But not everything is work. Last Sunday the team was invited to participate in the anniversary of the Ashaninka community of Marontuari. Some of us, the ones at the lower campsite, were able to attend for the evening events—soccer match, music, and dance. We were very warmly received by the chief and other members of the community, and each one of us handed a bowl of masato that was filled more often than not, and for supper we had piranha baked in an envelope of leafs and with manioc on the side. We listened to recordings of Andean music and an improvised band of local Ashaninka musicians and danced in groups and couples before returning to our campsite across the only and narrow track that makes the forest accessible. Along the way, we´re still able to find some herps.
José Padial and his team of researchers are traveling in the remote Vilcabamba mountains of Peru. He blogs and sends photos as often as possible capturing his expedition along the way. These photos were taken during the week of 2/7-2/11/16.