Boiling river – the secrets of a hot spring in the Amazon

Does every legend contain a grain of truth? Scientist Andrés Ruzo decided to find out. In 2011, he embarked on a journey that led him to an extraordinary phenomenon, which he had previously only heard about from local inhabitants’ stories. He discovered the Shanay-Timpishka river, also known as the boiling river, flowing through the Peruvian Amazon in the Mayantuyacu region.

Geothermal processes

As geologists explain, the high temperatures in the waters of the Shanay-Timpishka river are caused by underground hot springs. This process begins with heavy rainfall—water seeps through porous sedimentary rocks and penetrates deep into the Earth, where it is heated by the planet’s internal warmth. Then, under pressure, it rises back to the surface, creating not only hot springs but also an unnatural phenomenon like a boiling river.

There are many geothermal pathways on our planet, forming an underground network of hot water streams. They can escape through the Earth’s crust via fumaroles—vents through which hot air, steam, or water is released. This is a spectacular phenomenon, but it also has consequences for the surrounding ecosystem.

Boiling River of the Amazon – How does temperature affect the environment?

In the waters of the boiling river, there are no fish or other typical Amazonian river organisms. The temperature, which reaches nearly 100°C, makes life in it impossible. Animals that venture too close to the shore or accidentally fall into the water die almost instantly. Their bodies bear the marks of high temperatures—white, clouded eyes or burned skin, a sight that could send chills down anyone’s spine.

Nevertheless, some organisms have found a way to survive in this unusual place. Near the boiling river, microorganisms and plant species have adapted to life in the extreme conditions of Shanay-Timpishka’s hot waters. Even in such a harsh environment, nature finds a way to persist. Although the ecosystem has developed uniquely, the river’s high temperature has an irreversible impact on the flora and fauna of the area.

A place of worship and significant discoveries

Santuario Huistin and Mayantuyacu are local communities for whom the Shanay-Timpishka river is a sacred site. According to the beliefs of nearby residents, it is connected to nature spirits, and its waters are said to have mystical properties. For centuries, people in the region have treated the river with reverence, believing that its energy can both heal the seriously ill and punish those who do not believe in its power.

Regardless of its spiritual significance, Shanay-Timpishka is an invaluable object of scientific research. It is the only known natural geothermal source of this scale in the world that flows through the jungle without being connected to an active volcano. This phenomenon allows for a better understanding of the processes occurring within the Earth. Thanks to the research conducted in this area, scientists are gaining incredibly valuable insights into ecosystems, which may help predict the effects of climate change in the Amazon region.

main photo: ANIMAL TUBE, CC BY 3.0 / commons.wikimedia.org