Comments on: Clean Water

By: Steve Beyer

Steve Beyer — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 15:45:00 +0000

You are absolutely right, and thank you for bringing this up. In fact, there are a number of different vines in the Amazon that store water. My guess is that the one you drank from was in the genus Doliocarpus — often called pucahuasca, or red vine — which yields a cool sweet water. I agree that it is most likely a good idea to purify the water. If you cut a vine and get bitter water, you probably should not drink it at all.

Of course, there are eighty gazillion vines in the Amazon, and you have to know how to recognize the right one. :-)

Your camping trip sounds wonderful.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 15:04:00 +0000

Hi Steve,
I remember camping along the Yanayacu river in northern Peru, and being shown by a local how to source water from certain lianas. I was imagining it would yield perhaps a few tablespoons’ full – just enough for emergency rehydration. But a metre-long section of select vine actually holds an incredible amount of liquid. And it’s filtred, too. Probably one ought still to boil / purfify the water, to kill any nasties, but I never did, and experienced no ill effects.
I look forward to your coming posts on jungle survival.
Best,
Leon.

By: Steve Beyer

Steve Beyer — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 10:55:00 +0000

Thank you for your very kind words. As you know, the Amazon is becoming increasingly popular as a tourist destination, as people seek out indigenous ceremonies and new experiences. I hope to post several more jungle survival tips over the next few weeks, so that newcomers can perhaps be a little better prepared for emergency situations.

It is always a pleasure to hear from you.

By: D Dubs

D Dubs — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 02:47:00 +0000

EXCELLENT post! I am going to spread this information along. I don’t go camping much, and I’ve never been in a jungle, but I know plenty of people that could use this guide. Thank you.