Cordillera Central (Colombia) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cordillera Central (Central Ranges) |
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| Highest point | |
| Peak | Nevado del Huila |
| Elevation | 5,364 m (17,598 ft) |
| Dimensions | |
| Length | 1,023 km (636 mi) north-south |
| Area | 129,737 km2 (50,092 sq mi) |
| Geography | |
| Country | Colombia |
The Cordillera Central (which means Central Mountain Range) is the tallest of the three main mountain chains that make up the Andes Mountains in Colombia. This huge mountain range stretches from the south to the north of Colombia. It starts in the Colombian Massif area in Cauca Department and goes all the way to the Serranía de San Lucas in the Bolivar Department. The very highest point in the Cordillera Central is a peak called Nevado del Huila, which stands at an amazing 5,364 meters (about 17,598 feet) tall!
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Geography of the Central Mountains
This mountain range has two large river valleys on its sides. To the west, you'll find the Cauca River valley. To the east, there is the Magdalena River valley. These rivers flow alongside the mountains.
The western side of the Cordillera Central is covered by forests known as the Cauca Valley montane forests. On the eastern side, and at the northern end, you'll find the Magdalena Valley montane forests. These are special types of forests that grow on mountains. At the very highest parts of the mountains, above the tree line, there is a unique ecosystem called the Northern Andean páramo. This area is often cold and misty.
Tallest Peaks in the Cordillera Central
Here are some of the highest mountains in the Cordillera Central:
- Nevado del Huila - 5,364 meters (17,598 feet) - Located in Cauca, Huila, and Tolima departments.
- Nevado del Ruiz - 5,311 meters (17,425 feet) - Located in Caldas and Tolima departments.
- Nevado del Tolima - 5,215 meters (17,110 feet) - Located in Tolima department.
- Nevado de Santa Isabel - 5,100 meters (16,732 feet) - Located in Risaralda, Tolima, and Caldas departments.
- Nevado del Quindio - 4,760 meters (15,617 feet) - Located in Quindio, Tolima, and Risaralda departments.
- Cerro Pan de Azucar - 4,670 meters (15,322 feet) - Located in Cauca and Huila departments.
- Puracé - 4,646 meters (15,243 feet) - Located in Cauca and Huila departments.
Protected Natural Areas
Many parts of the Cordillera Central are protected areas. These places are set aside to keep nature safe and healthy. They help protect the plants, animals, and unique landscapes. Some of these important parks include:
- PNN Los Nevados
- PNN Nevado del Huila
- PNN Puracé
- PNN Las Hermosas
- PNN Selva de Florencia
- SFF Otún Quimbaya
- SFF Serranía de las Minas - (This one is proposed to become a protected area)
See also
- Geography of Colombia
- Andean Region, Colombia
- Cordillera Occidental (Colombia)
- Cordillera Oriental (Colombia)
Images for kids
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A view of the Cordillera Central in the Antioquia Department.
