Posts Tagged ‘Wildlife’
Written on November 16th, 2011 by admin_aquano shouts
As we enter November we can officially say that what started as an exceptional season for wildlife spotting has certainly continued in the same way. Highlights have included a large number of Ringed Kingfishers, Black-collared Hawks, Scarlet and Blue and Yellow Macaws. A Crimson-crested Woodpecker, Lettered Aracari, several Yellow-billed Terns and a Giant River Otter have also made appearances within the past few weeks.
The high number of bird species spotted is in part due to good fortune, but also because we had the pleasure of welcoming two ornithologists on board who really decided to make the most of their cruise.
Their early morning outings and keen eyes were rewarded by identifying a total of 172 species during their seven day cruise! This really is an exceptional number and goes some way towards reflecting the variety and diversity constantly present along the Peruvian Amazon.
We challenge you to grab your wildlife checklist, join us aboard and beat their total.
Written on October 28th, 2011 by admin_aquano shouts
Aqua Expeditions’ guests have enjoyed a wonderful month of wildlife spotting so far. The exceptionally high river levels along the Peruvian Amazon has meant we have been able to get even deeper into the rainforest and closer to some of the rarest wildlife. The area is bursting with scores of frogs, more than 1000 species of birds and a host of monkeys including squirrel, capuchin, monk saki and red howler monkeys and a symphonic soundtrack of one of the world’s most biologically diverse regions.
Alongside some of the forest’s most common sightings we have been even more fortunate to enjoy breakfast on board whilst being entertained by the pink river dolphins and on one lucky occasion we caught a rare sighting of the Harpy Eagle, which is considered by Aqua Expeditions’ expert guide, Juan Tejanda as one of the Top Ten Amazon Wildlife sightings. These stunning birds usually live deep in the densest past of the rainforest so the spectacle was even more exciting.
This rare and endangered species is the largest Eagle in the Americas and the second largest Eagle in the world. These vast birds, which can weigh up to twenty pounds, are recognised by their crest of upwards pointing feathers. They like to dine on monkeys and sloths, as well as green iguanas, snakes, and other birds. Their wings, which are smaller than other similar sized birds, enable them to penetrate deep into the dense foliage of the rainforest to capture their prey.
Written on August 5th, 2010 by admin_aquano shouts
Aqua Expeditions understands that the best souvenirs are the ones you can’t wait to share with friends and family; the keepsakes that are saturated with memories and can sum up an entire trip or voyage on their own. Following this idea, Aqua Expeditions and its vessel, the M/V Aqua, offer guests sophisticated alternatives to the cliché souvenir.
Committed to providing an authentic wildlife and cultural experience to its guests, Aqua Expeditions has released a music CD for guests to relive their Amazonian voyage on dry land. The CD is a musical compilation performed by Aqua Expeditions’ “house band” – made up of M/V Aqua’s crew – and was recorded in Iquitos, Peru, its vessel’s home port.
The CD contains a collection of 12 tracks of instrumental and lyrical favorites that include Peruvian classics like “El Condor Pasa” and internationally known pieces like “”Besame Mucho.” The album cover boasts artwork by famous Peruvian artist Christian Bendayán and can be purchased onboard in the M/V Aqua’s boutique.
In addition to this, Aqua Expeditions’ Wildlife Checklist, used during excursions into Pacaya Samiria Reserve, can also be transformed into a stylish keepsake. Listing dozens of mammals, birds, amphibians and reptiles, insects and common plants and trees, the guide keeps track of the many wildlife sightings while exploring the Amazon. It reads like a ‘wish list’ of the most exotic living things on Earth and includes the elusive Pink Dolphin and the endangered Amazonian Manatee; enough to elicit a little jealousy from even the most seasoned adventurer.
Written on March 15th, 2010 by admin_aquano shouts
Last week guests on board the M/V Aqua started their morning with an early excursion along the Yanayacu-Pucate River. King vulture, capuchin monkey, black caiman, and many other animals made themselves visible, but nothing caught our guests’ eye and interest as much as the anaconda below.
At 7:30AM some times a cup of coffee can’t wake you up the way an anaconda sighting can.
