Covering half of Brazil and extending widely into South America, the mighty Amazon River is arguably the second largest river in the world and bears the most water on earth. Providing 20 per cent of the ocean’s freshwater supply, and feeding the most important biome on earth, the river is essential to the health of our planet. There are several ways to enjoy the river, including a variety of guided boat and canoe tours, which can include winding through flooded forests and passing river dolphins or ‘boto’. Other animals to look out for include frogs, toucans, macaws, snakes, spiders and sloths. The Pantanal wetlands are one of the best places to see wildlife. Photographers will particularly enjoy the dramatic meeting of colours in the waters at Encontro das Aguas in Manaus, where the Rio Negro and Rio Solimoes refuse to mix.