Marañón

Marañón is a major river in western Peru that forms part of the headwaters of the Amazon River. It originates in the Andean highlands and flows generally westward across the Andean foothills before entering the Amazon Basin. The river joins the Ucayali River near the town of Nauta, and together the Ucayali and Marañón are commonly considered to constitute the headwaters of the Amazon.

Geography and significance of its basin

The Marañón drains a large basin that encompasses parts of the Andean foothills and the eastern slopes of the Andes. Along its course the river traverses rugged landscapes and broad valleys, shaping landscapes and serving as a crucial corridor for ecosystems and human communities. The Marañón Valley is one of the better-known agricultural and cultural regions in northern Peru and has historically connected highland and lowland Peru.

Ecology and human use

The Marañón River basin hosts a variety of ecosystems that reflect both Andean and Amazonian influences, supporting diverse flora and fauna. The river provides water for irrigation, supports local fisheries, and facilitates transportation and trade for communities along its banks. The area also contains archaeological and cultural sites that highlight the long settlement and exchange networks in the region.

Notes

Marañón is the name of the river and is associated with the surrounding valley and regions in Peru; the river’s course and its confluence with the Ucayali are central to the broader Amazon River system.