reporter: the rainforest of northern peru.rare species of crabs and fish are at home in this remote region. butterflies, insects, and monkeys, too. many endangered plants and animals thrive in this biotope. jose cruz llatas takes tourists on boat tours of this massive protected habitat. he's been doing it for one and a half years. it's an additional source of income. he's also a coffee grower. but he has a newfound love and respect for the rainforest. jose cruz llatas: if we don't protect the rainforest and destroy it, the rains will wash away more and more soil every day and the air will become polluted. people want to cut down the trees and plant coffee. since the highway was built, more people have moved here from the coast and the mountains. of course they need something to eat and a source of income. reporter: the highway connects this remote area with the coast. it's an 18-hour drive from here to the capital, lima. the road is a lifeline for the locals, bringing jobs to the impoverished region. but it has also spawned mi