The Amazon River, originating in Peru, is a world of mystery, grandeur and romance, having thousands of tributaries and creeks, lakes and lagoons thus making its jungle the richest of its type in wildlife and forest. High in the Andes of southern Peru is found the source of the mighty Amazon. The first trickle, rising from a spring on Mount Huaga starts running miles away through the labyrinth of mountains until it becomes the Rio Ucayali and at its mouth meets with the Rio Marañón and then the Amazon is born. From here, over 3,500 miles down river passing through different countries and collecting waters from these tributaries it reaches to the Atlantic Ocean. The Amazon river even at its lowest level is navigable with ocean going vessels year round some reaching up to the ports of Iquitos, Peru. The river received its name from the story of battling warrior women similar to the Amazons of Greek mythology.