Tapajos National Forest- 1 of 2

With an estimated 16,000 tree species and 390 billion trees, we were overwhelmed with the interesting ones pointed out and what they are used for including homes (walls and roofs), insect relent, and many medicinal purposes for wounds and diseases. In particular we stopped at a Samaúma, is one of the largest in the world, reaching 150 ‘ high and 300 years old. One of the more interesting ones was the Tabiba and its termites that when rubbed on your body (yes, they are alive and you smash them on your body) act as a strong natural insect repellant. We also saw the Sanaluma tree that produces sandalwood. We spent some time with the nut trees that produces the healthy Brazilian nuts and learned how difficult it is to extract without the help of the forest animals (agoutis). We did try the nuts and enjoyed them, a secret to Brazilian healthy long lives. We also learned about the Caraparanantuba and the tea and healing attributes. Overall, it was incredible listening to a guide that was taught to live off the land. We could not have made it through and would not have had an idea what we were seeing without him and his machete!

Santarem (in the State of Para, according to our guide will soon be its own State due to its growth and economic status) is a river port with a quarter million inhabitants located where the Tapajos and Amazon Rivers meet. It has been a trading center since 1661. The Meeting of the Waters, the blue warm Rio Tapajos flow next to the cold muddy brown Amazon. Many live on the shores of this port or in house boats and others just use these waters to transport goods to neighboring towns. Many others live in forest.

A highlight of our tour was when our guide explained and demonstrated the extraction of latex from rubber trees (one person by hand can extract 500 millimeter per day of latex), where most of the wealth of this area came from. In the 1920s Henry Ford established Fordtown to produce rubber and invested $20 million dollars here to get the perfect latex (there are 70 species but only one provides long lasting latex). This did not last since it was poorly executed and managed, and many workers died of malaria. Today, most of the economy is based on soy plantations.

The trek through the jungle was a little challenging but very interesting as we walked and heard the many sounds of the jungle birds and animals (jaguars are prevalent). We stopped to observe a tarantula and other creatures that did not look familiar,. We stayed away from the deadly red ants that were everywhere and found many mosquitos and bugs of all sizes. See 2 videos.Read more