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Colca River facts for kids

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Colca
ValleColca lou.jpg
Colca valley
Colca River is located in Peru
Colca River
Location of mouth
Country Peru
Region Arequipa
Physical characteristics
Main source Callalli District
River mouth Pacific Ocean
Camaná District
16°37′52″S 72°45′51″W / 16.63111°S 72.76417°W / -16.63111; -72.76417
Basin features
Tributaries
  • Left:
    Asirumayu (Asirumayo), Anchapara
  • Right:
    P'ikumayu (Picomayo),
    Qantumayu, Pirwamayu
    (Pirhuamayo),
    Pirwa (Perhua), Qullpa Pallqa Mayu
    (Collpa Palca Mayo),
    Kunturuma (Condoroma), Pilluni,
    Qallumayu, Antamayu

The Colca River is a famous river in Peru, a country in South America. It flows through the high, rugged Andes mountains in the Arequipa Region. This river is also known by other names like Majes and Camaná as it gets closer to the ocean. Its name, "Colca," might come from a Quechua word meaning "deposit" or "storage place."

Journey of the Colca River

The Colca River begins its long journey high in the Andes mountains. It starts near a small village called Janq'u Lakaya in the Callalli District. This area is part of the Caylloma Province in Peru.

As the river flows, it carves its way through the mountains. It passes through many different landscapes. Eventually, it reaches the Pacific Ocean near the town of Camaná.

The Famous Colca Canyon

One of the most amazing parts of the Colca River's journey is when it flows through the Colca Canyon. This canyon is located between the towns of Chivay and Cabanaconde.

The Colca Canyon is one of the deepest canyons in the world. It is a very popular place for tourists to visit. People come to see the incredible views and the giant Andean condor birds that fly there.

Other Names of the River

As the Colca River gets closer to the ocean, its name changes. After it leaves the canyon area, it is often called the Majes River. Then, closer to the coast, it becomes known as the Camaná River. It's all the same river, just with different names along its path!

Images for kids

See also

  • Majes-Siguas
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