Boiling Mayantuyacu River: the enigma of the Amazon

Posted On: 20 March 2023 #TierrasVivas 638

Traveling allows you to discover unimaginable places that provide unforgettable experiences. In Peru there are incredible destinations that seem to come from another world. One of them is Mayantuyacu, an impressive boiling river that surprises with its beauty and the steam that comes from its waters.

Among the lush vegetation of the Peruvian Amazon lies one of the most amazing mysteries of nature. It is the Mayantuyacu Boiling River, a place whose waters exceed 90 degrees Celsius. The uncertain origin of its temperature and its healing power make this place a great tourist attraction in the region. If you want to know the secrets of this enigmatic destination, you cannot miss this article in which we tell you everything you need to know to visit it.

The steam that emanates from the river, the uncertain origin of its high temperature and the healing power of its waters have turned it into a new tourist center, but in what part of Peru is this natural stream located? Coming up next, we tell you.

Where is the boiling Mayantuyacu River located?

The boiling Mayantuyacu River, known by locals as Shanay Timpishka, is located in the Honoria district, in the Amazon jungle of the Huánuco region, a few kilometers from the Ucayali region. Although the average temperature of its waters is 80 °C to 89 °C, there are certain points where it can reach up to 100 °C.

The area in which this natural tributary is located is known to be a sacred territory, since various indigenous communities inhabit it. In addition to being protected by the tropical forest of the jungle, this stream of hot waters has an Ashaninka medicine center.

Discover the hot waters of the Mayantuyacu River

Deep in the Amazon jungle is an enigmatic hot water river that reaches temperatures of up to 89 degrees Celsius. It is said that there are areas where the temperature is so high that it is impossible to get close to this point.

Mayantuyacu is located in the district of Honoria in the department of Huánuco, in the Amazon jungle. The particularity of this magical river calls hundreds of tourists who come to discover the high temperatures of the tributary and see how the intense steam reaches surprising heights.

The area in which this natural sauna is located is known to be a sacred territory, since various indigenous communities inhabit it. In addition, it is recognized for having an Ashaninka medicine center, administered by some members of this reservation. This medicine has ayahuasca sessions, a practice carried out by shamans of the Amazon jungle to which different health benefits are attributed. This, thanks to the medicinal power of plants.

Likewise, within this territory several stories are woven about the origin of the temperature of the river. According to the locals, the hot water that Mayantuyacu produces is the product of a giant snake called Yacumama (Mother of the waters). This animal is represented by a large rock that is located at the head of this tributary.

Where does the boiling water of the Mayantuyacu River come from?

The tourist attraction of the Mayantuyacu River is knowing the origin of its high temperatures. For geologist Andrés Ruzo, a National Geographic scholarship holder, the heat from this natural sauna comes from a hydrothermal system that comes from Andean glaciers and filters through the ground.

“Based on my research, (the boiling water) appears to be the result of a large hydrothermal system. The waters may originate from glaciers in the Andes, then seep into the earth and emerge as the boiling river after heating up in the geothermal gradient,” the expert told a conference for TEC Global.

But like all mysteries, the boiling river of Mayantuyacu also has its own mythological story that explains its origin. According to the inhabitants of the area, who attribute numerous healing powers to the river, this water was created by a huge serpent called Yacumama (mother of the waters), an animal that is represented by a large rock on one of the river's limits. . Be that as it may, the origin of these hot waters is still not known with certainty and experts on the subject continue to study this unique river.

Scientific discoveries of the Mayantuyacu River

Mayantuyacu is a mysterious river 25 meters wide and 6 meters deep in which its waters reach high temperatures. But, one of its biggest enigmas is not its hot waters, but their origin, since they are not located near a volcano. For this reason, it has been the subject of investigations by geologists and scientists.

One of the most important is the geologist Andrés Ruzo, a National Geographic scholarship holder, who is credited with important research. Likewise, he is recognized for having been the person who showed the world the existence of this natural wonder.

The true causes of this phenomenon are not exact. However, there is a theory that shows the possible origin of this boiling river. According to research, everything indicates that this is due to a hydrothermal system of water from the glaciers of the Andes that seeps into the interior of the earth, in which the temperature begins to rise gradually until it reaches the boiling point.

What to do in the Mayantuyacu River and its surroundings?

Within the Peruvian Amazon jungle you can do various activities to rest and discover the beauty of this territory. One of the traditional plans is to go trekking to get to know the flora and fauna that inhabits the area, and feel the benefits of fresh air and exercise. The tour lasts approximately 45 minutes and ends at the boiling river.

The second place to visit is, of course, the Mayantuyacu River. At this point the most important thing is to observe the steam emanating from its waters, in the surroundings of Shanay Timpishka there are various activities to spend a very entertaining day. The experience is really wonderful and unforgettable, because being in a place with these characteristics is a privilege.

You will start by walking along the banks of the boiling river, where, along its six kilometers long, you will be able to notice the changes in temperature and, on some occasions, you will even need to separate yourself from the river because the heat is quite extreme.

Luckily, some areas of Shanay Timpishka have a lower temperature and become the perfect place to take a relaxing bath in its thermal waters and enjoy all the benefits that it will provide to your body. Also, on the way you will find a spring and a waterfall, both with hot water.

Likewise, within this site there are other attractions such as a hot water waterfall and its spring. In addition, there are several thermal pools where you can enjoy a hot water bath and its steam.

To complete your experience, what could be better than knowing how the communities in the area coexist with the famous boiling river? In Mayantuyacu you will find an Asháninka medicine center and you will be able to enjoy various ceremonial and healing rituals through which you will feel a great connection with nature.

In addition, around the boiling river there are different shamans who can accompany you in an ayahuasca session, a typical plant from the Amazon that, according to master healers, helps you connect with yourself and provides you with infinite health benefits.

How to get to the boiling river Shanay Timpishka?

Like any other adventure in the Peruvian jungle, to get to the boiling river you will have to take different means of transportation. To begin with, your starting point should be the city of Pucallpa, located in eastern Peru, in the heart of the Amazon. For those tourists who are in Lima, to get to Pucallpa you will only have to take a plane: in just over an hour you will land in this city.

Once here, we recommend you spend a night in Pucallpa to start the excursion to the boiling river very early in the morning. The next day, he tries to leave early for Honoria. From the Pucallpa bus terminal you will find vans that leave for this district from four in the morning. The price is around 15 soles (4.5 dollars) and the journey lasts more or less two hours.

When you are in Honoria, walk to the port, where you will have to take a boat that can fit up to eight people and that costs 20 soles (6 dollars) among all the passengers. Although the journey over the Pachitea River is short (only 15 minutes), it is always relaxing and a great experience to travel the waters of the Amazon jungle and be able to observe its spectacular landscapes.

After the boat ride and to get to Mayantuyacu, you will have to hike for about an hour which, although not complicated, becomes a bit uncomfortable due to the constant heat of the jungle. Once in Mayantuyacu, you will have to fill out a form and pay the entrance fee, which costs 20 soles (6 dollars) and entitles you to spend the whole day in and around the boiling river.

#TheFact

Mayantuyacu is known by locals in the area as 'Shanay-timpishka', which translates as 'Boiled with the heat of the sun'.
The river water temperature is between 50 and 100 degrees Celsius.
The boiling river flows into the Pachitea river.
In Mayantuyacu you can find delicious dishes with river fish.
This place is also visited to fight diseases, since healing powers are attributed to its waters and the knowledge of the shamans.
Another very good place to stay is Sachamama Lodge & Expeditions.

What should you take to the boiling river?

For those who have never visited the jungle, it is difficult to pack a suitcase for such an unknown destination, so here we leave you some recommendations of what yes or yes you have to go in your backpack to explore the boiling river Shanay Timpishka.

Waterproof trekking shoes: the jungle is unpredictable and since you are going to hike through it, it is important that you bring good waterproof trekking shoes, in case it rains or the ground is very muddy.
Sunscreen: The sun can be very extreme in the Amazon and, since you will be walking outdoors, it is always advisable to bring sunscreen.
Mosquito repellent: some areas of the jungle are full of mosquitoes that will not stop following you, so you can anticipate their bites with a good repellent.
Food and water: although there is a store in the center of Mayantuyacu, it is recommended that you bring your own food and water in case you get hungry or thirsty on the way. The temperatures are so high that you will surely need something to drink.
Clothing: although it is hot, to avoid mosquito bites it is always advisable to wear thin but long clothing. Also, don't forget your bathing suit, so you can relax in the hot springs of the boiling river.

Best Tours in Peru

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