A unique Brazil Amazon River Delta cruise from Belem provides a scenic tour, where the river empties in the Atlantic Ocean. As an Acupuncturist-at-Sea, I experienced this enlightening trip, overall, seeing the wooden stilt houses and fisherman on the Amazon and more. So, read on to learn about what we saw while exploring the mouth of the eastern estuary of the Mighty Amazon.
My Amazon River Delta Cruise
The widest and second longest river in the world has many ecosystems. My half day cruise on the eastern mouth of the Amazon Delta introduced this unique ecosystem to us. The islands in the region are numerous, for example, the Marajo Archipelago, is the world’s largest fluvial archipelago with 2.500 islands. This flooded area captures nutrient rich soils, carried down river. Plus, tidal activity floods the region twice daily.
Furthermore, vegetation is shorter than surrounding areas, with lower plant diversity and dominant palm species. Also, there is stretches of mangroves, salt marsh plants and submerged sea grasses. Overall, flora is less diversified than upstream, with the exception of rich bird diversity of 540 species.
The highlight for me cruising on the Amazon Delta and estuary was the families and their homes. They live in wooden houses on stilts along the riverside. Also, many have docks and boats as the main transportation for exiting their homes. Overall, they live very simply, with fishing as the main source of livelihood.
Finally, we got off the boat for a a short jungle walking tour and visit with the locals. We learned about some of the ecosystem’s flora and fauna and even watched a man climb a coconut tree to get us some delicious coconut milk. Another one of the most common trees in the Amazon basin area is the Acai Palm, famous for its healthy berries, hearts of palm (vegetable), leaves and trunk wood. Furthermore, the black-purple berries about 1 inch in circumference are very rich in antioxidants.
Overall…
This experience reminded me of the power of Mother Nature and the unique lifestyles of natives in harmony with nature for their livelihoods. Even more, getting up close to the organic harmony of the native people co-existing with the Mighty Amazon was amazing!
Read Next!
The Best of Stunning Rio de Janeiro by Land, Air and Sea
Picturesque Montevideo, Uruguay Top Attractions
