Wow… what an experience. We drove out of Cusco to our way towards the Manu reserve. Stopped in a village and saw a grade school parade. Was wonderful to see all the kids dance in their beautiful costumes.
Then back on the road again. the cloud forest was amazing as the clouds move so fast.
We had to stop for 2 hours due to construction and that put us behind somewhat. We stopped for a waterfall and took pictures.
Then it started raining. We finally made it to our lodge for the night. To get to it we had to carry our backpacks and trek down the rocky path across water and boulders in the dark using only our cell phone fashlights (our head torches were in our suitcases left the truck). Then we had to sit on this trolly and cross raging waters while we pulled ourselves to a person waiting on the other side. Quite a trip!
Finally we walked to the lodge and found a nice dinner and warm (kinda) bed waiting for us.
5:30 came early and it was still pouring rain. We had planned to take a trek to see the cock of the rock (Peru’s national bird) but canceled it due to the pouring rain.
Then we heading downhill and across the raging river then uphill to the waiting truck. Much easier during the day when we could actually see where we were going
Seemed easier than when we came.
Well another hour or so driving to the Office where I locked myself in the bathroom.
After ten minutes and a pilier I found my way out. Only to find out that others had locked themselves in there previously. Then on the truck again to the waiting boat. After unloading and loading the boat with our bags and supplies we were off on the skiff to Manu Reserve. Once arriving at Manu we had to unload and trek all the bags by ourselves to the lodge.
After a few moments of rest we were given a tour of the place and meet the staff and interns.
Lunch of noodles and veges… we had more orientation and presentations. There are 3 types of forest here… clultivated, partially cultivated and not. One object is to see how each forest type is rejuvenating itself and to study the life in each different type of forest. After a dinner of rice and curried veges we got formally introduced to everyone and introduced ourselves. A nice evening of cards and a glass of wine put us to sleep for the night. Upon morning we had breakfast of egg omelet and porridge with cocoa.
The rain slowed down alittle. We got out first real trek in the rainforest through the cultivated forest. Renalto introduced us to the flora and fauna and we got a great view from the Mirador (meaning viewpoint in Spanish)
Lunch was beans, avocado and salad along with watermelon.
In the afternoon we had a lesson on how to use a machete, how to sharpen it and how to use a compass. Being directionally challenged, I did benefit, but just don’t know how you would know the direction you want to go in the first place!
The next day we were off to the small town of Salvacion, but first to a waterfall and hot springs.
The boat ride was awesome… the current was raging and birds to see along the way.
The walk to the waterfall was steep and rocky. Once there, though, we jumped in the cool waters for a refreshing swim. Walking down to the hot springs proved slippery as one fell, but was ok. I just took my time and made it safely. The hot springs was devine. We stayed as long as we could.
Next stop the town of Salvacion. This is like a three shop town. They have the rights to the hot springs so they benefit off it, but the hot springs didn’t seem too busy.
After that long day we came back and had to walk up the very steep hill to the lodge.
Since it was Saturday we had an evening of fun. After dinner of veges and plantains I taught some line dances, bachata, salsa, waltz basic steps with some variations. It was fun…
Then they danced the night away with more “youthful” dances.
Dream, Create, Inspire 