Guayusa leaves (Photograph by Caroline Bennett)

Tea Time in the Amazon

ByJeannette Kimmel
January 15, 2015

The next superfood is brewing deep in the Ecuadorian Amazon.

Guayusa tea packs twice the antioxidants of green tea and as much caffeine as a cup of coffee.

Local Kichwa people have long steeped the leaves to help them focus during hunts and help interpret dreams—and now, thanks to Brooklyn-based Runa, thirsty travelers can taste guayusa in its natural habitat and interact with Amazonian natives during a traditional tea ceremony.

Jeannette Kimmel is the editorial business manager for National Geographic Traveler magazine. Connect with her on Twitter @jeannettekimmel.

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