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DAY
ONE: MANAUS • BOAT RIDE ON THE AMAZON RIVER •
CONFLUENCE OF THE NEGRO |
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The city of Manaus sits where the Salimoes and Negro Rivers meet to form the Amazon. It was first settled in the 1600's, but attained its reputation as a mecca of rich European culture during the rubber boom of the late 1800's when the wealthiest colonial families in the area built lavish buildings and imported foods, goods and entertainers from around the world. The Amazon watershed is approximately the size of the United States of America. Every year, seasonal rains pour onto its mountains and forests and ultimately drain into the river. Seasonal water level can fluctuate more than 10 meters, which floods forests surrounding the river. Over time, dolphins, sharks and rays have adapted to the fresh water of the river and they swim with the river's endemic fish in this otherworldly environment amnong the inundated trees of the floodplain. By boat from Manaus, it is possible to reach the confluence of the Negro
and Amazon Rivers. Their meeting place is obvious: the dark, tea-like
water of the Negro River contrasts easily with the cloudy brown water
of the Amazon River. The rivers have different temperatures and pH as
well as color, which makes the place where they meet a fascinating scene
of turbulence and upswelling water.
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Amazonian floodplain. This photo can be found at
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Fish swimming among inundated trees |
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