Come with me on a weekend trip to one of the most beautiful places on Earth: the Amazon Rainforest. Spend the weekend with me traveling beneath its towering canopy, spotting incredible wildlife, and experiencing the beauty of a place unlike anywhere else. Here are some of my favorite memories from an unforgettable weekend in the Peruvian Amazon.
Our group split into two boats as we traveled along the Marañón River, one of the major tributaries that feeds the Amazon River. Along the way, our guides shared stories about the wildlife that surrounds it and how communities have adapted to living there. Seeing the jungle showed me how connected everything is.
Behind the Peruvian flag is the Amazon River, the largest river in the world by volume. It's home to many incredible and unique creatures, such as the famous pink river dolphins.
This is the welcome sign to our first stop in the Amazon Rainforest. We learned about the history of the Indigenous cultures of the land, reminding me that it is home to cultures with deep histories.
We spent the weekend at the Pacaya Samiria Amazon Lodge, located within the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve. Surrounded by the sounds of the rainforest, it was the perfect place to disconnect from everyday life and fully immerse myself in nature. Waking up to the jungle every morning was an experience I'll never forget.
On our first night, we hiked through the forest and, due to the lack of light pollution, the stars shone bright. The stars were brighter than I had ever seen before, and we could easily make out constellations and even planets. It was one of those moments that made me feel incredibly grateful.
During one of our hikes through the rainforest, we found ourselves completely sheltered beneath a dense canopy of towering trees and interwoven leaves. Only scattered beams of sunlight could reach us.
This tree tells a story of the rainforest. The original tree died, but another species grew in its place, using the old trunk for support until it eventually became part of the new tree's structure. It was an incredible example of how life in the Amazon is constantly adapting and renewing.
We encountered a Goliath birdeater, one of the largest spiders in the world. We learned that after mating, the female may sometimes kill and eat the male.
We encountered this anaconda resting near the water. Our guides explained that anacondas are both excellent swimmers and powerful hunters on land. I had the opportunity to hold the snake, completely changing the way I thought about this misunderstood reptile.
This village showed me firsthand how people live sustainably in harmony with the Amazon Rainforest. Everyone has a responsibility to contribute to their community.
Right before this picture, a giant anaconda came out of the trees into the village. It slithered all the way into the river as the children stood by and watched together.