The Amazon River and Rainforest
The Amazon River is the largest river in the world by volume of water. It runs through Colombia, Brazil and Peru winding its way through dense tropical rainforests in many areas of the river. The Amazon Basin is the largest in the world and covers 30 to 50 percent of South America and eventually runs into the Atlantic Ocean in huge volumes making up 20 percent of the total volume of freshwater entering the worlds oceans by itself.
The river is home to more than 3,000 specials of fish and they are still being discovered today. Many amazing and dwindling species call the Amazon home including the Amazon River dolphin, piranha, sharks, eels and more. Many tropical species of fish sold today were actually natives to the Amazon River area.
The Amazon Rainforest encompasses much of the Amazon River. Though reduced severely due to logging, farming and encroaching civilization, the area still boasts an amazing claim. It is home to more than a third of all species and is the richest tropical forest in the world.
An Amazon River Vacation
Due to the vast amount of dense vegetation and almost impassable areas along the Amazon River, most people who choose to take an Amazon River vacation choose to do so by some sort of river transportation. The river actually originates in Peru at the Apacheta cliff. This is a volcanic peak in the Andes mountain range. What begins as a glacial stream, flows through the entire east to west path all the way to the Atlantic Ocean.
There are many companies throughout the region willing to take people on a trek of a lifetime through the Amazon River area. Many of these expeditions can be catered to fit you and your party. From individuals to families, clubs, hikers, kayakers and more, this destination vacation is more readily available to the layperson than ever before. They can even focus on a specific area that you are interested in including wildlife viewing, indigenous peoples, waterfalls or even sport fishing.
Preserving, Protecting and Enjoying the Amazon River
The Peruvian portion of the Amazon is mostly intact unlike many areas of the Amazon River Basin.
Eco tourism based on these unspoiled parts of the Amazon will help to preserve and protect the remaining portion of the river for future generations. Although this area is difficult to reach, this is actually what has saved much of the area. Take the vacation of a lifetime to the Peruvian Amazon and create a memory you will never forget on your next destination vacation with Outrigger Vacation Club Plymouth MA.