where is the amazon located in south america

When you picture South America, a vast, vibrant sea of green likely comes to mind. That’s the Amazon, a place of almost mythical scale and importance. But its location is more specific than simply “the northern part of the continent.” It’s a sprawling natural wonder that defies simple borders, creating a unique and shared treasure for several nations.

The Countries That Share the Amazon Basin

The Amazon isn’t contained within a single country. Instead, the Amazon River Basin—the massive watershed that feeds the entire rainforest—spans an incredible nine countries. While Brazil holds the lion’s share, roughly 60% of the forest, the Amazon also stretches into Peru, Colombia, Bolivia, Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, and Ecuador. This interconnectedness means the health of the Amazon in one nation directly affects its neighbors and the entire planet.

Navigating the Heart of the Rainforest

The most common way to experience the Amazon is by visiting one of the gateway cities located right on the river itself. In Brazil, the city of Manaus is a major hub, situated at the confluence of the dark Rio Negro and the sandy-colored Amazon River. Iquitos in Peru is another key access point, famously one of the largest cities in the world that cannot be reached by road. From these cities, visitors can embark on riverboat journeys to lodges deep within the jungle, offering a chance to see the forest’s incredible biodiversity up close.

Why Its Precise Location Matters

Knowing where the Amazon is located helps us appreciate its role as a global climate regulator. Often called the “lungs of the planet,” this vast forest absorbs enormous amounts of carbon dioxide. Its location along the equator means it receives consistent sunlight year-round, fueling the growth that drives this process. The river system itself, the largest in the world by volume, influences weather patterns and provides fresh water on a continental scale. Protecting this specific region of South America is crucial for maintaining global ecological balance.

So, the Amazon is found in the north-central part of South America, a transcontinental masterpiece of nature. Its location across multiple countries highlights a shared responsibility to preserve this irreplaceable ecosystem for generations to come.