My name is Antonio Cruz Pérez. I am one of the #ChildrenOfTheJungle. I was born and raised in this region, but when I was 20 years old I had the opportunity to live in California in the United States. At that time, I was faced with the choice of giving up my heritage in exchange for a modern way of life. But my identity with my culture and the close-knit relationship I had with this place—and there’s none other like it in the world—made me return. My ancestors were among the first people to live in this region. They taught me to love this place that is more than just Earth’s “lungs.” It pulsates with life at every breath….

I have been sharing the jungle’s secrets in my authentic style for more than 40 years. I am the founder and owner of the tour company Amazon Jungle Trips and of the Zacambu Rainforest Lodge (Javari River) and Tupana Arü Ü (Amazon River) reserves. My priority has always been to meet the expectations of each of our guests and to help them fulfil their dreams of a genuine Amazon experience. As one of the #ChildrenOfTheJungle, I instruct local populations in environmental conservation and employ them in our ecotourism programs.