The Amazon River rises in snowy peaks and becomes the source of life in the largest tropical forest on the planet. With more than 2,000 species of fish, it is the communication channel for millions of jungle residents. Luxurious cruise ships navigate its waters and show the wonders of the amazing Pacaya Samiria National Reserve.
Iquitos is the starting point to explore these waters that will take you to the very heart of the jungle.
The Amazon River is born in the Apacheta ravine, on the slopes of the Nevado Quehuisha, in Arequipa (Peru) from where the Apacheta stream flows and finally empties into the Atlantic Ocean.
Apacheta Creek is a glacial spring that comes from thawing permafrost. As it advances, the Apacheta stream will experience a series of temperature changes, receiving water from the Cacansa river, and later, from the Sillanque river.
Quality of the Waters of the Apacheta creek
The properties of this water are described as pure and very good, where the locals take advantage of its water for domestic use, irrigation of pastures and energy use. However, there has been a glacial retreat, by which the snows are located at a higher height, reaching an average of 4 meters per year.
Discovery of the Source of the Amazon River
Until the discovery of the source of the Amazon River, there were several approaches such as the Mismi and Quehuisha mountains, in the province of Caylloma or the Minasplata and Cutiti mountains, among others.
In 1996, the Amazon Source expedition had the objective of traveling through the snow-covered sectors of Caylloma to determine where the Amazon River originates. Finally, in his scientific report, the Apacheta creek is identified as the origin of the Amazon River.
Did you Know?
The Amazon River isconsidered the longest and mightiest in the world, rises in the snowy peaks of the province of Caylloma, in the department of Arequipa and crosses extensive tropical forests in a route of approximately 7,062 km. It has more than 500 tributary rivers that are navigable, with an average depth of 50 m and a width that varies between 4 and 6 km. A large part of its route does not have a defined course, but is formed by a set of small channels that constitute a network of channels with numerous islands.
It is more accessible from the city of Iquitos and in the area is the Amazon River Tourist Corridor, which offers a great biodiversity of flora and fauna and where various cruise expeditions are carried out, including visits to the source of the Amazon River and the Reserve. National Pacaya Samiria. It is also possible to visit the ethnic communities of Boras and Yahuas settlers, as well as other peasant communities.
In the vicinity of the river it is possible to find tourist hostels for all tastes, both for those seeking a comfortable stay and for those willing to enjoy an extreme adventure.