for the birds.

We headed out around 4:30 Monday morning and watched the sun come up while traveling another hour up the river to the world's largest macaw clay lick. This place was amazing. Hundreds of colorful macaws and parrots lined the trees. We saw some monkeys as well. It was fascinating to just sit and watch all the action. And the sounds! So many sounds. We were the only people there which was also really cool.

We had a yummy breakfast when we got back to the lodge and then relaxed a bit before heading out on the river again in search of a nice swimming spot. We stopped at a waterfall and then our guide suggested the sandy shores of the river. We tried not to imagine what could be swimming in the water with us, though our guide assured us the caiman don't swim during the day. We were dying from the jungle heat and humidity and the water felt so refreshing, even if it turned us orange.

Rodents of unusual size?

We spotted lots of capybaras along the river.

These capybaras had birds feasting on their parasites.

camouflaged parrots.

red howler monkeys.

early morning snack.