Top ten Amazon Peru facts

Boasting a wealth of plant and animal life, a completely unique biosphere and one of the most stunning landscapes in the world, it’s no wonder that the Amazon Peru is one of the most fascinating regions on earth.

But do you really know just how extraordinary it is? Here are the top ten Amazon Peru facts to help you find out.

1. The Amazon River starts in Peru

Though it runs for over 4,000 miles across the South American continent, the Amazon River actually rises in Peru. The exact location is disputed though most experts agree that it springs from a peak named Nevado Mismi, high up in the Peruvian Andes.

2. The Amazon River has the largest water flow

Though the Amazon may be the second longest river in the world (only the Nile is longer) it contains more water than the next seven longest rivers combined, discharging around 6,591 cubic kilometers of water per year into the Atlantic Ocean.

3. The Amazon covers over half of the country

The Amazon Peru covers around 60% of the country’s surface, yet only 5% of Peruvians live in the Amazon area.

4. Ten percent of the world’s known species live in the Amazon

However, their habitats are being threatened by deforestation and climate change.

5. Iquitos is the biggest city in the jungle

With a population of around 422,000, Iquitos is the largest city in the Peruvian Amazon, making it the ideal starting point for Amazon jungle expeditions.

6. Around 80% of our food originates from the rainforest

Around 80% of the food we eat today originated in the rainforest including coffee, chocolate and potatoes.

7. 137 species a day are being made extinct

Due to deforestation about 137 plant, animal and insect species are becoming extinct everyday in the Amazon. That’s about 50,000 per year.

8. Almost 25% of our medicines originate in the rainforest

A staggering one in four of our Western medicines have ingredients that originate in the Amazon Rainforest. And around 70% of the cancer fighting plants discovered by scientists can be found only in the Amazon.

9. It’s home to almost 40,000 plant species

The Amazon Rainforest is home to a whopping 40,000 plant species. Although the number could be a lot higher as many are still undiscovered.

10. It could be gone in 40 years

If the rate of deforestation continues, the Amazon will be gone in just 40 years.

The Amazon Peru is truly one of the most unique places on earth, so why not

book your visit now and make this year’s summer holiday one to remember?