Amazon River: Surprising facts about the biggest river in South America

The Amazon River is not only the primary waterway of South America but the most imposing river system on the planet. Its magnitude is such that it carries more water than the Nile, Yangtze, and Mississippi rivers combined.

This vast hydrographic basin irrigates a colossal region, providing a lifeline for thousands of living species, many of which remain unclassified by science.

Amazon River in America

Characteristics and Location of the Basin

The immense Amazon Basin (Amazonia) constitutes the most extensive plain in Latin America, covering an area of approximately 7 million square kilometers. To put its scale into perspective, it is nearly twice the size of the Congo River basin, Earth’s other great equatorial drainage system.

At its widest point, the basin extends roughly 2,780 km from north to south. Its territory encompasses most of Brazil and Peru, along with significant portions of Colombia, Ecuador, and Bolivia, and a small area of Venezuela. Notably, approximately two-thirds of the main channel and the majority of its basin lie within Brazilian territory.

Climate: Hot, rainy, and cold spells

The climate in the Amazon region is defined by being warm, rainy, and extremely humid. Due to its location on the equator, the length of day and night is practically identical throughout the year. Nights are usually clear, allowing for the radiation of heat accumulated during the day.

Climate Curiosity: In this region, the temperature difference between day and night is more pronounced than the variation between the warmest and coldest months. For this reason, it is popularly said that "night is the winter of the Amazon."

The "Friagem" Phenomenon: During the Southern Hemisphere's winter, polar air masses can move northward, causing sudden temperature drops that can reach as low as 14°C.

Amazon river path

What is the best time to visit the Amazon?

For better travel planning and to enjoy walkable paths, the ideal time is the dry season, from April to September. During these months, lower river levels make forest hikes easier and the sunny weather in the Andes allows you to clearly see Machu Picchu.

If you plan to visit in June, you will be at the peak of the tourist season. For this reason, we recommend booking the Inti Raymi Tour for June 24, 2026, in advance and adding the Palcoyo Mountain Tour to your itinerary. It's an amazing, less crowded alternative to the classic Rainbow Mountain tour.

Biodiversity and Adventure

The Amazon river system supports a complex ecosystem that represents the largest known biodiversity reserve in the world. In the Peruvian Amazon, the river becomes the fundamental communication route to access the most remote areas. A journey through its waters allows travelers to witness:

Fauna: Sightings of pink dolphins, jaguars, giant otters, anacondas, and an incalculable diversity of birds and insects.
Flora: An infinite botanical wealth that includes giant trees and a natural pharmacy of medicinal plants.

Navigating the Amazon is not just an adventure expedition; it is a unique opportunity to witness the untameable power of nature and understand its vital role as a regulator of the global climate.

Amazon tours in Peru

Facts about the Amazon River

The Amazon is the world's largest tropical forest. Spanning over 5.5 million square kilometers, it is so vast that the United Kingdom and Ireland could fit inside it 17 times!
The Amazon River runs through the northern part of the jungle. At approximately 6,400 kilometers long, it is the second longest river in the world. The Nile River is the longest, stretching for more than 6,650 km.
In 2007, Martin Strel swam the length of the Amazon River. To complete his journey, he moved through the water for up to ten hours a day for 66 days.
Around 400 to 500 indigenous Amerindian tribes call the Amazon rainforest home. It is believed that about fifty of these tribes have never had contact with the outside world.
The Amazon has an incredibly rich ecosystem. There are approximately 40,000 plant species, 1,300 bird species, 3,000 fish species, 430 mammal species, and 2.5 million insect species.
The Amazon jungle is home to many fascinating—and deadly— These include electric eels, meat-eating piranhas, poison dart frogs, jaguars, and poisonous snakes.

Hiking tours in the Amazon

There are many routes that pass through the Amazon, but none are like the Inca Trail Tours, the most famous pedestrian path in the Americas. After flying from Lima, Peru's capital, you will arrive in Cusco. For four days, you will walk along a path through forests and dense fog, passing by millenary stone steps, and discovering the ruins of ancient fortifications and Inca cities. The entire time, you will enjoy majestic views.