We arrived at the Goshen dock in Matina, where we met Hayi who was directing our boat. As we boarded he gave us all the instructions to enjoy our trip in a safe and pleasant way, we put on our life jackets and got our cameras ready, looking forward to a tour of the canals that was going to be unique.
“Hold on to your hats,” said Hayi. Once you board the boat, an unforgettable experience begins through a maze of natural canals that create a unique ecosystem.
As we walked along we could see multiple species of birds. Among my favorites were the Amazonian Kingfisher (Chloroceryle amazona) and the astonishing Pintail Duck (Anhinga anhinga) make a hunting show.
After about 25 minutes the boat stopped and it was time to disembark. Suddenly the jungle opens up and you see the main lodge and a sign that says “Welcome”. The first thing you encounter are multiple genuine smiles from people who make you feel at home. After a brief introductory talk, Claudio the reserve biologist gave us all the recommendations and rules to follow during our stay in the reserve.
At lunch we ate a delicious Caribbean meal prepared by the cooks, who with their kindness and passion cook delicious things and taking care of the different dietary restrictions that tourists have. Also that delicious “spicy Caribbean sauce” that they prepare makes you awaken all your senses and adds to your plate your taste of another world.
After resting during the afternoon in a hammock, feeling the breeze of the Caribbean sea, it was time to get ready for a night walk, which generated a lot of expectation to go to find interesting nocturnal species.
We lit our flashlights on the trail, guided by research assistant Lola Crassard, a French biologist in charge of wildlife monitoring programs. We managed to see fascinating amphibians, reptiles, spiders and insects. At that moment you realize the abundance in the Pacuare Reserve which protects more than 688 hectares of which 98% is wetland. After an hour it was time to return, ready to rest and prepare for another day of adventure.
It was 6:00 a.m. and the sound of birds woke me up. The Caribbean Sea was showing its faint colors at dawn, where a group of students from Ecology Project International, along with their tutors, watched the sunrise from the coast.
After watching the sunrise, Daysi, the kitchen manager, welcomed us with a delicious coffee and a freshly made gallo pinto. We recharged our energies for another day of adventure where our objective was to install some new camera traps with Lola.
“Soan the jaguar was here, smell his urine” Said Lola.
Right at the intersection of two roads, Lola found signs of the recent presence of a male Jaguar, possibly Soan, who has lived in the reserve for several years. And he frequents this spot, so she decided it was a perfect place to place the camera trap.
And that is how a great adventure ends, which I would describe as an immersive experience between nature, scientists and local people. I am extremely grateful for all the treatment I received and all the knowledge I learned.
The Pacuare Reserve is waiting for you, how long are you willing to wait to live this experience?
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