Amazon rainforest, Tropical rainforest in northern South America
The Amazon rainforest stretches across nine South American countries, forming a vast expanse of dense vegetation with countless rivers and streams. The forest displays multiple layers, from tall tree canopies to shaded undergrowth where vines hang between trunks.
European explorers first traversed the region during the mid-1500s, encountering established settlements along the riverbanks. These encounters fundamentally changed the region, influencing both populations and land use patterns for centuries afterward.
Many areas are home to indigenous communities who continue practicing traditional ways of life, hunting and gathering medicinal plants. Visitors can experience these cultures through guided encounters where locals share their knowledge of the forest and its resources.
Access happens mainly through rivers or aircraft, as few roads reach into the interior, and the rainy season between December and May makes many areas difficult to reach. Local guides are essential for navigating trails and waterways, as the landscape constantly shifts with the seasons.
The forest floor is surprisingly nutrient poor, as most nutrients stay locked in living vegetation rather than in the soil beneath. When plants die, they decompose so quickly through fungi and insects that nutrients get reabsorbed within days.
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