Manu jungle fever

The road to the jungle is a windy and treacherous one. Due to the huge change in altitude, the temperatures also vary considerably. First it rises to 4000m passing through small mountain villages and then slowly winds its way down a gravel road through the jungle to 500m. Why is the road treacherous?  At this time of year, the rainy season begins and if the road isn’t a partial river, it has the occasional mudslide to add to the fun. Our little group had to move a large boulder out of the road in order for our bus to pass on a steep slope. It did not help me feel secure but our bus driver was a champion and in the end we arrived in the steamy jungle. Long sleeves were packed away and out came the strappy tops. So did the insect repellant and we were all issued with gumboots for the muddy jungle floor.

Our guide, Sylvia, did a stellar job at pointing out insects, birds and plants of interest.

The one that caught my attention was the bullet ant – one bite results in a 24 hour fever and overwhelming pain for 3 days.

So before touching any trees to steady myself on the steep jungle hikes, I did a thorough inspection to avoid such a fate.

We visited an animal sanctuary for animals rescued from loggers. Logging is illegal but the park is too large with too few wardens to police it properly. All the animals vie for your attention and it is fascinating to see how the different species have become friends.

On the last day, we went by boat on the Madre de los Dios river, climbed onto a rocky island in the middle of the river and  waited for the parrots and mecaws to come to their ‘clay lick’. What a spectacular display of colours.

Our meals on this trip were fit for a king, we were really spoilt by our cook especially on the 24th which is when the Peruvians celebrate Christmas.  Their tradition – panetoni cake, special hot chocolate and champagne at midnight.  We didn’t make midnight after all our hiking but it was special nonetheless.

The Peruvian jungle is a very special place. So remote and visited by as few as 1500 people per year. This is where you realise how small you really are. Most trees in the rainforest are 25m high, there is nothing but trees and river for miles. At night the sounds of the jungle come alive with crickets, toads and the occasional jaguar. The incredible beauty and vastness of this place is proof of the Creator. Such a spectacular display of nature didn’t just happen.

Wow, I’ve been to the jungle!