where is the amazon river

When you picture the Amazon River, you might imagine a vast, winding waterway deep within a tropical rainforest. And you would be right. But the question of its location has a more fascinating and complex answer than you might think. It’s not just in one country; it’s a colossal natural system that weaves its way across an entire continent, touching many nations and shaping the world’s largest rainforest.

The Countries the Amazon River Calls Home

The Amazon River begins its journey high in the Peruvian Andes and flows east across South America before emptying into the Atlantic Ocean. While it is most famously associated with Brazil, its waters travel through or form the borders of several countries. The river’s primary path flows through Peru, Colombia, and Brazil. However, the massive Amazon Basin—the area of land drained by the river and its tributaries—extends into other nations including Bolivia, Ecuador, Venezuela, and Guyana. This network makes it a truly international treasure.

Finding the Source and the Mouth

Pinpointing the exact start of the Amazon has been a topic of debate among explorers. Most agree its most distant source is the Apacheta Creek in the Andes mountains of Peru. From this icy beginning, it flows for approximately 4,000 miles (6,400 km)—some argue even longer than the Nile—making it a contender for the world’s longest river.

You can find its dramatic end on the northeastern coast of Brazil. Here, the river empties into the Atlantic Ocean in such immense volume that it discolors the sea for hundreds of miles. The point where the freshwater meets the saltwater creates a unique and dynamic ecosystem all its own.

Navigating the River’s Path

For a traveler, the most common way to experience the Amazon River is by visiting a major port city along its banks. Iquitos in Peru, Leticia in Colombia, and Manaus in Brazil are all incredible gateways. Manaus is especially notable as it sits at the meeting of the dark Rio Negro and the pale, sandy-colored Amazon, a stunning natural phenomenon known as the “Meeting of the Waters.”

So, where is the Amazon River? It’s in the heart of South America, a lifeblood for the rainforest and a powerful force that connects nations, cultures, and an unimaginable diversity of life from the mountains to the sea.