Hidden deep in a remote area of Peru’s central jungle, you’ll find an incredible natural wonder which is still not fully understood by scientists. The boiling river in Peru was once thought to be merely legend, and only a handful of local people had visited it or were even aware of its existence. Nowadays, its existence has been verified and scientists are currently studying the boiling river in Peru to learn more about the source of its intense heat. Read on to learn more about this incredible and interesting natural wonder.
A Scientist’s Quest
Geoscientist Andrés Ruzo had grown up hearing stories of the boiling river in Peru from his grandfather, who had grown up nearby. Ruzo’s scientific training made him skeptical about the possibility of such a thing, but nevertheless he set out looking for answers. After consulting other members of his family, he was able to pinpoint the location of the boiling river in Peru, and took a trip into the jungle to try to see it for himself. What he discovered was something straight out of legend: a real river of boiling water, a place so hot that any unfortunate animal which falls in is instantly cooked alive.
As it turns out, the boiling river in Peru has long been considered a sacred place by the native Asháninka people who live in the area. When Ruzo arrived, there was already a local shaman who lived at the site and used it as a base for conducting healing ceremonies. The river had not, however, been studied at all by scientists up to this point. Ruzo worked on establishing good relationships with the local people of the area, who allowed him to begin scientific studies of the river which are still ongoing.
Andrés Ruzo eventually recounted his search for the mysterious boiling river in a TED Talk and later as the book The Boiling River: Adventure and Discovery in the Amazon. These have brought more widespread awareness of the boiling river, but the site still remains somewhat rarely-visited due to its remoteness. Keep reading to learn more.
Shanay-Timpishka River
The traditional name for this river is Shanay-Timpishka, which translates literally as “boiled with the heat of the sun” in the Asháninka Language. The temperature of the water has been measured at just below 100°C–not enough to actually boil but certainly hot enough to kill any creature that ventures in. Further downstream, as Shanay-Timpishka combines with other, colder streams, the water becomes a much more reasonable temperature and it’s actually possible to climb in and enjoy a bath. Just make sure you’re extremely careful, as you can severely injure yourself if you enter at a point where the water is still too hot.
Unfortunately, much of this part of the central jungle in Peru has suffered from intense deforestation due to logging and other resource extraction. While the part of the forest directly surrounding the river is relatively pristine (and, in fact, deforestation nearby has probably driven even more wildlife into what forest remains), the sanctity of this unique ecosystem is still very much at risk. The hope is that, with scientists and local citizens working together to protect the site, the rainforest surrounding this incredible natural wonder will remain intact for future generations to enjoy.
Mayantuyacu Healing Center
According to local people, the boiling river has always been considered a place of great power and spiritual significance. It is said that in the past, the people were afraid to enter the area for fear of evil spirits and man-eating jaguars. Only the most powerful shamans would dare to enter. Nowadays, the boiling river is home to a small handful of spiritual healing centers, the oldest and most famous of which is called Mayantuyacu (“the water and the air”).
Maestro Juan Flores, the shaman of Mayantuyacu, is a member of the Asháninka tribe and descends from a long line of traditional healers. Many visitors every year make the journey deep into the forest to Mayantuyacu to learn about ancient healing techniques. These practices including drinking the potent hallucinogenic tea known as ayahuasca, as well as taking tobacco and other plant medicines. More information about this (including retreat schedules) can be found at Mayantuyacu’s website.
How to Visit the Boiling River in Peru
The boiling river in Peru is located in the extreme east of the Huánuco Region, near its border with the Ucayali Region. Shanay-Timpishka, as the river is known locally, is a small tributary of the Pachitea River. The Pachitea is itself a tributary of the massive Ucayali River, one of the Amazon River’s primary sources. Boats traveling to the boiling river’s trailhead usually leave from the small frontier town of Honoria, which is about 3 hours by car from Pucallpa, the closest major city.
Those wishing to visit the boiling river in Peru should do so with a knowledgeable guide, since the area is quite remote and inaccessible. Tours and hikes to the area will usually leave from the city of Pucallpa. If you wish to take part in a traditional healing ceremony at Mayantuyacu or another retreat center, make sure to arrange this ahead of time as spots are limited and often book up much in advance.
However you choose to visit the boiling river in Peru, this magical place is sure to fill you with awe at mother nature and her incredible mysteries.
Header Image: Modified from El Comercio
