Amazon River, River system in Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, Bolivia, Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname.
The Amazon River is a massive waterway spanning multiple South American countries and carries more water than any other major river in the world. The river is exceptionally wide and deep, flanked by dense rainforest along its banks with countless tributaries feeding into its main channel.
The river was first fully navigated in 1542 by Portuguese explorer Francisco de Orellana, who named it based on his expedition experience. This journey marked the beginning of European knowledge about this immense waterway and its geographic importance.
Indigenous communities along the river use traditional fishing methods and maintain crafts that have been passed down through generations.
The best time to explore is during the dry season between June and December, when rainfall decreases and water levels drop. During this period, boat trips and excursions into the surrounding rainforest become easier to organize and more accessible.
Near Manaus, two rivers meet and flow side by side without mixing because their waters have different temperatures. This rare phenomenon occurs due to the varying current speeds and water densities of the two waterways.
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