Kapawi Wildlife

Wildlife at Kapawi

As we travel to different communities along the Capahuari River, we see many birds. Mammals are much more difficult to see. I saw a marmoset on a night walk and he naturalist guides are sometimes able to spot them in the treetops, but they are far away. The best glimpses for me are when the monkeys are jumping to another branch. I can catch the movement. The birds we saw on the way to Kuskutsu were a Great Heron, Hoatzin and. But there is another kind of wild life. The Achuar love a good party. The school at Kapawi community was celebrating 11 years of its school. The part lasted over 2 days. We went there for the school ceremony. The students preformed a traditional dance and sang. They had prepared booths displayed the various subject areas and had interactive exhibits. Then there was food! There was fish cooked the traditional way in leaves, chicken and manioc and rice. A snack made of beans and corn was delicious. From there we walked to the community center for talking, drinking, volleyball and a triathlon. Then more sitting and drinking, and music and dancing. Then back to the lodge, where I called it good. The rest of the staff went back to Kapawi for the evening. The next day there was more celebrating at Kapawi, but we went to another community to visit Vanessa, the English teacher. That evening, the staff returned to Kapawi for more partying, until 3 am. Glad I sat that one out too. The next morning at 6 for breakfast we could still hear the music from Kapawi! I am getting quite agile climbing in and out of boats, hiking up river banks, and dancing, although I do need a help up the banks. All of that and we still get all of our work done…