Amazon River

Amazon River

It was discovered in 1542 by the Spaniard Francisco de Orellana commanded an expedition for the search of the mythical "País de la Canela" (Country of the Cinnamon) in which would be found fabulous treasures, and is most accessible from Iquitos City, and the area includes the Amazon river Tourist Corridor, offering a wide variety of biodiversity in both flora and fauna, with many expeditions available by boat, as a River Cruise, including visits to Nauta where the Marañón and Ucayali rivers meet (a quite breathtaking sight) where Amazon river is born and the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve and, on occasion, the border areas with Colombia and Brazil can also be reached.

The Amazon River - A Natural Wonder of the World

The Amazon river is generally regarded as the longest river (6,992 kilometres) in the world and is by far the largest by waterflow. The most distant source of the Amazon was established in a glacial stream on a snowcapped peak (5,597 m. -18,363 ft.) called Nevado Mismi (Arequipa) in the Peruvian Andes. The Amazon river runs through Peru, Colombia and Brazil.

Loreto's territory consists of lowland rainforest areas and Amazonian plains, with thousands of rivers that flow into the Amazon River. Highlights include the Ucayali, Napo and Marañón rivers, whose banks are the main tourist areas.

Some of these areas have been declared as protected natural areas for its rich biodiversity and protection of native communities.

The Amazon river is so wide that at some points you can see the curvature of the earth like ocean, born with the confluence of the Marañón and Ucayali rivers, in front of Nauta and Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, navigable in its entirety and empties into the Atlantic Ocean.

The Amazon River was declared as one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature.

With over 500 navigable tributaries, an average depth of 50 metres and a width of between 4 and 6 Km. Much of the river does not have a definite course, due to it being formed by a collection of small channels that constitute a network of canals featuring many islands. It is the river with the largest volume in the world, with an enormous hydrographic network that is unique in both size and flow.

It is also possible to visit the Bora, Yahua and Witoto ethnic communities in Pucaurquillo, as well as some rural communities.

In the surrounding area, there are Amazon Jungle Lodges to suit all tastes, from those looking for a comfortable stay (rooms with air conditioning) to those seeking to enjoy an extreme adventure.

These oases in the middle of the jungle are the departure point for walks to see medicinal plants, visit native communities and go on bird-watching expeditions. Tourists also have the opportunity to walk along the canopy walkway or the bridge hanging from the tree canopy, from where one can truly appreciate the beauty of the Amazonian fauna. See Exploring the Jungle

The river cruises on the Amazon River: Sailing on the Amazon River is an incomparable experience and the tour operators in Iquitos offers you organized programs from 4 days to 8 days to the border with Brazil and Colombia and to Pacaya Samiria National Reserve for amazing wildlife.

Amazon River - The Origins


The Amazon River

Aquatic Life of the Amazon River


The Amazon River
  • Amazon River

    Amazon River

    © J. Mazzotti

  • Amazon River

    Amazon River

    © J. Mazzotti

  • Amazon River

    Amazon River

    © J. Mazzotti

  • Amazon River

    Amazon River

    © J. Mazzotti

  • Amazon River

    Amazon River

    © J. Mazzotti

  • Bora Natives

    Native communities in Peruvian Amazon

    © J. Mazzotti