Today was our last day volunteering in the jungle. As always, we were split into smaller groups to participate in different activities. I was in the bird banding group that woke up at 6 am to set up the bird nets and observe the different birds in the area. Within 2 and a half hours we were able to catch 5 birds; including a bird species that our leader, Cristobal, had never caught before. After bird banding, we all headed to our rooms to pack and prepare for our departure from the jungle. I was even able to get in a few more cuddles with Cappuccino and say goodbye to my favorite monkey.
Before we got on the boat, we took several group pictures around Panthera wearing our EGL gear. We even got some pictures with the staff and the other volunteers that we had met during our week and a half in the jungle. The boat ride back to Puerto Maldonado took about 2 and half hours. Thankfully, the sun was shining the whole ride.
We had about 6 hours in Puerto before our bus to Cusco. During that time, we bought some snacks, played pool and foosball, and enjoyed some wifi. We had a great dinner at a restaurant in the center of Puerto and headed to the bus station to catch our 13-hour bus ride back to Cusco.
-Klara Mateju
EGL Family Abroad 