Visitamos até a Nascente do Rio Amazonas! Chivay, Peru

Summary

The video takes viewers on an extraordinary journey through the Cordillera of the Andes, showcasing the beautiful and remote landscape on the way to the source of the Amazon River. Along the way, the travelers encounter wildlife, including llamas, vicuñas, and condors, while exploring the high-altitude environment. They highlight the contrast between the dry, mountainous terrain and the lush valleys below. Finally, they reach the Amazon River's birthplace, a cold, snowy environment at over 5,000 meters, where they reflect on the significance of the Amazon and the natural beauty of this rare destination.

Takeaways

• 😀 The journey starts in the Cordillera of the Andes, heading to the source of the Amazon River.
• 😀 The team hired a local guide, Marcos, for the trip from Chivay to the source of the Amazon River, a distance of around 90 km.
• 😀 The terrain consists of 45 km of asphalt and 45 km of dirt roads, taking travelers deep into the Andes Mountains.
• 😀 The landscape along the route is described as resembling scenes from 'The Lord of the Rings' with dramatic views and misty weather.
• 😀 The region is rich in wildlife, including llamas, alpacas, and vicuñas, which are common in the Andes.
• 😀 The altitude increases as they travel, reaching nearly 5,000 meters, where vegetation becomes sparser, and wildlife like pumas and eagles can be observed.
• 😀 There are natural lakes and streams in the Andes, some of which are known for having trout, and many birds like ducks and condors can be seen.
• 😀 The guide explains that the water from the Andes flows into two distinct basins: one leading to the Pacific and the other to the Atlantic (Amazon River basin).
• 😀 The final destination is the source of the Amazon River, where the team experiences freezing temperatures, snow, and the unique geography at over 5,000 meters altitude.
• 😀 The trip concludes with a visit to the spot where the Amazon River originates, marked by a commemorative plaque, and the group is captivated by the natural beauty and significance of the location.

Q & A

What is the significance of the location the narrator is traveling to?

The narrator is traveling to the source of the Amazon River, located at over 5000 meters in the Andes. This is a rare and significant location, as few tourists venture there. The Amazon River is one of the world's largest rivers, and this journey offers a unique perspective of its origin.

What is the altitude at which the journey takes place?

The journey takes place at a high altitude, reaching over 5000 meters above sea level. The narrator mentions struggling with low oxygen levels and experiencing difficulty breathing due to the elevation.

What type of wildlife is mentioned during the journey?

The narrator mentions encountering llamas, alpacas, vicuñas, and condors. The wildlife in the area is adapted to the high-altitude environment of the Andes.

How does the landscape change as the narrator ascends the mountains?

As the narrator ascends, the landscape becomes drier and more barren. The vegetation starts to thin out, and the area becomes more desolate, with the mountains showing signs of snow and freezing temperatures.

What environmental challenges does the narrator face during the journey?

The narrator faces environmental challenges like high altitudes with thin air, cold temperatures, and the risk of encountering wildlife such as pumas. These challenges make the journey physically demanding, with the narrator frequently noting a lack of oxygen.

What is the importance of the Amazon River to the narrator and Brazil?

The Amazon River holds significant cultural and environmental importance to the narrator, as they express pride in the river, which is a crucial natural resource for Brazil. The journey to its source allows them to connect more deeply with the river's origins.

How is the water from the source of the Amazon described?

The water from the source of the Amazon is described as crystal clear and cold. The narrator even drinks from the river, experiencing its pure, fresh quality, and notes the presence of ice in the area.

What role does the guide play in the journey?

The guide provides critical information about the region, wildlife, and geography. For example, they explain the presence of pumas and the importance of llamas as prey. The guide also shares details about the division of water basins—one flowing toward the Pacific and the other toward the Atlantic.

What is the significance of the Andes in the journey?

The Andes play a central role in the journey, providing dramatic landscapes and challenging conditions. The source of the Amazon is located in this mountain range, and the journey through the Andes offers insights into the natural beauty and harshness of this environment.

What is the narrator's final impression of the trip to the Amazon's source?

The narrator expresses awe and amazement at reaching the source of the Amazon. Despite the harsh conditions, the experience is described as a rare and beautiful one, with a sense of accomplishment in reaching such a remote and significant location.