Spirit of the Rainforest: How Indigenous Wisdom and Scientific Curiosity Reconnects Us to the Natural World

A competing title to the bestselling BRAIDING SWEETGRASS - a fascinating insight into the Amazon rainforest from scientist and peruivan-born explorer Dr Rosa Espinoza.

"An emotional personal journey that makes you feel like you're living this connection with the Amazon alongside Dr Rosa. The way she describes everything hits every sense and builds an internal excitement if not slight trepidation to make this trip with her. I love the way the scientific explanations begin each chapter and allow a deeper understanding of how the amazon is deeply part of who we are." Isabella Blake-Thomas (Actress, Bee: wild ambassador)

"In The Spirit of the Rainforest, Indigenous wisdom and scientific curiosity come together to show us how to reconnect with the natural world in holistic, meaningful ways." - Dr. Jessica Hernandez

"a remarkable storyteller, which she showcases in her phenomenal debut filled with traditional wisdom, scientific explorations and transformational connections." - MS magazine

"The Spirit of the Rainforest sweeps you into an unforgettable journey where an explorer's insatiable curiosity becomes a bridge between Indigenous wisdom and scientific discovery. With luminous storytelling, it reveals how even the rainforest's tiniest creatures can hold the keys to understanding and protecting our living planet. It's a pulse-quickening ride that will leave you awed by nature's brilliance and hungry to protect it." - Ariel Waldman

Before you step into the jungle, there are a few things you need to know...

Join scientist Dr Rosa Vasquez Espinoza as she uncovers one of the most unexplored regions on the planet.

Dr Rosa is no stranger to the Amazon. Growing up with the rainforest as her back garden, she learnt the lessons of the rainforest from her grandmother, a native healer in natural medicine. She went on to pursue a classical education in science, gaining a PhD in the US, but has always been pulled back to the heart of the Amazon. As a leading biologist in her field, Rosa continues to explore the region through a unique blend of scientific inquiry and ancient insight.

In this debut, you'll learn about Dr Rosa's journeys in the Amazon: her treacherous encounters with a boiling river, her conservation work with stingless bees, her experience of taking ayahuasca as a natural psychedelic - and all the amazing biodiversity of the rainforest.

At the heart of Rosa's expedition is her passion to combine science with the indigenous knowledge of the Amazon. She shares her experience of learning from the indigenous communities that she visits, and shows what they have to teach us - stretching beyond the realm scientific knowledge. Here Rosa learns the most important lessons in how to reconnect to the natural world - and, in turn, will teach us to do the same.

In this book, Rosa celebrates the richness of Amazonian culture, the wonders of biodiversity, and the enduring spiritual connections between humanity and the natural world.

Author: Rosa Vasquez Espinoza
Publisher: Gaia
Published: 07/29/2025
Pages: 336
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 1.15lbs
Size: 9.30h x 6.20w x 1.30d
ISBN: 9781856755566

About the Author
Dr. Rosa Vásquez Espinoza is a Peruvian and Amazonian scientist, conservationist, TV presenter, award-winning artist, and National Geographic Explorer. Dr. Rosa is the founder and executive director of Amazon Research International (ARI), a foundation in Peru dedicated to advancing conservation and knowledge of Amazonian biodiversity and culture. In 2023, Rosa was named Ashaninka International Ambassador to further amplify the voices of Amazonian communities and expand conservation efforts. In 2025 she was awarded the Order of Merit for Women, the highest national honors given in Peru. She was also named one of the BBC's 100 women for her conservation work.

Her expertise and storytelling have illuminated global platforms, from National Geographic & Walt Disney campaigns on sustainability to bilingual space content with NASA & HITN-TV, and TV host for the Science Channel's "Secrets in the Jungle". She was also featured in the "Extreme Climate Explorers" documentary, a 2025 BBC World Service production now available on iPlayer. Her work has also been featured in The New York Times, CBS News, BBC, Forbes, NPR, Science Friday, National Geographic Magazine, Caretas, El Comercio, Marie Claire, ABC Studios, RPP, and more.

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