Nauta, Peru: An Amazon Journey

Where Gumbo Was (#500)

As if my wildlife experiences along the Amazon River in Peru weren’t enough, I also had the opportunity to visit Nauta.

I was on a seven-day cruise on the M/V Zafiro with Exodus Travels Premiere Adventure. My days had been filled with wildlife sighting in the tree canopies, flying overhead, and lurking at the water’s edge. Monkeys, sloths, macaws, toucans, poisonous frogs, deadly anacondas, and other exotic and beautiful wildlife were thrilling to see.

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On this day, a group of passengers boarded one of the smaller boats and we motored toward the city of Nauta. Nauta is located on the north bank of the Marañón River, a major tributary of the Upper Amazon. It is about 62 miles south of Iquitos, the provincial capital.

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Established by Manuel Pacaya–Samiria, a leader of the Kokama people, following the 1830 uprising at the Jesuit mission of Lagunas, Nauta soon became the primary commercial hub of the Peruvian selva Baja. In 1853, a Brazilian-owned paddle steamer made it all the way to Nauta.

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Nauta is the primary destination of the only major road leading out of Iquitos and is a staging area for several ecotourism lodges and ships on the Marañòn River. Boats take passengers from Nauta to the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve.

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Once our boat docked, we walked single-file along a narrow mud path to a broader street clogged with motorcycles and tuk-tuks.

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Our first stop was an open-air market where local customers and merchants come to exchange goods. Our guides stopped and explained some of the booths—small spice bags for the equivalent of 50 cents, grain, fruits and vegetables, paper goods, and candy. One enterprising girl made cookies to sell. One booth sold pharmaceuticals in the open market by a doctor.

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Before continuing to Plaza de Armas, we walked through fish, meat, and produce markets. Characterized by the diversity of mythical statues created by residents, they represent the native culture of the area. The Iglesia de Nauta, now used as a local parish theater, can also be found in the plaza, along with a school and bronze bust of Manuel Pacaya.

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Lined up on one side of the plaza are tuk-tuks ready to take us on a grand tour of the city. We stop briefly on a newly constructed bridge for a panoramic view and continue past houses, businesses, and women washing clothes in a stream.

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Every American should visit a Third World country to understand how so many people have to live. It’s a complex and tiring life, but they seem to concentrate on what we all do—taking care of their families and doing their best to live in their environment.

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After the tour, we returned to our small skiff. Soon we will be back on the M/V Zafiro, ready for more adventure

For this cruise and other amazing Exodus Travels Premiere Adventures call for information at (844) 337-5367.

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Congratulations to George G, who solved this week’s mystery!

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2 years ago

What a fantastic adventure.  I liked your comment that U.S. Citizens don’t have to complain about how problematic we have life here when third world life is so much more difficult.  Thanks for the great photos.  You are a great adventurer.  Keep up your great work !!

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