Penetrating into the equatorial rainforest of South America is done through large and small rivers, with the exception of mountainous regions and some man-made roads such as the "Trans-Amazonian".

Rivers are such an important element that they merit being treated on their own.

Large and small rivers are potentially more dangerous than the rainforest and are at the origin of most deadly accidents in the Amazonian zone. The large majority of them are drownings due to carelessness.