Weighing between 75 and 145 pounds, it is hard to think capybaras – the largest rodents on earth – are related to house-pet chinchillas and guinea pigs. Large as they may be, it is always very difficult to see them in the wild, as they live in areas of dense vegetation throughout South America.

Last week, guests from the M/V Aqua had the opportunity to see these shy rodents up close during an excursion along the Pacaya River. Howler monkeys, squirrel monkeys, macaws and many other animal species could be seen during the excursion, but nothing captivated guests more than the capybara sighting. Guest Jeff Nicola had the opportunity to take the photograph below–incredible!!

(Photograph by Jeff Nicola)