Boiling Marantuyacu River: the enigma of the Peruvian Amazon

Among the lush vegetation of the Peruvian Amazon lies one of the most surprising mysteries of nature. This is the Boiling Mayantuyacu River, a place whose waters exceed 90 degrees Celsius. The uncertain origin of its temperature and its healing power make this place a great tourist attraction in the region. If you want to know the secrets of this enigmatic destination, you cannot miss this article in which we tell you everything you need to know to visit it.

The Shanay Timpishka Boiling River, a place of tremendous spiritual power, is about 6.4 kilometers long and is considered the longest and hottest river in the world. The water temperature ranges between 50 and 100 degrees Celsius. It is a confluent of the Pachitea River in the Huánuco region, Honoria.

In Quechua, Shanay Timpishka means “boiled by the sun.” However, to this day, it is unclear what causes water to boil.

The Ashanika called this river “Mayantuyacu” and it was a land with medicinal plants and the sacred river.

Shamans came here for their rituals and to communicate with spirits.

Where is the boiling river of Mayantuyacu located?

The boiling Mayantuyacu River, named by locals as Shanay Timpishka, is located in the Honoria district, Huánuco department. Mayantucayu is a center for the study of medicinal plants in which science is mixed with traditions to explore all the benefits of the flora that grows here.

Although this place is visited mainly to see the boiling Shanay Timpishka River, Mayantuyacu actually has many more attractions. Here you can explore and analyze a large number of plants. The diversity is so great that, according to experts, this forest has more than 70 species per square meter.

Where does the water of this boiling river come from?

Here lies the great mystery of the Shanay Timpishka River. Although it would be normal for this hot water to come from a nearby volcano, the reality is that in this case that is not the case. The geologists who study the area, among whom Andrés Rizo mainly stands out, have a theory: the boiling river water comes from Andean glaciers and enters deep areas of the earth, where it reaches this temperature.

But like all mysteries, the boiling river of Mayantuyacu also has its own mythological story that explains its origin. According to the inhabitants of the area, who attribute numerous healing powers to the river, this water was created by a huge snake called Yacumama (mother of waters), an animal that is represented by a large rock at one of the limits of the river. . Be that as it may, the origin of these hot waters is still not known with certainty and experts on the subject continue to study this unique river.

What to do in and around the boiling river?

Although the main tourist attraction of this area of the Peruvian Amazon is getting to know the boiling river and being able to see the steam emanating from its waters, in the surroundings of Shanay Timpishka there are various activities to spend a very entertaining day.

You will begin by walking along the banks of the boiling river, where, along its six kilometers long, you will be able to notice the changes in temperature and, on some occasions, you will even need to separate yourself from the river because the heat is quite extreme.

Luckily, some areas of the Shanay Timpishka have a lower temperature and become the perfect place to take a relaxing bath in its hot springs and enjoy all the benefits they will provide to your body. Also, along the way you will find a spring and a waterfall, both with hot water.

To complete your experience, what better than knowing how the communities in the area coexist with the famous boiling river? In Mayantuyacu you will find an Asháninka medicine center and you can enjoy various ceremonial and healing rituals through which you will feel a great connection with nature.

Furthermore, around the boiling river there are different shamans who can accompany you in a session of ayahuasca, a typical plant from the Amazon that, according to master healers, helps you connect with yourself and provides you with infinite health benefits.

How to get to the boiling river Shanay Timpishka?

Like any other adventure in the Peruvian jungle, to get to the boiling river you will have to take different means of transportation. To begin, your starting point should be the city of Pucallpa, located in the east of Peru, in the middle of the Amazon. For those tourists who are in Lima, to get to Pucallpa you will only have to take a plane: in just over an hour you will land in this city.

Once here, we recommend spending a night in Pucallpa to begin the excursion to the boiling river early in the morning. The next day, try to leave early for Honoria. From the Pucallpa bus terminal you will find vans that, starting at four in the morning, have departures to this district. The price is around 15 soles (4.5 dollars) and the journey lasts more or less two hours.

When you are in Honoria, walk to the port, where you will have to take a boat that can fit up to eight people and costs 20 soles ($6) for all passengers. Although the journey over the Pachitea River is short (only 15 minutes), it is always relaxing and a great experience to travel through the waters of the Amazon jungle and be able to observe its spectacular landscapes.

After the boat ride and to get to Mayantuyacu, you will have to walk for about an hour which, although not complicated, becomes a little uncomfortable due to the constant heat of the jungle. Once in Mayantuyacu, you will have to fill out a form and pay the entrance fee, which costs 20 soles (6 dollars) and gives you the right to spend the entire day in the boiling river and its surroundings.

Although you can get here on your own, at Denomades we offer a tour to the boiling Mayantuyacu River, with all the amenities included: we pick you up at the door of your hotel in Pucallpa and take you to this tourist attraction by bus and boat hand in hand. from one of our guides.

What should you take to the boiling river?

For those who have never visited the jungle, it is difficult to pack a suitcase for such an unknown destination, so here we leave you some recommendations of what should or should go in your backpack to explore the boiling Shanay Timpishka River.

Waterproof trekking shoes: the jungle is unpredictable and since you are going to hike through it, it is important that you wear good waterproof trekking shoes, in case it rains or the ground is very muddy.

Sunscreen: The sun can be very extreme in the Amazon and, since you will be walking outdoors, it is always advisable to bring sunscreen.

Mosquito repellent: some areas of the jungle are full of mosquitoes that will not stop following you, so you can prevent their bites with a good repellent.

Food and water: although there is a store in the center of Mayantuyacu, it is recommended that you bring your own food and water in case you get hungry or thirsty along the way. The temperatures are so high that you will surely need something to drink.

Clothing: although it is hot, to avoid mosquito bites it is always advisable to wear thin but long clothing. Also, don't forget your swimsuit, so you can relax in the hot springs of the boiling river.

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