The Amazon Forest is the largest Rain Forest in the world

From its source in Iquito, Peru, to its mouth in Marajó Island, Brazil, all comments about the Amazon River and the Amazon Forest have to be made using superlatives. Biggest, largest, longest are very common words regarding them. The magnificence of the rivers and trees, the incredible diversity of nature, the simplicity and hospitality of the people, compound a unique scenario where you can have contact and learn about the last frontier of untouched life.
Just to give an idea of the size of this giant, take a look at these numbers: ­

The Amazon Forest is the largest Rain Forest in the world and its area is over 6,5 million Km2. About 80% of this area is located in Brazil. ­ The Amazon is the second longest river in the world (after the Nile), stretching 4,000 miles (6,400 kilometers). ­ But it’s the largest when it comes to volume. The Amazon contains 20% of the Earth’s fresh water. ­ Its volume is equal to 11 times the volume of Mississipi River. In just one day the Amazon River pours into the ocean the same volume that the River Thames does in one year!!! ­ In average the Amazon River is between 6 and 10 km wide. During the wet season the river rises more than 9m (30 feet) and the river becomes even wider. ­During one year, the average rain precipitation is over 3m (9 feet). Impressed by the size of this giant??? The numbers regarding its biologic richness are even bigger… What distinguishes the Amazon from other tropical rain forests is the sheer number of plant and animal species that make their home here. Biologically, it is the richest and most diverse region in the world. ­The Amazon Forest contains about 20% of all higher plant species, roughly the same proportion of bird species, around 10% of the world’s mammals and countless varieties of reptiles. ­Just one type of tree may support more than 400 insect species. The total number is unknown and probably it will always be. ­In all rivers of the Amazon Region, you should find around 2,000 species of fish -10 times the number found in European rivers. If the numbers are superlatives, Amazon beauties are even more. And the adjectives change too: wonderful, incredible, astonishing!!!

The Amazon Region provides innumerous wonderful views and feelings. The green from the jungle reflecting in the dark waters of the Rio Negro combined with the blue sky can be considered a masterpiece of God. Images like the flight of a group of macaws or the smooth swimming of the pink dolphin will be saved in your memory forever. Be sure! The beauty of the Water Meeting, where the creamy waters of the Solimões River meet the dark waters of the Rio Negro, keeping separated for miles, is a spectacle of nature. Taking a shower at warm waters of the Hole Stone Waterfall, located in the middle of the Amazon Rain Forest is an explosion of sensations: the humid air inside the jungle, the sounds of birds and monkeys, the smell of the wood and leafs.

The Amazon talks by itself. We invite you to come with us and visit this wonder of nature. It is a trip you’ll never forget.

Courtesy Biosferabrasil

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