Cerveza del Cielo

We emerged from the jungle into the late afternoon light, air made hazy by the woodsmoke hanging on the humidity. The birds were beginning to stir as the day cooled slightly. Our first view of Manco Capac upon our return was from across the village soccer field.

Next to the sidewalk that divided the village down the center two small boys worked at shelling some beans on a tarp on the ground.

Young boys in Manco Capac shelling beans.

The villagers were nearly all sitting out on the front stoops of their houses. They sneaked curious glances at us as we passed--the kids being less shy about staring. A friendly "¡Buenas tardes!" spoken to the villagers always garnered a happy "¡Buenas!" in return.

Families were on the front stoops trying to catch the first bit of cool the evening had to offer.

After our long walks on two consecutive days, sitting down in the shade to drink a cold one felt like some kind of salvation. The bar owner smiled at me when I told him "¡Muchas gracias, señor! Este es una cerveza del cielo!" Thank you sir. This is a beer from heaven!

"¡Otra vez mas, por favor!"

Hooded tanager, a bird that could be on every yard list in Manco Capac.

This parakeet loved this little boy. They kissed each other. He brought it out very shyly to show the bird watchers that he loved birds, too.

The children in the village giggled and gasped as they looked through our spotting scopes and binoculars.

I wish Phoebe and Liam could have met these sweet kids in Manco.

Just before reboarding the skiffs for El Delfin, Chris Harbard and I took a picture with our guides from Manco Capac.

The skiffs were waiting for us down below.

As we headed back to our big boat and all its comforts, the macaws played in the failing light.

It was the end of another amazing day.