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Vārzea vs Terra firme people



In the Amazon there are usually distinct organizational and cultural distinctions between Amerindians living in different forest types. Below is generalized chart contrasting people living in nutrient rich vārzea forests with those living in relatively unproductive terra firme forests.

  Terra Firme Vārzea
Village Size small (<100) large (>300)
Village duration short term indefinite
Social Organization chief, sometimes complex council
Proximity to large rivers no by definition, yes
Trade with other tribes some important


Suggested reading
  • The Lost Amazon: The Photographic Journey Of Richard Evans Schultes by Andrew Weil, Chris Murray, and Wade Davis
  • Light at the Edge of the World: A Journey Through the Realm of Vanishing Cultures by Wade Davis
  • Last Place on Earth by Mike Fay and Michael Nichols
  • One River: Explorations and Discoveries in the Amazon Rain Forest by Wade Davis by Wade Davis





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