Bodies of Water of Peru

The Ucayali River flows through the heart of the Peruvian Amazon, winding its way through dense rainforests and remote communities. As one of the primary headwaters of the Amazon River, the Ucayali plays a critical role in South America's ecosystems, shaping the landscapes and providing a lifeline for wildlife and people alike. From its highland origins to its convergence with the Marañón River, where the Amazon River is officially born, the Ucayali River supports unique biodiversity, Indigenous cultures, and ongoing economic activity.

The Urubamba River, known as Willkamayu ("Sacred River") to the Incas, flows from its glacial origins in the Cordillera Vilcanota to its confluence with the Tambo River in Peru's Amazon Basin. This vital waterway traverses multiple ecological zones, supporting a diverse array of ecosystems. The river's cultural significance extends beyond its role as the Sacred Valley's agricultural lifeline—it remains central to Quechua spiritual practices and serves as the transportation corridor that enabled Inca imperial expansion while continuing to sustain Indigenous communities.