A Journey Through the Scents of the Amazon
- The Scent of the Amazon Rainforest
The Amazon Rainforest carries a dense and humid scent, where water plants and the aroma of various trees merge into a thick, ever-present background fragrance. The moisture in the air intensifies this natural perfume, creating an enveloping sensory experience. To capture this, I recorded the background scent of a nearby lodge using a scent camera testing kit, sealing it in a capsule filled with zeolite – preserving a piece of the rainforest’s aromatic essence.
2. The Jungle’s Aroma
Walking deeper into the jungle, the scent of trees and wildlife blends seamlessly into the surroundings. It becomes a quiet companion, subtly enriching the experience of exploring the dense, untamed wilderness.
3. The Smell of Manaus Square
Stepping into Manaus Square, the contrast is stark. The sharp mix of urine, biomass, and urban grime overpowers the senses, replacing the freshness of the jungle with the reality of city life.
4. The Fragrance of an Indigenous Dance Performance
During an Indigenous dance performance, a special aged tree was burned using a special liquid, releasing a deep, resinous aroma into the air. This rich, smoky scent heightened the atmosphere, making the performance feel even more immersive and memorable.
5. The Soft Sweetness of Cupuaçu
The cupuaçu fruit surprises with its fragrance – delicate and sweet, it captivates the senses more than its actual taste, leaving an impression of softness and warmth. I recorded its scent using a scent camera testing kit, sealing it in a zeolite capsule, but the quality remains unknown, as the fruit’s smell changes depending on its intensity – sometimes faint and subtle, other times rich and overwhelming.
6. The Intensified Jungle Scents of an Ayahuasca Ritual
In an ayahuasca ritual, the sense of smell becomes heightened. The surrounding jungle scents grow more intense, making every tree, leaf, and breath of air feel more alive and present.
7. The Merging Aromas of an Amazon River Journey
Sailing down the Amazon, two dominant scents intertwine – the muddy river, rich with water plants, and the human presence aboard the ferry. This mix of natural and lived-in aromas forms the backdrop for the long journey through the heart of the rainforest.
