Of all rivers in the world, the Amazon River is by far the most impressive.  In fact, the amount of water the Amazon River carries out to sea is estimated at 20% of all the freshwater that is discharged into the oceans.  This particular river is one of the longest around the globe, measuring between 3,903 and 4,195 miles long depending on differing reports.  Regardless, both are quite long. 

The Nile River is another impressive river that has been running neck and neck with the Amazon River for the title of the world’s longest river.  The problem is that the two exact lengths are difficult to prove and the resources cannot seem to agree.  Even if the Nile River should win this title, the Amazon River holds another title of “greatest volume of water going out to sea.” 

If you were to measure the Amazon River at her widest point during the dry season, it would come out at 6.8 miles.  However, throughout the year, both the river and tributaries can more than triple.  As an example, when the season is dry, the number would be around almost 68 square miles.  However, during the wet season when the land is covered with water, this number rises to a staggering 217 square miles. 

Keep in mind that the river alone can reach upwards to 25 miles wide during flood season.  Then, at the point where the Amazon River opens at the estuary, the width is more than 202 miles wide, so wide that ocean-going ships can make their way through easily and even navigate inland about 66% of the way up the river.  Another fascinating aspect of this river is that it drains the entire Northern half of the South American continent, which is about 40%, which includes the torrential tropical rains, carrying tremendous volumes of water. 

While we are all mesmerized by this river, it is also famous for a number of other things.  For example, people love to go there to fish for catfish, which are most commonly found in the warm, slow moving waters of the streams and lakes.  Although ugly just like the ones found in the United States, the catfish found in the Amazon River can weigh up to 40 pounds whereas in America, they are around 8 to 10 pounds.  The reason – these fish have massive bodies of water to grow.  In fact, there have been catfish captured in the Amazon  River that have weighed well over 200 pounds. 

Another fish calls the Amazon River home.  This one is called Arapaima or Piraucu, which is the world’s largest freshwater fish.  Many of the Arapaima coming out of the Amazon River have been recorded as weighing up to 450 pounds and measuring 15 feet in length.  You will also find Piranha in this river, known for being able to tear a large animal to shreds in less than an hour.  With razor sharp teeth, they live in pools and attack in pools, making escape difficult if not impossible.  The Amazon River is also home to many interesting creatures that live outside the water.  As an example, there is the Anaconda, the largest snake in the world. 

The Amazon River sits right on the equator, which is why it is so massive.  Going around the earth is a belt line of warm tropical weather with more than 400 inches of rain annually, or three inches daily.  As the land around the river becomes saturated, also known as Amazon River Drainage Basin, it runs off and right into the river, providing it with a new supply of direct rain and the runoff water.  Because of the volume of water received in this part of South America, the Amazon River cannot help but continue to retain its mammoth size and even grow during times of heavy rain. 

To experience the Amazon River on a more personal level, you can take a number of reputable boat tours.  The trained guides can point out wildlife, fish, and even introduce you to some of the local Amazon people.  Just as an example, for around $1,200, you can take an eight day adventure that begins in Iquitos, through Santo Tomas, Nanay River, Amazon River, Napo River, .Sucusari River, to the Amazon Center for Education and Environmental Research, back to the Napo River, Amazon River, and returning to Iquitos.  People who have taken this Amazon River tour will tell you that paddling is challenging but getting to see the unspoiled land is worth every stroke.  The natives are engaging and very hospitable, eager to share stories about their life in this hidden oasis.