Our trip to Peru included a steamy, exhilarating push into the Amazonian Jungle. A two hour boat ride  took us down the Tambopata River where there were no roads and few people.

We flew into Puerto Maldonado to begin the jungle excursion. This was the second jet plane needed to make it there since the first one experienced engine trouble and we turned back to Cuzco. I knew something was amiss when the pilot came on the intercom and asked us to ” remain calm!”  It was a hard landing in Cuzco but we all remained calm….

 

Moto Taxis in Puerto Maldonado. No emergency landings needed.

 

This boat looked safe……

 

 

Local kids

 

Apocalypse Now?

 

 

Our jungle lodge

 

Sheets were used to keep the giant insects from devouring us through the night.

 

The house Monkey, Pepe. Pepe was like your pet dog or cat and would jump into your lap while relaxing in a hammock

 

El Gato Falls

 

 

 

Love was in the air…

 

Our guide took us on a nighttime boat ride, spotting for Cayman.

 

 

This tarantula was definitely moving.

 

Thick vegetation, thankfully we had a guide.