Peruvian Grey Copal

Dacryodes peruviana · Peru

Peruvian Grey Copal is a natural aromatic tree resin from the Amazonian regions of Peru. Known as Copal Gris, this resin comes from Dacryodes peruviana, a tree belonging to the Burseraceae family.

Copal has a long relationship with the peoples and forests of South America. Across the Amazon, aromatic tree resins have been valued for their fragrance and practical uses. They have also formed part of traditional rituals, ceremonies and practices involving aromatic smoke.

From the Peruvian Amazon

Dacryodes peruviana grows in humid tropical forests across parts of Peru, Colombia, Ecuador and Venezuela. The tree produces a fragrant resin that hardens into natural drops and pieces.

The resin has a distinctive grey to pale appearance. Each piece can vary in colour, shape, size and texture. This natural variation is part of what makes working with raw tree resin different from manufactured incense.

When heated over charcoal, Peruvian Grey Copal releases a soft and aromatic smoke. Its fragrance has an earthy, woody and resinous character, with a lighter quality than some darker copal varieties.

Traditional use

People have used aromatic resins from the Burseraceae family throughout South America for generations. Their smoke can accompany ceremonies, prayer, meditation and other intentional practices.

Copal has also been valued as a natural aromatic material. In Amazonian regions, resin from Dacryodes species has been used for fragrance, practical purposes and as fuel for fire.

Today, copal remains a valued botanical material for people who work with natural incense and traditional plant offerings.

At Casa Mapacho, we encourage you to approach this resin with respect for its origin. Rather than treating copal simply as another type of incense, take a moment to connect with the natural material and the forest from which it comes.

How to burn Peruvian Grey Copal

You only need a small amount of resin.

First, light a natural charcoal disc using suitable tongs. Place the charcoal inside a heat-resistant incense burner. A layer of sand can help protect the burner from excess heat.

Once the charcoal becomes hot and develops a light layer of ash, place a small piece of Grey Copal on top.

The resin will begin to warm and release its aromatic smoke. Add small pieces gradually as needed. Start with a little, as natural copal can produce a strong fragrance when heated.

You can use the smoke to prepare a space before meditation or ceremony. It can also accompany prayer, reflection or other personal practices.

Always burn copal in a well-ventilated area. Keep the burner away from curtains, paper and other flammable materials. Keep burning charcoal away from children and animals, and never leave it unattended.

A natural Amazonian resin

Peruvian Grey Copal offers a direct connection to the aromatic resins produced by Amazonian trees.

The resin comes from a living botanical tradition rather than a manufactured fragrance. Its natural form, changing texture and distinctive aroma reflect the tree from which it comes.

At Casa Mapacho, we choose natural botanical offerings that invite a deeper relationship with plants, place and tradition.

We offer this Peruvian Grey Copal for those who want to explore natural incense, ceremonial materials and the rich aromatic traditions of South America.

Product details

Botanical name: Dacryodes peruviana
Common name: Peruvian Grey Copal / Copal Gris
Origin: Peru
Region: Peruvian Amazon
Plant family: Burseraceae
Product: Natural aromatic tree resin
Aroma: Earthy, woody, fresh and resinous
Traditional uses: Incense, aromatic smoke, ceremony, prayer and sacred spaces
Available weights: 20g, 50g and 100g

For aromatic and incense use only. Do not ingest.

Use responsibly and ensure adequate ventilation when burning.