From the Andes to the Amazon: a six-week riverboat adventure to Belém, Brazil’s gateway to the river

The six-week riverboat adventure from the Andes to Belém, Brazil, serves as a vivid exploration of the Amazon's ecological diversity and cultural richness. As the city gears up to host the COP30 conference, the journey underscores critical discussions around sustainability, tourism, and agriculture. The bewildering array of local fruit juices encountered in Belém reflects the region's unique biodiversity, while the traveler’s recognition of familiar fruits from earlier stops in Colombia and Peru illustrates the interconnectedness of the Amazonian ecosystem. This narrative not only highlights the beauty and complexity of the Amazon but also emphasizes the urgent need for sustainable practices as global attention turns to this vital region.