About Amazon The legendary Amazon is one of the planet's enigmas. The world's largest river basin, 2.5 million square miles (6.5 million square kilometers), but also the planet's greatest rainforest, the Amazon is a vast open-air greenhouse of global evolution and unsolved mysteries whose true potential remains largely unknown and untapped. It is possible to fly for hours over the Amazon region and see no break in the carpet of greenery except for the sinuous curves of the region's rivers. The region's treasures - minerals, oils, animal skins, precious stones, gold, emeralds and eventually petroleum - have, over centuries, attracted many international explorers to this vast region and its natural resources and raw materials, important to Western civilizations, have been exported in great quantities over the years. Today, the growing awareness of the importance of the rain forest - both locally and globally - and the development of novel approaches to managing tropical forests provide reasons for hope that this incredible region will be maintained as one of the true vast natural paradises of our planet. The most famous among the plants is guaraná. Known for its high caffeine content, the guaraná beverage provides energy and helps to reduce hunger. Ayuasca is another famous plant, which is used in spiritual awakening and ceremonies conducted by the Shaman. A key role in many indigenous cultures is played by the local shaman, or medicine man. The Shamans, or Pajés (as they are known in Indian language), are not only the medicine men of the tribes and villages, but are also sorcerers and spiritual guides. From north to south the rhythms show new colors and steps in accordance the History of each area. The people from this land carry in their blood the taste for lively dancing in the streets, and sensual hot rhythms.
|
