Blue People and Burning Skin Part 1 - Belated Jungle Entry

Buss we took to the boats we took to the jungle lodge
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Our adventure started with an hour long plane ride from Lima to Puerto Maldanado. The moment we stepped off the plane we were instantly soaked with sweat from the heat and humidity. It was like a warm bath that lasted for 3 days. After the plane we had a 45 minute Indiana Jones bus ride through the jungle, that included wild horses, native peoples, and BUGS. We were then treated to a 45 minute boat ride up the Tambapota river where we were served a delicious lunch out of a banana leaf. We arrived at the port and climbed 2700 crooked, cracked, unstable, tiny stairs, and then walked another 20 minutes to our lodge.

Our group at the little jungle airport
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The first impression was amazing. It was all authentic--made completely out of wood with thatched roofs, hammocks everywhere, no electricity--built right in the middle of the Amazon Jungle.

Ai, mi carta!

We were instructed to coat ourselves with bugspray because we were going to be going on a jungle hike to the canopy tower. This is when we discovered that Deet burns--Ai, mi carta! This mixed with the sunsceen contributed to the heathy shine we carried the entire time in the jungle. Side note: Deet can also melt the rubber on one's camera.

Jungle Lodge
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The individual guest rooms are part of a giant, open air, 1 story structure, connected with boardwalks. No keys were needed because there were no doors, only curtains. The room had 2 single beds ( something we are finding a lot in Peru), a hammock, candles, kerosine lamps ( which were turned off at 9:30pm), and a small bathroom. In the back of the room there was an open wall that looked out onto the jungle. When we say open, we really mean open, no window, curtains, or anything, just jungle and a guard rail.

Jungle Lodge
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We then trekked for another 45 min through the lush and beautiful jungle.  It hadn't rained yet that day, so the trails were relatively dry, with only the occasional soggy patch.  Our Gortex hiking boots served us well, but unfortunately we would have to leave them behind on future hikes. Our guide, Lupe,  pointed out a lot of interesting facts and information about the flora, fauna and insects. We arrived at the 120ft high canopy tower. We climbed slowly as each level offered a different view of the jungle. When we arrived at the top, huffing and dripping, we witnessed a breathtaking sunset and a panoramic view of the entire jungle canopy. For you to get an idea of this tower, picture a smallish elevator shaft; only 7 people could fit comfortably at the top. As you ascend, the entire structure shakes with every step. This shaking increases exponentially with every "story."  By the time we reached the top, we had a steady 4.0 earthquake going on.  It was well worth it however, as this was the only time we could visit without the rain