Hiking in the Jungle, Swimming in the Amazon, and a Marriage!

January 13th...

Where to start… Today began with putting our goulashes back on and hitting the trails. We headed into the secondary rainforest behind our guide, Nelson. It didn’t take long until we were completely enveloped in the thick, green growth. Nelson was able to point out many of the plants used by the indigenous people for a variety of ailments and uses, and of course, we were able to sample some of the fruits.

As we made our way deeper into the rainforest we made it into the primary forest. This is an area of the rainforest that has never been harvested or cut down. The plants in this area were incredible! We saw one of the largest varieties of tree in the Amazon basin, the ceiba, and then took turns swinging on the liana that hung from the branches. Yes, these woody vines could support us even after all the great food we have been eating!

One of the highlights of the day was stopping for a small snack- ANTS! Yes these delicious little guys tasted just like lemon after feeding on the acidic tree in which they live. Nelson insisted, and went first, so we each took our turn in line. Seconds, please ( Six hours after leaving, we drug our tired and wearied bodies back into Cabinas Alinauahi for a night of rest. Yeah, right.


Cue the Fiesta! After a dip in the Napo river, we took naps in hammocks and went to dinner. Our last night included a traditional drink made from sugar cane and delicious dinner. Then the dancing began. Amy took one for the team and volunteered to dance with the native dancers in a wedding ceremony. She is officially off the market boys!* After the entire group joined the dancing it was off to a well earned night’s rest.

* Disclaimer: Amy says this does not apply outside of the Amazon, Keri disagrees (Hi Eric!)