The Amazon rainforest is massive. But not all wonders in the Peruvian jungle are larger than life. Atlas Obscura traveler Yazeed Al-Nafjan shares a moment from Expedition Amazon.

When I visited the Amazon, I didn't know what to expect. I longed to embark on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. What surprised me the most is how subtle the jungle was, and that the most exciting parts of it are often too small to notice. I learned to engage my senses during the hikes—to keep my eyes and mind open to the wonders of the Amazon.

One such wonder is as small as a leafcutter ant. These fascinating insects surprised me the most. Observing their organized processes and hierarchical systems reminded me that life extends beyond cities and urban scenes. It also showed me that life has a way of organizing itself. These ants came up with a system to build and defend their colonies while working together. You can spend hours watching these ants and never get bored.

Forming a line, these ants carry leaves 20 times their size. Look closer, and you'll notice smaller ants hanging onto the leaves. I thought they were the ant equivalent of hitchhikers, but I learned that the job of smaller ants is to defend the larger ant from flying insects!

Every time an ant carrying an extra-large leaf falls, accompanying ants stop to help it restore its balance. Talk about a collaborative work environment! It's the perfect illustration of what adaptation means and what life can create when left undisturbed.