The Amazon River is the second-longest river in the world. Running through the Amazon Rainforest in South America, it is more than 4,000 miles long and home to many different animals and plants. The Amazon River has over 1,100 tributaries, rivers or streams that are connected to a larger river or lake.

The Amazon River is the ultimate "nature superstar" of South America! It is the largest river in the world by the amount of water it carries—it holds more water than the next seven largest rivers combined! It flows through the massive Amazon Rainforest, which is so big it is often called the "Lungs of the Planet." One of the coolest facts for kids is that the Amazon is home to Pink River Dolphins, which look like something out of a fairy tale! You will also find piranhas with sharp teeth and the giant green anaconda, one of the world's biggest snakes. The river is so wide in some places that you can't even see the other side, making it look like a giant brown ocean moving through the jungle. There are no bridges across the entire length of the Amazon River, so people have to use boats to get everywhere. It’s a giant, winding highway for millions of fish, birds, and animals, and it’s a vital part of keeping our Earth healthy and green.