The Amazon River is one of the natural wonders of the planet, familiar to everyone from school. In terms of fame, this river can compete with the Egyptian Nile and the Indian Ganges. The unique ecosystem of the longest water artery on earth (more than 7 thousand km from the source of the Apachete) attracts thrill-seekers, exotics, South American flora and fauna, and just ordinary tourists who want to expand the boundaries of their travels.
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Flowing into the Atlantic Ocean, the Amazon River forms the largest delta in the world. The largest river island of Marajo, located just in the delta, the giant water lily Victoria regia, huge palm trees, the largest freshwater fish on the planet and the river dolphin are included in the list of Amazonian “rarities”.
It is believed that the Spanish conquistador Francisco de Orellana discovered the Amazon in the 16th century. Initially, the conqueror of the New World wanted to give the river his name, but eventually changed his mind. The name of the river is due to the mysterious tribe of female warriors who attacked Orellana's detachment. The real existence of the Amazons is currently being questioned. In their role could well be men with long hair.
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Sources and tributaries
The main question that arises in the debate about Parana Tingo or the “Queen of the Rivers”, as the locals call the Amazon River, is whether its waters are the longest on the planet, and, if so, where is the source of the river located. 15 years ago, in the mid 90s. In the 20th century, an international expedition, having gone to the Peruvian mountains, was able to give an exact answer, which is currently the official version included in geography textbooks.
The source of the Amazon River is the Apachete stream, which, having gone a long enough way, merging with other streams and rivers, turns into Apurimac, and then through Ucayali - into the Amazon. It is noteworthy that the Ucayali River is located in Peru, as well as the Marañon River, which for a long time was considered as the main source.
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Before the expedition to the Andes, which put an end to the disputes about the Amazon River, the first place among the longest rivers of the planet was occupied by the Nile, but stubborn South American explorers were able to prove that the Amazon is longer. The difference is literally a few hundred meters.
The number of tributaries that make the Queen of Rivers the most full-flowing on the planet is huge. Over five hundred rivers and rivulets flow into the Amazon. 9 are considered the largest, among them about 20 - more than 1.5 thousand km long. An interesting effect is associated with one of the tributaries: at the confluence of the Rio Negro, not far from the Brazilian city Manaus, Amazon bicolor. Part of the water is white, part is dark. The light shade is due to the fact that the Amazon carries a large amount of silt.
Before the confluence with the Rio Negro, the Amazon River bears a completely different name - Solimões (this is the name of the river in Brazil) or Rio de Janeiro Marañon (the Peruvian name).
Amazon Hotels
The main means of accommodation on the Amazon are lodges, and the lodges are very diverse in terms of service and quality of services - from modest 3 * to chic 5 *.
Flora and fauna of the Amazon River
The navigable Amazon River is a habitat for so many animals. The species diversity of freshwater fish is up to one third of the total on the entire earth. The most famous among river dwellers are the giant arapaima, the maximum known weight of 200 kg, length up to 3 m, and piranhas dangerous to people, from 13 cm to 40 cm long. circumstances can cause harm to a person. Generally speaking, the local nature is extremely dangerous for bipeds, and stories about bloodthirsty caimans are not fiction, but harsh truth, although, as the natives testify, in order to get into their teeth, you must at least get out of the big water and go deep into rain forests.
One of the main tourist attractions for travelers to the Amazon is piranha fishing for raw meat. Day and night canoe trips are also popular, during which you can get acquainted with the animal and plant world.
Almost the entire Amazon basin is framed by the jungle, covering the territory of nine South American states - Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Bolivia, Ecuador, Venezuela, etc. The abundance of vegetation, in addition to the river itself, is responsible for the rains, which are huge here.
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Amazon cities
Most of the river flows through Brazil. The largest Brazilian port is Manaus, which is also the capital of the state of Amozanas. It is good to come here in order to see the natives, the jungle, watch how the Rio Negro flows into the Amazon and feel like a pioneer.
In Peru, the largest city on the Amazon is Iquitos, a city in the middle of the selva, connected to civilization only by air and water transport. Houses on stilts, an Indian village, high humidity can be a real test for a city dweller accustomed to comfort.
Amazon State
What to see: tropical forests, national parks and the unique landscapes of the Amazon. In the capital of the state, the city of Manaus, you should definitely visit the floating markets and see a unique natural phenomenon - the confluence of two rivers, whose waters do not mix with each other, forming bizarre ribbons of various shades. You can also go on a cruise on the "queen of the rivers" - the Amazon, to see with your own eyes the amazing wildlife and jungle-shrouded shores, familiar only from books and photographs. In addition, it is worth spending a couple of days in the "heart of Brazil" - Rio de Janeiro, in the city of carnivals and football.
The most interesting places in the country: Amazonia, Brasilia, Rio de Janeiro, Salvador, Sao Paulo.