DiscoverGoNOMAD Travel PodcastLiving with the Matses: An Authentic Amazon Experience
Living with the Matses: An Authentic Amazon Experience

Living with the Matses: An Authentic Amazon Experience

Update: 2025-09-16
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Today, we embark on a journey to the heart of the Peruvian Amazon, focusing on the elusive Matses people, a tribe that stands apart from the more commonly visited Boras and Yaguas.

Unlike those tribes, the Matses do not showcase staged performances; instead, they live a life deeply rooted in tradition, residing in a maloca—a communal longhouse devoid of modern amenities. We delve into their unique fishing methods, particularly their use of the barbasco plant to stun fish, bringing them to the surface for easy catch.

This episode, guided by Hector Vezarian of Amazon Explorers, highlights the importance of experiencing authentic indigenous culture, where visitors can engage with the Matses' daily lives, traditional crafts, and ancient knowledge of jungle medicine. As we explore this remarkable way of life, we underscore the urgency of witnessing and preserving their culture before it fades away, making this not merely a trip, but a vital opportunity to connect with a world that is increasingly at risk of disappearing.

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Check out the new Smart Travel Podcast.

This week's show is supported by the new Smart Travel Podcast. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Check out Smart Travel at the Link below:

Smart Travel Podcast

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Living with the Matses: An Authentic Amazon Experience

Living with the Matses: An Authentic Amazon Experience