Atalaya Reserve

Gallito Trail.

On relatively even terrain and 750 metres long, the access from the lodge is by following the course of the river upstream on its right bank.

On this trail we can observe butterflies like: Morpho menelaus, Morpho achilles, Diaethria spp., Marpesia sp., Hyposcada sp. that fly off and rest along the shoreline and on stones along the river and creeks that one must cross on the way (for this reason rubber boots are necessary). Later we enter the forest that has experienced the extraction of timber species which has originated the presence of bamboo (Guadua weberbaueri) that grows in patches called “pacales”. This is one of the interesting ecoystems of the rainforest due to the presence of specific endemic species, principally birds, that have evolved to make their exclusive existence in this ecosystem possible.

We can also find plants like the beautiful and admired orquids (Epidendrum spp, Maxilaria spp), palms (Iriartea deltoidea, Geonoma sp), Cyathea (a tree fern with a great medicinal use among the local people of the region); trees like the “huayruro” (Ormosia sp), acacia, and species of quina (Cinchona sp., from which quinine is obtained).

After a walk of approximately 40 minutes we reach the look-out of the spectecular Cock-of the-Rock (Rupicola peruviana) which can be observed perched, posing for each other or raising their crests for attracting the females' attention. On the plot there exists a Cock-of the-Rock lek, on the left bank of the river, located on a cliff where we find Cecropia and Moena trees (Lauraceae) and Cyatheas that provide the necessary environment for these birds; in order to observe them it is necessary to get up very early in the morning or in the afternoon; we recommend to maintain completely silent and minimum motions in order to observe them without scaring them off.

Monkey Trail.

This trail is located in the foothills of the plot. For this reason it leads through some relatively steep parts, with the presence of two steep slopes. From the lodge to the area where monkeys can be observed it is 900 metres to go. Rubber boots are necessary as we have to cross streams a number of times.

It is not difficult to walk, although the two steep slopes will demand some effort that is worth while making. On the way we can observe other butterfly species restricted to the forest like: Cithaerias pireta, Mesosemia sp., Napeogenes spp., Oleria sp.; we also will see trees of a considerable diametre like “ojé” or “leche-leche” (Ficus sp), Moenas (Lauraceae), “shimbillos” (Inga spp), Aguano or Tornillo (Cedrelinga cataeniformes), Cedrela sp.; Palms like Wettinia angusta, Geonoma sp., Iriartea deltoidea or “chonta”. Along the creeks on both sides of the trail we also can observe numerous bird species - although this means to go a bit off the main trail –, like tanagers, traupids, hummingbirds, parrots etc. the calls of which will be with us all the time.

At the end of the trail (at 55 to 65 minutos) and once on the look-out, the only thing left to do is to wait for Woolly Monkeys, Lagothrix lagotrichia, to pass through in groups of 6 to 8 individuals, with the leading male that is larger compared to the other members, always ahead of the group. In this area we must remain extremely quiet and in silence, even if this means to support getting bitten by the mosquitoes, in order not to scare off the real owners of the trees, and we will be able to observe them feeding on leaves and fruits of trees like “shimbillo”, annonáceas, lauráceas, etc. and looking for insects in the tree canopy, inside old or rotting branches and under the leaves. This scenery is seen in the morning, at midday or in the afternoon, although a sighting is not always certain as they keep moving constantly in their territory.

The Waterfall.

Located at approximately 700 metres from the lodge, this trail is less difficult, without steeps parts, although we must cross the creek that leads us to the cascade several times.

On the way it is possible to observe some orquids on the branches of trees and others that are terrestrial like Malaxis. Numerous and diverse butterflies join us on our walk: Morphos, Altinote spp., Castilia, Eurybia, Mechanitis, etc., as the songs of different birds like swifts, trogons, tanagers, etc. ready to be recognized by listening ears. We also can observe diverse plants with showy flowers that can be used as ornamentals: Alloplectus erythroloma, Drymmonia sp, Ruellia, Psychotria poeppigiana, Heliconia spp. and other interesting tree species like the Siparunas, which are aphrodisiacs, principally for women, if prepared correctly.

After a walk of 30 to 40 minutes, as we approach the cascade, we can hear the sound that the waterfall produces. Then, before our eyes, we can observe the 10 metre waterfall that has formed two natural pools at its base where we can have a good bath or, if you like, feel the energy of the falling water.

In general terms, wherever you walk on the plot, it is always possible to find or see something that calls our attention or that is of interest, be it on the trails or near the lodge, like small insects, nocturnal animals, amphibians, orquids, etc.

Coendou bicolor en actividad nocturna	Orquídeas como Maxilaria sp.
Morpho menelaus	Eutexeres condaminii