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5 cool things Jodi Sta. Maria experienced on her Amazon Rainforest tour
Jodi Sta. Maria just embarked on an unforgettable journey to the Amazon Rainforest, giving fans a glimpse of her breathtaking adventure through one of the world's most diverse natural wonders.
On Instagram, the actress shared moments from her trip, where she explored the lush rainforest, cruised on the mighty Amazon River, and immersed herself in the beauty of nature.
Reflecting on the experience, Jodi said she was overwhelmed with emotion as she stood in the heart of the rainforest.
"Standing in the heart of the Amazon, I couldn't help but feel a mix of awe, wonder, fear, and amazement," she wrote, adding the trip gave her a deeper perspective on life.
"It made me realize that feeling small doesn't mean insignificant. We are part of something far greater than ourselves."
According to the World Wildlife Foundation, the Amazon rainforest is one of Earth's most vital ecosystems, teeming with a dazzling array of wildlife and plants.
Its diverse ecosystem spans across eight countries: Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, and Ecuador, from where Jodi entered the Amazon.
Here are some of the unforgettable experiences she shared from her trip:
1. Saw different wildlife species
Aboard a motorboat, Jodi cruised through the winding waterways of the Amazon and encountered some of the rainforest's fascinating wildlife.
Among the animals she spotted were piranhas, leaf-cutter ants, hoatzins—an unusual bird known for its distinctive appearance and digestive system—pygmy bats, and the vibrant scarlet macaw, one of the Amazon's most iconic parrots.
2. Tried weevil larvae
Jodi also stepped out of her comfort zone by tasting a weevil larva, a traditional source of protein for many Indigenous communities in the Amazon.
The creamy, grub-like insect is often eaten raw or roasted and is considered a local delicacy packed with healthy fats and nutrients.
3. Visited a Kichwa village and drank guayusa tea
The actress immersed herself in the local culture by visiting a Kichwa village in the Ecuadorian Amazon, where she met members of the Indigenous community and learned about their traditions and way of life.
During her visit, she tried guayusa tea, a naturally caffeinated herbal drink made from the leaves of the guayusa tree, a species of holly native to the Amazon rainforest.
The tea has long been consumed by the Kichwa people and its known for its energizing properties and cultural significance.
4. Learned traditional blowgun shooting
Jodi also tested her aim by trying blowgun shooting, a traditional hunting practice used by many Indigenous groups in the Amazon.
A blowgun is a long, hollow tube that propels lightweight darts using nothing but the force of one's breath.
Historically, it has been used to hunt small animals and birds in the dense rainforest.
5. Joined a ceviche cooking class
Adding a culinary experience to her itinerary, Jodi participated in a ceviche cooking class. Ceviche is a popular Latin American dish made with fresh raw fish or seafood cured in citrus juices, typically lime or lemon, and mixed with ingredients such as onions, cilantro, and chili peppers.
Before preparing the dish, she even joined in harvesting fresh ingredients from the surrounding forest, giving her a deeper appreciation of the Amazon's natural bounty and local food traditions.
— LA, GMA News
