{"id":2549,"date":"2026-04-10T14:13:03","date_gmt":"2026-04-10T14:13:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/owspakistan.com\/?p=2549"},"modified":"2026-04-10T14:13:03","modified_gmt":"2026-04-10T14:13:03","slug":"seven-spectacular-highlights-of-the-world-s-largest-river-20260406-p5zlml-htmlrefrssutm_mediumrssutm_sourcerss_feed","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/owspakistan.com\/?p=2549","title":{"rendered":"Spot pink dolphins, sloths and Indigenous villages in Peru"},"content":{"rendered":"<div>\n<header class=\"sc-ad76bc40-0 sc-d09ddfc7-0 fNDZoQ gGdLFt\">\n<div class=\"sc-5cbbddda-0 hjlPcO\">\n<div data-testid=\"article-author\" class=\"sc-5cbbddda-1 hPBdKJ\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Sue Williams\" data-testid=\"author-avatar-image\" height=\"64\" src=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/w_64%2Ch_64%2Cc_fill%2Cg_auto:faces\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/c6f67524a1fff3ffa1c161a3960e5ac9c0d4bda5\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/w_64%2Ch_64%2Cc_fill%2Cg_auto:faces\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/c6f67524a1fff3ffa1c161a3960e5ac9c0d4bda5, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/w_128%2Ch_128%2Cc_fill%2Cg_auto:faces\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/c6f67524a1fff3ffa1c161a3960e5ac9c0d4bda5 2x\" width=\"64\" class=\"sc-9a01536c-0 libeSR\"\/><\/p>\n<div>\n<p data-testid=\"article-datetime\" class=\"sc-5cbbddda-5 hxoHkT\"><span class=\"sc-a243f860-0 gjmXPs\"><time data-testid=\"storytile-timestamp\" datetime=\"2026-04-11T00:00:00+10:00\">April 11, 2026<!-- --> \u2014 12:00am<\/time><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"sc-7132c98c-0 efdRpd noPrint\" data-testid=\"article-actions\">\n<div class=\"sc-7132c98c-1 iddmiW\">\n<div class=\"sc-f9e3ccff-0 kbEYga\"><button aria-checked=\"false\" aria-label=\"Save article to read later\" role=\"switch\" type=\"button\" class=\"sc-f9e3ccff-1 kmQlMe\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" fill=\"none\" height=\"24\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"1.5\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" width=\"24\" class=\"sc-2d648302-0 flZqoF\"><path d=\"M5.75 4C5.75 3.86193 5.86193 3.75 6 3.75H18C18.1381 3.75 18.25 3.86193 18.25 4L18.25 19.7709L12.8004 16.9682C12.2981 16.7099 11.7019 16.7099 11.1996 16.9682L5.75 19.7709L5.75 4Z\"\/><\/svg><span class=\"sc-f9e3ccff-2 gaKrMl\">Save<\/span><\/button><\/p>\n<div aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"sc-ba6ddcd9-0 kskMyR sc-2d648302-3 hiFctv\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p class=\"sc-2d648302-4 fRdpuU\">You have reached your maximum number of saved items.<\/p>\n<p>Remove items from your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.smh.com.au\/goodfood\/saved\" class=\"sc-3f16ee48-12 sc-2d648302-2 jyLmZI eCVrJy\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">saved list<\/a> to add more.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"sc-ba6ddcd9-0 jfkHmu sc-369d9219-0 eXOXvX\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p class=\"sc-369d9219-1 bOiPYX\">Save this article for later<\/p>\n<p class=\"sc-369d9219-2 bufJxo\">Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime.<\/p>\n<p><button type=\"button\" class=\"sc-3f16ee48-0 sc-3f16ee48-7 sc-b8938c06-0 bQUHHf kNTfTX foLDkv\">Got it<\/button><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><button aria-label=\"Set font size to normal\" aria-pressed=\"true\" class=\"sc-f7fd8257-1 cCGCed\">A<\/button><button aria-label=\"Set font size to larger\" aria-pressed=\"false\" class=\"sc-f7fd8257-1 ioABeX\">A<\/button><button aria-label=\"Set font size to very large\" aria-pressed=\"false\" class=\"sc-f7fd8257-1 ioAzzr\">A<\/button><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<aside class=\"sc-6f94ac39-6 esmrVF\"\/>\n<div class=\"sc-c502198b-0 sc-9081625b-0 btpBls brafJN\">\n<p>The almighty Amazon River flows from the heights of the snow-capped Andean Mountains and rushes through Peru, Brazil and Colombia before pouring into the Atlantic Ocean, 6400 kilometres away. The Peruvian section of the Amazon is easier to get to, with a huge diversity of wildlife and all sorts of boats to explore, from local ferries and cargo boats all the way up to the ultra-luxurious small ship, Aqua Nera.<\/p>\n<h3>1 Be amazed by the Amazon itself<\/h3>\n<figure class=\"sc-4820f69c-1 ZrhPA\"><button aria-label=\"enlarge image\" type=\"button\" class=\"sc-4820f69c-5 dyWwUw\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"sc-d34e428-0 ikzfwY\"><picture><source media=\"(min-width: 1000px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.155%2C$multiply_0.9841%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/54ccea1b45b1dcab319df2af5fbd68ccd12efcae, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.155%2C$multiply_1.9683%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_62%2Cf_auto\/54ccea1b45b1dcab319df2af5fbd68ccd12efcae 2x\"\/><source media=\"(min-width: 750px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.155%2C$multiply_1.0159%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/54ccea1b45b1dcab319df2af5fbd68ccd12efcae, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.155%2C$multiply_2.0317%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_62%2Cf_auto\/54ccea1b45b1dcab319df2af5fbd68ccd12efcae 2x\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"The stunning Amazon.\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.155%2C$multiply_0.7725%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/54ccea1b45b1dcab319df2af5fbd68ccd12efcae\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.155%2C$multiply_0.7725%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/54ccea1b45b1dcab319df2af5fbd68ccd12efcae, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.155%2C$multiply_1.545%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_62%2Cf_auto\/54ccea1b45b1dcab319df2af5fbd68ccd12efcae 2x\" class=\"sc-d34e428-1 ldCIuB\"\/><\/picture><\/div>\n<p><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 38 38\" height=\"38px\" width=\"38px\" class=\"sc-4820f69c-4 iMiYlW\"><g stroke=\"#F4F5F7\" stroke-width=\"2\" fill=\"none\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" transform=\"matrix(1, 0, 0, 1, 22.029383, 7.619553)\"><path d=\"M1 8l6.36396103-6.36396103M8 7V1H2\"\/><\/g><g stroke=\"#F4F5F7\" stroke-width=\"2\" fill=\"none\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" transform=\"matrix(1, 0, 0, 1, 7.0731, 21.523087)\"><path d=\"M8 1L1.63603897 7.36396103M1 2v6h6\"\/><\/g><\/svg><\/button><figcaption data-testid=\"figure-caption\" class=\"sc-4820f69c-0 SuAZY\"><span>The stunning Amazon.<\/span><cite class=\"sc-4820f69c-2 jfXEoI\"><span class=\"sc-4820f69c-3 jfhtQZ\">iStock<\/span><\/cite><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The world\u2019s largest river by volume of water with about 20 per cent of the globe\u2019s total freshwater \u2026 and not a single bridge. It\u2019s a stunning sight. Unlike Brazil and Ecuador, Peru is the source of the river, and it changes dramatically with the different seasons. In the dry, it\u2019s between one and five kilometres wide, much narrower than in the other countries, but in the wet it can end up as broad as 50 kilometres in stretches. Cruising on the river, with those glorious sunrises and sunsets, gives the sensation of it being a living, powerful force, pulsating with wildlife and with Indigenous communities along its banks.<\/p>\n<h3>2 Wish on a pink dolphin<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"sc-c502198b-0 sc-9081625b-0 btpBls brafJN\">\n<figure class=\"sc-4820f69c-1 ZrhPA\"><button aria-label=\"enlarge image\" type=\"button\" class=\"sc-4820f69c-5 dyWwUw\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"sc-d34e428-0 ikzfwY\"><picture><source media=\"(min-width: 1000px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.847%2C$multiply_0.9841%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_1446%2C$y_667\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/0a3d72778e40aac34558303c94ab36e50054c129, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.847%2C$multiply_1.9683%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_1446%2C$y_667\/t_crop_custom\/q_62%2Cf_auto\/0a3d72778e40aac34558303c94ab36e50054c129 2x\"\/><source media=\"(min-width: 750px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.847%2C$multiply_1.0159%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_1446%2C$y_667\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/0a3d72778e40aac34558303c94ab36e50054c129, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.847%2C$multiply_2.0317%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_1446%2C$y_667\/t_crop_custom\/q_62%2Cf_auto\/0a3d72778e40aac34558303c94ab36e50054c129 2x\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"It\u2019s a thrill to spot a pink dolphin.\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.847%2C$multiply_0.7725%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_1446%2C$y_667\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/0a3d72778e40aac34558303c94ab36e50054c129\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.847%2C$multiply_0.7725%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_1446%2C$y_667\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/0a3d72778e40aac34558303c94ab36e50054c129, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.847%2C$multiply_1.545%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_1446%2C$y_667\/t_crop_custom\/q_62%2Cf_auto\/0a3d72778e40aac34558303c94ab36e50054c129 2x\" class=\"sc-d34e428-1 ldCIuB\"\/><\/picture><\/div>\n<p><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 38 38\" height=\"38px\" width=\"38px\" class=\"sc-4820f69c-4 iMiYlW\"><g stroke=\"#F4F5F7\" stroke-width=\"2\" fill=\"none\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" transform=\"matrix(1, 0, 0, 1, 22.029383, 7.619553)\"><path d=\"M1 8l6.36396103-6.36396103M8 7V1H2\"\/><\/g><g stroke=\"#F4F5F7\" stroke-width=\"2\" fill=\"none\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" transform=\"matrix(1, 0, 0, 1, 7.0731, 21.523087)\"><path d=\"M8 1L1.63603897 7.36396103M1 2v6h6\"\/><\/g><\/svg><\/button><figcaption data-testid=\"figure-caption\" class=\"sc-4820f69c-0 SuAZY\"><span>It\u2019s a thrill to spot a pink dolphin.<\/span><cite class=\"sc-4820f69c-2 jfXEoI\"><span class=\"sc-4820f69c-3 jfhtQZ\">Getty Images<\/span><\/cite><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<div class=\"sc-1580fffb-0 hLahBX\">\n<p class=\"sc-1580fffb-1 kQyaUB\">Sign up for the Traveller Deals newsletter<\/p>\n<p>Get exclusive travel deals delivered straight to your inbox.<!-- --> <a class=\"sc-cba76dee-0 hdiTqm sc-1580fffb-2 llA-dkN\" href=\"https:\/\/login.myfairfax.com.au\/signup_newsletter\/10165?channel_key=zHE9EWDHf1XPuz3Phk0YIg&amp;callback_uri=\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Sign up now.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>Pink dolphins seem as mythical as unicorns, but they do exist, and nowhere else in the world in as great a number \u2013 estimated at several thousand \u2013 as in the Peruvian Amazon. It\u2019s such a thrill to suddenly spot one of the endangered mammals \u2013 which have, astonishingly, even bigger brains than humans \u2013 alone or in a small pod, and see the flash of a pink back or belly as they roll (they don\u2019t leap like marine dolphins). Lots of legends have grown up around them \u2013 that they can shape-shift into handsome men at night and impregnate young women wandering too close. But maybe the myths help protect them \u2026<\/p>\n<h3>3 Glide through a flooded forest<\/h3>\n<figure class=\"sc-4820f69c-1 ZrhPA\"><button aria-label=\"enlarge image\" type=\"button\" class=\"sc-4820f69c-5 dyWwUw\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"sc-d34e428-0 ikzfwY\"><picture><source media=\"(min-width: 1000px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.196%2C$multiply_0.9841%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/2aef514858a3caea6e765dc573431218fd8496b2, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.196%2C$multiply_1.9683%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_62%2Cf_auto\/2aef514858a3caea6e765dc573431218fd8496b2 2x\"\/><source media=\"(min-width: 750px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.196%2C$multiply_1.0159%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/2aef514858a3caea6e765dc573431218fd8496b2, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.196%2C$multiply_2.0317%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_62%2Cf_auto\/2aef514858a3caea6e765dc573431218fd8496b2 2x\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Into the forest.\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.196%2C$multiply_0.7725%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/2aef514858a3caea6e765dc573431218fd8496b2\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.196%2C$multiply_0.7725%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/2aef514858a3caea6e765dc573431218fd8496b2, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.196%2C$multiply_1.545%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_62%2Cf_auto\/2aef514858a3caea6e765dc573431218fd8496b2 2x\" class=\"sc-d34e428-1 ldCIuB\"\/><\/picture><\/div>\n<p><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 38 38\" height=\"38px\" width=\"38px\" class=\"sc-4820f69c-4 iMiYlW\"><g stroke=\"#F4F5F7\" stroke-width=\"2\" fill=\"none\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" transform=\"matrix(1, 0, 0, 1, 22.029383, 7.619553)\"><path d=\"M1 8l6.36396103-6.36396103M8 7V1H2\"\/><\/g><g stroke=\"#F4F5F7\" stroke-width=\"2\" fill=\"none\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" transform=\"matrix(1, 0, 0, 1, 7.0731, 21.523087)\"><path d=\"M8 1L1.63603897 7.36396103M1 2v6h6\"\/><\/g><\/svg><\/button><figcaption data-testid=\"figure-caption\" class=\"sc-4820f69c-0 SuAZY\"><span>Into the forest.<\/span><cite class=\"sc-4820f69c-2 jfXEoI\"><span class=\"sc-4820f69c-3 jfhtQZ\">iStock<\/span><\/cite><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The Peruvian Amazon can rise 30 metres in the rainy season, and is also fed by melting Andean snow-caps. Its various water levels make it fascinating all year round. In the dry, visitors can go on long walks through the rainforest, marvelling at the cornucopia of creatures \u2013 furry, slimy or just plain scary \u2013 and in the wet, it\u2019s almost ethereal, floating past thickets of treetops in an aquatic forest, until reaching not-so-dry land. Parts of Peru\u2019s protected ecological wonderland, the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, are dubbed \u201cthe jungle of mirrors\u201d; surrounded as they are by water reflecting both greenery and sky, it can be difficult to judge where the earth begins.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"sc-c502198b-0 sc-9081625b-0 btpBls brafJN\">\n<h3>4 Join the big chill with a sloth<\/h3>\n<figure class=\"sc-4820f69c-1 ZrhPA\"><button aria-label=\"enlarge image\" type=\"button\" class=\"sc-4820f69c-5 dyWwUw\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"sc-d34e428-0 ikzfwY\"><picture><source media=\"(min-width: 1000px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.164%2C$multiply_0.9841%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_31\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/479f516fe4205a9ff9740f604bbc097e7a1a3cd0, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.164%2C$multiply_1.9683%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_31\/t_crop_custom\/q_62%2Cf_auto\/479f516fe4205a9ff9740f604bbc097e7a1a3cd0 2x\"\/><source media=\"(min-width: 750px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.164%2C$multiply_1.0159%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_31\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/479f516fe4205a9ff9740f604bbc097e7a1a3cd0, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.164%2C$multiply_2.0317%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_31\/t_crop_custom\/q_62%2Cf_auto\/479f516fe4205a9ff9740f604bbc097e7a1a3cd0 2x\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Sloth in the Amazon, just hanging around.\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.164%2C$multiply_0.7725%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_31\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/479f516fe4205a9ff9740f604bbc097e7a1a3cd0\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.164%2C$multiply_0.7725%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_31\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/479f516fe4205a9ff9740f604bbc097e7a1a3cd0, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.164%2C$multiply_1.545%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_31\/t_crop_custom\/q_62%2Cf_auto\/479f516fe4205a9ff9740f604bbc097e7a1a3cd0 2x\" class=\"sc-d34e428-1 ldCIuB\"\/><\/picture><\/div>\n<p><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 38 38\" height=\"38px\" width=\"38px\" class=\"sc-4820f69c-4 iMiYlW\"><g stroke=\"#F4F5F7\" stroke-width=\"2\" fill=\"none\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" transform=\"matrix(1, 0, 0, 1, 22.029383, 7.619553)\"><path d=\"M1 8l6.36396103-6.36396103M8 7V1H2\"\/><\/g><g stroke=\"#F4F5F7\" stroke-width=\"2\" fill=\"none\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" transform=\"matrix(1, 0, 0, 1, 7.0731, 21.523087)\"><path d=\"M8 1L1.63603897 7.36396103M1 2v6h6\"\/><\/g><\/svg><\/button><figcaption data-testid=\"figure-caption\" class=\"sc-4820f69c-0 SuAZY\"><span>Sloth in the Amazon, just hanging around.<\/span><cite class=\"sc-4820f69c-2 jfXEoI\"><span class=\"sc-4820f69c-3 jfhtQZ\">Alamy<\/span><\/cite><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Amid all the wildlife on the river \u2013 including the fabulous macaws, hummingbirds, butterflies, caimans, piranhas, howler and spider monkeys, boas, anacondas and tarantulas \u2013 sloths are a favourite wonder. Just quietly hanging upside down from tree branches, they\u2019re slow, gentle, ancient, and perfectly adapted to their environment, moving at minimal speed, a bit like koalas, to preserve energy. They can sleep 10 to 15 hours a day and only descend to the ground once a week. To scientists, they remain a marvellous mystery.<\/p>\n<h3>5 Visit an Indigenous village<\/h3>\n<figure class=\"sc-4820f69c-1 ZrhPA\"><button aria-label=\"enlarge image\" type=\"button\" class=\"sc-4820f69c-5 dyWwUw\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"sc-d34e428-0 ikzfwY\"><picture><source media=\"(min-width: 1000px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.186%2C$multiply_0.9841%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_15\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/2a6e88d33dc015bd622f8a8a4c9805620cfc577f, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.186%2C$multiply_1.9683%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_15\/t_crop_custom\/q_62%2Cf_auto\/2a6e88d33dc015bd622f8a8a4c9805620cfc577f 2x\"\/><source media=\"(min-width: 750px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.186%2C$multiply_1.0159%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_15\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/2a6e88d33dc015bd622f8a8a4c9805620cfc577f, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.186%2C$multiply_2.0317%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_15\/t_crop_custom\/q_62%2Cf_auto\/2a6e88d33dc015bd622f8a8a4c9805620cfc577f 2x\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"The riverside village of Belen.\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.186%2C$multiply_0.7725%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_15\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/2a6e88d33dc015bd622f8a8a4c9805620cfc577f\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.186%2C$multiply_0.7725%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_15\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/2a6e88d33dc015bd622f8a8a4c9805620cfc577f, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.186%2C$multiply_1.545%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_15\/t_crop_custom\/q_62%2Cf_auto\/2a6e88d33dc015bd622f8a8a4c9805620cfc577f 2x\" class=\"sc-d34e428-1 ldCIuB\"\/><\/picture><\/div>\n<p><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 38 38\" height=\"38px\" width=\"38px\" class=\"sc-4820f69c-4 iMiYlW\"><g stroke=\"#F4F5F7\" stroke-width=\"2\" fill=\"none\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" transform=\"matrix(1, 0, 0, 1, 22.029383, 7.619553)\"><path d=\"M1 8l6.36396103-6.36396103M8 7V1H2\"\/><\/g><g stroke=\"#F4F5F7\" stroke-width=\"2\" fill=\"none\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" transform=\"matrix(1, 0, 0, 1, 7.0731, 21.523087)\"><path d=\"M8 1L1.63603897 7.36396103M1 2v6h6\"\/><\/g><\/svg><\/button><figcaption data-testid=\"figure-caption\" class=\"sc-4820f69c-0 SuAZY\"><span>The riverside village of Belen.<\/span><cite class=\"sc-4820f69c-2 jfXEoI\"><span class=\"sc-4820f69c-3 jfhtQZ\">iStock<\/span><\/cite><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"sc-c502198b-0 sc-9081625b-0 btpBls brafJN\">\n<p>There are more than 50 different Indigenous groups in the Peruvian Amazon, living in splendid isolation along the riverbanks, in homes often built largely from the mud, eating fish, using medicines made from rainforest plants, and with a culture centred on the water. The ship, Aqua Nera, stopped off in the tiny settlement of Lisboa with passengers greeted by local children, delighted with gifts of books, pens and paper \u2026 and mystified by toy koalas. It can be a rare privilege to experience such a richly traditional community.<\/p>\n<h3>6 Be intrigued by Iquitos<\/h3>\n<figure class=\"sc-4820f69c-1 ZrhPA\"><button aria-label=\"enlarge image\" type=\"button\" class=\"sc-4820f69c-5 dyWwUw\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"sc-d34e428-0 ikzfwY\"><picture><source media=\"(min-width: 1000px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.189%2C$multiply_0.9841%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/b987b76535b8c6a4780988509323586e4fbfbf95, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.189%2C$multiply_1.9683%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_62%2Cf_auto\/b987b76535b8c6a4780988509323586e4fbfbf95 2x\"\/><source media=\"(min-width: 750px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.189%2C$multiply_1.0159%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/b987b76535b8c6a4780988509323586e4fbfbf95, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.189%2C$multiply_2.0317%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_62%2Cf_auto\/b987b76535b8c6a4780988509323586e4fbfbf95 2x\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"No roads in \u2013 Iquitos, Peru.\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.189%2C$multiply_0.7725%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/b987b76535b8c6a4780988509323586e4fbfbf95\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.189%2C$multiply_0.7725%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/b987b76535b8c6a4780988509323586e4fbfbf95, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.189%2C$multiply_1.545%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_62%2Cf_auto\/b987b76535b8c6a4780988509323586e4fbfbf95 2x\" class=\"sc-d34e428-1 ldCIuB\"\/><\/picture><\/div>\n<p><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 38 38\" height=\"38px\" width=\"38px\" class=\"sc-4820f69c-4 iMiYlW\"><g stroke=\"#F4F5F7\" stroke-width=\"2\" fill=\"none\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" transform=\"matrix(1, 0, 0, 1, 22.029383, 7.619553)\"><path d=\"M1 8l6.36396103-6.36396103M8 7V1H2\"\/><\/g><g stroke=\"#F4F5F7\" stroke-width=\"2\" fill=\"none\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" transform=\"matrix(1, 0, 0, 1, 7.0731, 21.523087)\"><path d=\"M8 1L1.63603897 7.36396103M1 2v6h6\"\/><\/g><\/svg><\/button><figcaption data-testid=\"figure-caption\" class=\"sc-4820f69c-0 SuAZY\"><span>No roads in \u2013 Iquitos, Peru.<\/span><cite class=\"sc-4820f69c-2 jfXEoI\"><span class=\"sc-4820f69c-3 jfhtQZ\">iStock<\/span><\/cite><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Iquitos is the jumping-off point into the Amazon, and what a place! It\u2019s the largest city in the world to be inaccessible by road (only by boat or plane), and it has a fascinating history, with Jesuit missions in the 1700s, then rubber barons from the 1880s building some splendid landmarks. On the river are the stilted houses of Belen, where locals drop in on each other by canoe during the wet season. There is also a teeming market.<\/p>\n<h3>7 Be baffled by two rivers running side-by-side<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"sc-c502198b-0 sc-9081625b-0 btpBls brafJN\">\n<p>It\u2019s a natural phenomenon that beggars belief. Near Iquitos, at the confluence of the River Nanay and the Amazon, there\u2019s a clear line between them, with the former black and the other light brown. The separation comes from the amount of sediment in each, the pace of the flow and their different temperatures. It\u2019s similar to the division between the Rio Negro and the Amazon at Brazil\u2019s Manaus, but more compact.<\/p>\n<p><i>Aqua Expeditions\u2019 small luxury ship, Aqua Nera, has 20 cabins and 40 crew on four- and eight-day itineraries from $US5130 ($7435) a person, based on double occupancy. Early booking discounts available. LATAM flies from Sydney to Santiago, with connections to Lima and then Iquitos.<br \/>See <a class=\"inline-link\" href=\"http:\/\/aquaexpeditions.com\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">aquaexpeditions.com<\/a>; <a class=\"inline-link\" href=\"http:\/\/latamairlines.com\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">latamairlines.com<\/a>; <a class=\"inline-link\" href=\"http:\/\/peru.travel\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">peru.travel<\/a><\/i><\/p>\n<p><em>The writer travelled as a guest of Aqua Expeditions. See <a class=\"inline-link\" href=\"http:\/\/aquaexpeditions.com\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">aquaexpeditions.com<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div data-testid=\"article-footer\" class=\"sc-780f6c39-0 fWnQtB\">\n<div class=\"sc-780f6c39-1 bhFzjY noPrint\">\n<div class=\"sc-780f6c39-2 ksUUFP\">\n<div class=\"sc-f9e3ccff-0 kbEYga sc-780f6c39-3 fMMhlQ\"><button aria-checked=\"false\" aria-label=\"Save article to read later\" role=\"switch\" type=\"button\" class=\"sc-f9e3ccff-1 kmQlMe\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" fill=\"none\" height=\"24\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"1.5\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" width=\"24\" class=\"sc-2d648302-0 flZqoF\"><path d=\"M5.75 4C5.75 3.86193 5.86193 3.75 6 3.75H18C18.1381 3.75 18.25 3.86193 18.25 4L18.25 19.7709L12.8004 16.9682C12.2981 16.7099 11.7019 16.7099 11.1996 16.9682L5.75 19.7709L5.75 4Z\"\/><\/svg><span class=\"sc-f9e3ccff-2 gaKrMl\">Save<\/span><\/button><\/p>\n<div aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"sc-ba6ddcd9-0 yEdFV sc-2d648302-3 hiFctv\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p class=\"sc-2d648302-4 fRdpuU\">You have reached your maximum number of saved items.<\/p>\n<p>Remove items from your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.smh.com.au\/goodfood\/saved\" class=\"sc-3f16ee48-12 sc-2d648302-2 jyLmZI eCVrJy\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">saved list<\/a> to add more.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"sc-b5b9fd03-0 ksyHqK\">\n<div class=\"sc-b5b9fd03-1 sc-8e0b31c0-0 LVIFj dkDvip\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Sue Williams\" data-testid=\"author-avatar-image\" height=\"40\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/w_40%2Ch_40%2Cc_fill%2Cg_auto:faces\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/c6f67524a1fff3ffa1c161a3960e5ac9c0d4bda5\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/w_40%2Ch_40%2Cc_fill%2Cg_auto:faces\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/c6f67524a1fff3ffa1c161a3960e5ac9c0d4bda5, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/w_80%2Ch_80%2Cc_fill%2Cg_auto:faces\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/c6f67524a1fff3ffa1c161a3960e5ac9c0d4bda5 2x\" width=\"40\" class=\"sc-9a01536c-0 libeSR\"\/><span data-testid=\"author-bio\" class=\"sc-b5b9fd03-3 cVMGnz\"><span><a class=\"sc-cba76dee-0 hdiTqm sc-b5b9fd03-2 huXMbq\" href=\"https:\/\/www.smh.com.au\/traveller\/by\/sue-williams-gj11wq\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Sue Williams<\/a> is a Sydney-based freelance travel writer, author and journalist who&#8217;s filed for newspapers, magazines, radio and TV stations around the world.<\/span><span class=\"sc-b5b9fd03-4 gMBkSk\">Connect via <a class=\"sc-cba76dee-0 hdiTqm sc-b5b9fd03-5 czsZcI\" href=\"https:\/\/www.smh.com.au\/traveller\/inspiration\/mailto:mail@suewilliams.com.au\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">email<\/a>.<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"sc-3dbe4134-0 jIqLGA sc-7d7cd47e-0 fFORRY\" data-an-name=\"Traveller Guides\" data-an-cu-group=\"everything\" data-an-cu-name=\"Traveller Guides\" data-an-cu-position=\"1\" data-testid=\"traveller-guides-strap\">\n<header class=\"sc-84567ec1-0 hpMljf\">\n<h2 data-pb-type=\"hi\" class=\"sc-84567ec1-1 sc-d2ff5ede-0 gcifGg hmOdAV\"><span>Traveller Guides<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/header>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"sc-3dbe4134-0 jIqLGA sc-df8e6ee0-0 noPrint\" data-an-name=\"From our partners\" data-an-cu-group=\"everything\" data-an-cu-name=\"From our partners\" data-an-cu-position=\"4\" data-testid=\"from-our-partners-strap\">\n<header class=\"sc-84567ec1-0 hpMljf\">\n<h2 data-pb-type=\"hi\" class=\"sc-84567ec1-1 sc-d2ff5ede-0 gcifGg hmOdAV\"><span>From our partners<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/header>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>April 11, 2026 \u2014 12:00am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it AAA The almighty Amazon River flows from the heights of the snow-capped<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2550,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[78,252,221,231,273,272,271,174,419,1164,127,7,447],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2549","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-home","category-house","category-reviews","category-reviews-rit-ads","category-shop","category-shop-beauty","category-shopping","category-starlink","category-surface-water","category-travel-inspiration","category-trending-uk","category-world","category-world-middle-east"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/owspakistan.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2549","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/owspakistan.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/owspakistan.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/owspakistan.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/owspakistan.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2549"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/owspakistan.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2549\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/owspakistan.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/2550"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/owspakistan.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2549"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/owspakistan.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2549"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/owspakistan.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2549"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}