In England the 5th of November is celebrated to commemorate the day Guy Fawks attempted to blow up parliament. But at Taricaya we celebrate the day for two other reasons, firstly the celebration of the day we release our baby Taricaya turtles back into the wild.

During a day of heavy rain we took 992 Turtles back to the beach where we collected them (Playa Alta) where the Turtles made their way down the bank to the river and off to freedom!

Three of the Turtles making the short trek down the river bank to the wild river!

November 5th is also Taricaya’s (The lodge not turtles this time) Anniversary! This year we celebrated six years, which made me think about what we have achieved in this time.

- Over the course of the last 6 years we have received approximately 600 volunteers.
- Created around 40km of trails (Which need to be maintained every few months)
- Built 20 buildings, including 7 platforms – including the highest canopy walkway in South America.
- Identified 56 species of mammals, 359 species of birds, 42 species of amphibian, 54 species of reptile and 110 species of butterfly.
- Released 130 animals back into the wild and rescued and released 2028 Taricaya turtles in three years.

We are now working with seven farmers and communities developing projects that we have tested in the farm. We have also made the new farm self-sustaining and increased profits from 0 soles to an average of 834 soles per month.

Pretty amazing work, I am sure you all hope, just like us, that the next six year will be just as amazing!

Our Taricaya Birthday cake in the shape of a turtle, which was absolutely AMAZING!! Thank you Maria!

- Richard Munday