlies, Watch at your own risk ⚠️ 🕸️🐌🐒🦦🦫🦋🐊
I had so much fun thinking about and writing down this whole story. Can you believe it's been almost 9 months since my trip? I really hope you enjoyed reading this story, and please feel free to share it with others.
I lived a bit of your South American journey through this post! 🤘🏼