The Amazon was one of my favorite parts of Peru.... just because it was so unique! Cause really, who goes that deep into the jungle? It only took two planes. A two hour van ride and a one hour boat ride to get to our treehouses in the Amazon rainforest.... no big deal.
We stayed at The Treehouse Lodge. Once we arrived the staff was waiting for us with drinks and bag carriers.
We settled into our gorgeous treehouses.
The nights were hot and stuffy, but so relaxing sleeping in the heart of the jungle with nature noises all around us.
The trail to our treehouse involved a swinging bridge and plenty of steps.
Our days were spent exploring the forest and eating the best food. Where we stayed, a boat is the main source of transportation, so we spend many hours riding the boat on the glassy river waters.
One of our first stops was a tiny little village about a half hour boat ride from us. We learned the village had about 70 people living there. No electricity, they drank river water, only a pair or two of clothes... but just the HAPPIEST people! We pulled up to the banks one night and the cute kids just poured out one by one to greet us.
We played soccer with the kiddos while our guide scheduled a time for us to come back and bring all our donations. Never before did I wish I could speak Spanish more than those few couple days. We were all definitely jealous of David and Aaron talking up a storm with all the kids.
We passed out glow sticks that night and the kids and adults were mesmerized. I wished so badly that I had brought more because there wasn't enough for everyone.
We waited to leave for a while cause cute Aar was concerned about a little baby that got ignored and didn't get a glow stick. He sorted it out and we left with plans to come back in the morning.
Morning came and the community literally dug out stairs for us so it was easier to get out of the boat. Probably the sweetest thing ever. They cleared out the community center and while my mom set up the supplies she had collected and bought, we taught the kids duck-duck-goose.
My mom bought lots of toothbrushes, medical supplies, and school items and toys for the kids, and we all brought clothes to donate. Although the locals were overwhelmed by all we brought, I wish we would have brought more. Seriously in that moment, I wished I would have packed up my whole house to give to these people.
It was so impressive that none of the kids were greedy to get their gifts, cried or got carried away. And the adults were so happy to get a pair of shoes or a new dress. It really was one of the coolest things and definitely a big wake up call. So grateful that we got to go visit.
The rest of the days were spent exploring. We boated over to Monkey Island where our guides literally called wild monkeys down from a tree a half mile away and fed them right off the boat!
Got to hold the cutest little sloths ever.
Got to kayak and the smooth river waters.
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