A variety of monkey species live here, including capuchin, squirrel monkeys, and larger howler monkeys (pictured, center). We often hear them, but it's harder to see them. They stay high in the trees, moving quickly and avoiding danger. They have reason to be cautious. They're on the menu for various jungle predators, large birds and native people. Smaller monkeys like capuchin tend to travel in groups, but they move so fast that we usually just see a glimpse of their silhouette at the tree tops (pictured, bottom-right).
We paddle around the lake, seeing a family of giant otters, cormorants (a fishing bird), turtles and more. Something that looks like a snake sticks straight up out of the water for a moment, then disappears. Our guide asks us what we think it is -- and we all say 'snake'. But it's actually a 'snake-bird', that spends much of it's time underwater fishing; sticking it's skinny neck and head up once in a while to breathe. He keeps popping up in different parts of the lake, but is so fast and unpredictable it's impossible to get a photo.
After several hours exploring, it's time to head back to our lodge to cool off and relax (it's hot on the lake).
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