Where Does the Amazon River Start and End?

The Amazon River is one of the most important rivers in the world, and it has been an integral part of life in the Amazon rainforest for centuries. It is the second-longest river in the world, and it runs through Brazil, Peru, Colombia, and several other countries. The Amazon also has the largest drainage basin in the world, covering an area of approximately 7 million square kilometers.

Where does it start and end? The Amazon River starts at a spring near the city of Arequipa in Peru and is fed by many tributaries on its journey to its end point at Marajo Bay on the northern coast of Brazil.

As it flows across South America, its path changes drastically. It meanders through remote areas of Brazil, passing through rainforest regions and winding along some of South America’s most iconic landmarks before reaching its final destination.

The Source
The start of the longest river in South America is located in Peru’s Andes Mountains at an elevation of 5,597 feet above sea level. From there it begins to flow eastward until it reaches Iquitos, Peru where it takes a sharp turn southward before snaking its way across Peru, Ecuador, Colombia and Venezuela before eventually entering Brazil to meet the Atlantic Ocean. Along its path are numerous tributaries that add water to its already massive volume which is estimated to be over 209 million cubic meters per second!

The Journey
As it flows through these countries, it passes through some of South America’s most diverse ecosystems and landscapes including grasslands, tropical forests and wetlands as well as areas inhabited by indigenous people who have lived off this river for thousands of years. As a result of this great diversity, scores of species have developed adaptations to survive in these unique conditions.

The End
After over 4 thousand miles (6 thousand kilometers) navigating rapids, falls and diverse ecosystems the mighty Amazon River reaches its end point when it enters Marajo Bay on Brazil’s northern coast where it then empties into the Atlantic Ocean with a massive volume estimated at 209 million cubic meters per second!

Conclusion: The Amazon River is one of the most important rivers in the world – starting high up in Peru’s Andes Mountains before snaking across South America until finally reaching Marajo Bay on Brazil’s northern coast where it empties into the Atlantic Ocean with a massive volume estimated at 209 million cubic meters per second!