Amazon Trapeze facts for kids
The Amazonian Trapeze is a special part of Colombia. It's also called the Leticia Trapeze. This area is in the very south of the Amazonas Department. It's important because it gives Colombia access to the big Amazon River. This piece of land looks like a peninsula. It sits between Brazil and Peru. The main city here is Leticia.
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Where is the Amazonian Trapeze?
The Amazonian Trapeze is one of two main parts of the Amazonas Department in Colombia. It is located between two important rivers. To the north, you'll find the Putumayo River. To the south, there's the mighty Amazon River.
This area also has borders with other countries. To the east, it borders Brazil. To the west, it borders Peru. The shape of this land is like a trapezoid. It's about 50 kilometers wide along the Putumayo River. It gets wider to about 100 kilometers along the Amazon River. The length between the two rivers is about 150 kilometers. This unique shape is why it's called the "Trapeze."
The Amazonian Trapeze is also home to the Amacayacu National Park. This park is full of amazing animals and plants. It's a popular place for people who love nature and want to explore the rainforest.
A Brief History of the Trapeze
The Amazonian Trapeze was once a disputed area between Colombia and Peru. Both countries wanted this land. Colombia wanted a direct way to reach the Amazon River.
During this time, Peru started a project called the Colony of Leticia. It was also known as the Colony of San Antonio. Peru wanted its citizens to live there. This was to show that the land belonged to Peru.
The current borders were finally set in 1922. This happened with a special agreement called the Salomón–Lozano Treaty. This treaty created the modern border between Colombia and Peru. It ended a long disagreement that had lasted since both countries became independent.
However, some people in the area were not happy with the treaty. This led to a conflict called the Colombia–Peru War in 1932. This was the last major fight between the two countries. After the conflict ended, Colombian settlers started arriving in the area around 1930.
People and Towns in the Trapeze
Several towns are located within the Amazonian Trapeze. The capital city of the Amazonas Department, Leticia, is here. Another town is Puerto Nariño. Both of these towns are located right on the banks of the Amazon River.
You can also find the city of Tarapacá in the Trapeze. This city is on the banks of the Putumayo River. The region is also home to protected areas where indigenous communities live.
See Also
In Spanish: Trapecio amazónico para niños
- Tres Fronteras
- Colombia–Peru War
