Bodies of Water of Ecuador

The Amazon River system is Earth's most powerful aquatic network, draining over 1,100 tributaries into a river that empties into the Atlantic. This flow accounts for 15-20% of global freshwater entering oceans, making it vital for ocean circulation and climate. It serves as a highway for life and a driver of weather patterns, transporting nutrients and generating moisture that affects regions from Argentina to North America. From the Peruvian mountains to the Atlantic, this immense waterway shapes landscapes, sustains ecosystems, and connects diverse environments across thousands of kilometers.

Flowing through the dense rainforests of South America, the Putumayo River—known as the Içá River in Brazil—is a lifeline for the Amazon basin. Stretching across Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Brazil, this transboundary river is a vital ecological, cultural, and economic resource for the region. Its diverse ecosystems, rich cultural heritage, and pivotal role in local and international trade make it a key feature of South America's natural landscape.