Nathan's Insights

Wednesday 11 December 2024
Highlights: Tarabita waterfall, Jardin Botanico Las Orquideas (Botanical Gardens), Yanacocha Rescue Center

Today was activities in the Amazon region to replace those lost when we couldn’t go to Tena. We were warned to be prepared for rain but also the humidity.

Leaving at 8 am and heading to Pastaza province our first stop was at Tarabita waterfall. There is a small cable car you can take to the waterfall but for today there were no takers. 

The Jardin Botanico Las Orquideas was a Botanical Gardens area created to save various plant life and attract insects and animals. 

Over two hours we learned about various trees and plants. The beauty of the area reached into your soul.

The humidity made me regret the long pants and multiple layers. However, this made it feel like the Amazon.

We then stop to have lunch in Puyo City walking over a fast-running river.

After lunch, we moved on to Yanacocha Rescue Center. This Centre is a private facility with no Government funding. The Center is close to a city area. They get a lot of injured animals or rescued animals from private trafficking.

Across 2+ hours with small numerous animals including; Squirrel Monkeys, Pirrihra, Capibara, Owls, Toucans, Wild Dogs, and a blind Puma. 

Most of these animals will be returned to the wild in a safer area, but some will have to stay as they won’t survive back in the wild.

Majestic animals, it makes you sad they need a rescue centre but also glad people do this type of work.

Once back in Baños, we headed out for a nice group dinner together. Tomorrow we head back to Quito early with some activities but tomorrow is about using Quito as a base for wider travel on Friday which will be our last day on the tour before joining the Galapagos Tour.