One of the main tourist attractions in the Amazon, the meeting of the waters is a natural phenomenon that fascinates with its grandeur and occurs in several locations throughout the region. Check out 3 places where the meeting of the waters happens in the Amazon:
Rio Negro and Rio Solimões - Manaus (AM)
The most famous meeting of the waters occurs in Manaus, where the dark waters of the Rio Negro contrast with the muddy, lighter waters of the Rio Solimões. This spectacle can be seen through boat or speedboat tours. The phenomenon is caused by differences in pH, temperature, and water speed. The Rio Negro appears dark due to the presence of humus, and its waters are acidic, warm, and slow. In contrast, the Solimões has brownish waters, is warm, and flows faster.
Rio Tapajós and Amazonas - Santarém (PA)
In front of the city of Santarém, in Pará, the meeting of the Tapajós and Amazonas rivers takes place. Differences in temperature, density, and sediment content cause the rivers to flow side by side without mixing for a long stretch. The site is recognized as an intangible cultural heritage of Pará and showcases the meeting of the blue-green waters of the Tapajós with the muddy waters of the Amazonas, which can be viewed from the city’s riverbank or on boat tours.
Lago Tefé and Rio Solimões - Tefé (AM)
One of the main attractions in the city of Tefé, the confluence of Lago Tefé with the Rio Solimões is a stunning natural spectacle. Visitors can take a small boat tour to experience it up close. The river's high productivity allows for the observation of animals like the Amazon river dolphin and the tucuxi.