Basecamp in the Tropics
By D. Bruce Means
Base Camp in the Tropics is an immersive journey into one of the most biologically rich and awe-inspiring regions on Earth. In this vivid and evocative work, Bruce Means invites readers deep into the steamy rainforests of South America and onward to the legendary tepuis—towering “sky islands” that rise above the jungle and seem almost untouched by time.
Blending adventure, natural history, and personal reflection, the book captures the emotional rhythm of field exploration: the thrill of discovery, the quiet joy of observation, and the inevitable moments of hardship and disappointment that accompany life at the edge of the unknown. Along the way, readers encounter a remarkable cast of newly discovered animals, including numerous amphibians and reptiles found nowhere else on the planet.
More than a chronicle of expeditions, Base Camp in the Tropics reveals a lifelong passion for exploration and understanding. For Bruce Means, this remote world is nothing less than a personal Shangri-La—and readers are invited to experience it for themselves.
The foreword author, Alex Honnold, an Academy Award-winning rock climber (“Free Solo”), writes, “I learned more about nature by trekking through the jungle with Bruce than I have from any other trip that I’ve taken or class I’ve attended. I’m very grateful that he has chosen to share his extensive knowledge and experiences in this book.”
