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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Ten percent of the world’s known species live in the Amazon
However, their habitats are being threatened by deforestation and climate change.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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?
Andre Robles
Is an expert in everything South America, his passion for the region and exploring off the beaten path makes his travel writing both useful and interesting. He has written for several mainstream publications and you can read his guides on Ecuador, Peru, the Galapagos Islands and the Amazon. Andre is also an accomplished photographer and has been recognized as one of the best wildlife photographers in the region, his photos have been featured in National Geographic and other journals. As a travel agent Andre specializes in curating unique experiences, crafting tailor made itineraries and helping visitors make the best of their vacation, always putting the experience first
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