Apurímac River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Apurímac River |
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Amazon Basin with Apurímac River highlighted (lower left)
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| Country | Peru |
| Region | Apurímac Region, Cusco Region |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Mismi 15°31′31″S 71°41′27″W / 15.52528°S 71.69083°W |
| River mouth | Ene River 12°15′46″S 73°58′44″W / 12.26278°S 73.97889°W |
| Length | 730.7 km (454.0 mi) |
| Basin features | |
| Tributaries |
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The Apurímac River is a long and powerful river in Peru, South America. Its name comes from the Quechua language and means 'divinity' or 'oracle'. It starts high up in the mountains from melted ice on a peak called Nevado Mismi. This mountain is about 5,597 meters (18,363 feet) tall.
The river flows through deep, narrow canyons. Some of these canyons are twice as deep as the famous Grand Canyon! The river's path has many waterfalls and fast-moving sections. It is very challenging to travel along its whole length.
Journey to the Amazon
The Apurímac River flows for about 730 kilometers (454 miles). After this, it joins another river called the Mantaro River. At this point, it changes its name and becomes the Ene River. This happens about 440 meters (1,444 feet) above sea level.
The journey continues as the Ene River joins the Perené River. Then, it becomes the Tambo River. Finally, the Tambo River meets the Urubamba. At this meeting point, the river becomes the Ucayali. The Ucayali River is the main starting point of the mighty Amazon River.
Sometimes, the entire river system, from the Apurímac's source all the way to where it joins the Ucayali, is called the "Apurímac." This longer path measures about 1,070 kilometers (665 miles).
Ancient Bridges
Hundreds of years ago, the Inca people built amazing bridges over the Apurímac River. These bridges were very important. They helped the Inca travel and connect different parts of their empire.
One famous bridge was built around the year 1350. It was still in use even in 1864! By 1890, it was old and worn out but still hanging. This bridge inspired a famous book called The Bridge of San Luis Rey by Thornton Wilder. Today, there is still one such bridge, called Queshuachaca, that is rebuilt every year using traditional Inca methods.
See also
In Spanish: Río Apurímac para niños
- Aqumayu
- Choquequirao
- Hatun Wayq'u
- Majes-Siguas
- Source of the Amazon River
- Arequipa Province
