Wavelet analysis allows for an insightful examination of the temporal variability of Amazon basin hydrology and highlights intermittent interannual and interdecadal fluctuations. Two main conclusions arise. Interannual fluctuations appear as closely related to equatorial Pacific forcings whereas 15-year and bi-decadal fluctuations are strongly correlated with Pacific and tropical Atlantic long term forcings. The 1970's climate shift affects the Amazon basin, implying a correlation between both NATL and SOI and hydrological proxies after that decade. Copyright 2004 by the American Geophysical Union.