Mapacho is Nicotiana Rustica in its most traditional form: hand-rolled leaves from the Amazon, prepared according to methods passed down through generations. No additives, no chemical treatment. We carry four varieties — each with its own character, origin and intensity. From the mild Mói out of Brazil's Reserva Extrativista to the powerful Arapiraca from Alagoas, and from the compact Sabiá to the large Peruvian ceremonial roll.
Nicotiana Rustica is a fundamentally different plant from the Nicotiana Tabacum found in cigarettes. The leaves are smaller, thicker and contain a much higher concentration of active compounds. In the Amazon, Mapacho is regarded as one of the most important plant medicines — on par with ayahuasca and rapé in ceremonial traditions. Shamans, curandeiros and tabaqueros have worked with this plant for centuries for energetic cleansing, spiritual protection and deepening intention.
All Mapacho rolls in our range are hand-rolled using traditional methods. The leaves are harvested at the right moment, fermented and twisted into firm rolls — the so-called corda style. This artisanal process is mastered by local communities in Peru and Brazil who pass the knowledge down from generation to generation. No pesticides, no artificial additives.
Mapacho also plays a central role as a base ingredient for rapé — the ceremonial powder used by Amazonian tribes. Many tribes prefer specific Mapacho varieties for their rapé recipes. Arapiraca, for instance, is widely exported to the Amazon region precisely because of the potent qualities it adds to rapé blends.
Mói — The mildest variety. From Brazil's Reserva Extrativista. Suited for those new to Mapacho or who prefer a gentler character. Available in 500 g and 1000 g.
Sabiá — Medium strength, named after the Brazilian song thrush. Traditionally fermented and rolled in compact corda style. Available in convenient 100 g rolls.
Arapiraca — The most powerful Brazilian variety. Named after the city of Arapiraca in Alagoas. Intense and favored by experienced ceremony leaders. Available from 100 g to 1000 g.
Peru Mapacho — Large ceremonial roll from the Peruvian Amazon. Firm, supple and prepared following an ancient Peruvian recipe. Full roll of 800–900 g.
Note: Mapacho is a powerful ceremonial product. It is intended solely for ceremonial use and is not suitable for consumption or recreational use.
Mapacho is the ceremonial name for Nicotiana Rustica, a wild tobacco species from the Amazon region. It differs fundamentally from Nicotiana Tabacum (the plant in cigarettes): the leaves are smaller and thicker, the concentration of active compounds is many times higher, and no chemical additives are used. In the Amazon, Mapacho is considered a sacred plant — not a smoking product but a plant medicine for ceremonial and spiritual use.
Mói Mapacho is the mildest variety in our range and most suitable for starting out. This type grows in Brazil's Reserva Extrativista and is known for its gentle character. Sabiá is a good middle ground in terms of intensity. Experienced users and ceremony leaders often choose Arapiraca (the most powerful) or the large Peruvian ceremonial roll.
Mapacho forms the base of most rapé blends made by Amazonian tribes. The Nicotiana Rustica is combined with tree ashes and other plant ingredients into a fine powder. Different tribes have their own recipes and select specific Mapacho varieties for their rapé. Arapiraca is widely used for its potent properties, while milder varieties like Mói produce a gentler rapé. Learn more in our complete rapé guide.
In Amazonian traditions, Mapacho is used ceremonially in several ways. Shamans use the smoke for energetic cleansing — similar to burning sage. In sopladas, the shaman blows the smoke over someone for energetic purification. Mapacho is also lit as an offering to the spirit world, or used to strengthen intentions during ayahuasca and rapé ceremonies. Specialized tabaqueros (Mapacho shamans) have devoted themselves entirely to working with this plant.
Good Mapacho is firmly but flexibly rolled — not brittle or dried out. The scent is strong and earthy, without chemical off-notes. The outer leaves are intact and the roll feels compact. Vacuum-sealed rolls maintain freshness longest. After opening, store Mapacho in paper at room temperature — not in plastic, as that promotes mold. Read more about recognizing authentic quality in our article on plant medicines from the Amazon.
