The Unique Boiling River in Peru, Shanay-Timpishka

The unique and very dangerous river Mayantuyacu, also known as Shanay-Timpishka (loosely translated as “warmed by the heat of the sun”), is located in the depths of the tropical forests of the Peruvian Amazon. The maximum width of the river is 25 metres, the depth is 6 metres, and the length is 6.4 kilometres.

Shanay Timpishka

According to legends, the Boiling River is a place of enormous power, inhabited by forceful jungle spirits. And the river originates from the spirit of Yakumama – the spirit of a snake that generates hot and cold water. Indeed, at the river's source is a stone resembling a snake's head. [Photo credit: Sofia Ruzo]

Previously, only the most powerful shamans visited the Boiling River. Many people were afraid of spirits and tried not to approach the river. This fear is understandable, since the average temperature of the water in the river is 86°C, and sometimes it reaches up to 100°C. Naturally, nobody wanted to get into such water. In addition, sometimes people saw animals getting into the river and dying, literally boiling in the water before their eyes. In order for you to understand what at least 50 °C is, we will make the following comparison: the water with which you fill the bath usually does not exceed 40°C. Very hot tea or coffee is approximately 60°C. Well, just in case, we recall that 100 is the boiling point. Since it is very, very hot, do not even try to plunge into such water.

This amazing sight of Peru became known to the whole world only recently, in 2011, when the young geophysicist Andres Ruzo visited it. Be sure to watch the small video at the end of the article. In the video, Andres himself tells about the discovery, and there is a Russian translation. Being still quite young, Andres had heard the legend of the ancient Peruvian Indians from his grandfather. It mentioned the river that can kill all living things.

The most amazing thing is that no one knows why there is such a high temperature in the river. There are no thermal sources nearby, and the nearest active volcano that could heat the water is 645 kilometres away.

Boiling River in Peru

Andres Ruzo grew up and received a diploma in geophysics. Remembering the legend of the boiling river, he decided to go to Amazonia to find her. He was sceptical, suggesting that the story is just an Indian tale. But his aunt, by an incredible coincidence, was familiar not only with the legend but also with the river itself. She volunteered to accompany her nephew on the expedition.

What a surprise for Andres when they really found this river! The legend has come true. In the tropical jungle, there was a real river with boiling water, up to 25 metres wide and up to 6 metres deep. Its total length is about 9 kilometres, but boiling water is not everywhere in it. The beginning of the river is cold; further along, it is a length of 6.24 km. The temperature of the water increases dramatically (recall, sometimes to 100°C). There are areas of different lengths with a high temperature of water. In fact, the temperature varies throughout the river. Here, on the diagram and map, you can see the distribution of water temperature along the river.

In 2016, Andres Ruzo published a book entitled “Boiling River: Adventures and Discoveries in the Amazon.” A young and energetic scientist is concerned about the state of ecology in the vicinity of a boiling river. Uncontrolled deforestation, grazing, and oil extraction adversely affect the ecosystem. Andres urges everyone to maximally promote the preservation of the natural resources of the Amazon and a more profound study of the Boiling River and its influence on the surrounding territory.