Fucha River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Fucha River |
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 Location of the Fucha River in Colombia
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| Country | Colombia |
| Department | Cundinamarca |
| Municipalities | Bogotá |
| Localities |
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| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Eastern Hills 4°33′48.0″N 74°03′52.7″W / 4.563333°N 74.064639°W |
| River mouth | Bogotá River Bosa 4°39′44.6″N 74°09′34.2″W / 4.662389°N 74.159500°W |
| Basin features | |
| River system | Bogotá River Magdalena Basin Caribbean Sea |
The Fucha River is an important river in Bogotá, the capital city of Colombia. It starts in the Eastern Hills of the city and flows west. The Fucha River eventually joins the Bogotá River. It is one of the three main rivers that flow through Bogotá, along with the Tunjuelo and Juan Amarillo Rivers.
What's in a Name?
The name "Fucha" comes from Muysccubun. This was the language spoken by the Muisca, who lived in the Bogotá area a long time ago. In their language, "Fucha" means "her" or "female".
Journey of the Fucha River
The Fucha River begins in a part of Bogotá called San Cristóbal, high up in the Eastern Hills. As it flows, it changes names several times. Some of its early names include Quebrada Manzanares, San Cristóbal, Arzobispo, and San Francisco River.
The river flows west, acting as a natural border between different parts of Bogotá. For example, it separates Rafael Uribe Uribe from Antonio Nariño. It also divides Tunjuelito and Ciudad Bolivar from Kennedy. In many places, especially in the city, the river has been changed into a canal. This means its banks are made of concrete. Near the area of Bosa, the Fucha River flows into the larger Bogotá River. Unfortunately, the Fucha River faces challenges with pollution, which affects its water quality.
Nature's Sponges: Wetlands
Wetlands are special areas of land that are covered by water, either all the time or just for certain periods. They are like natural sponges that help filter water and provide homes for many plants and animals. Bogotá has fifteen protected wetlands, and four of these important areas are found in the Fucha River basin.
| Wetland | Location | Altitude (m) |
Area (ha) |
Notes | Image |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capellanía | Fontibón | 2542 | 27.05 | ||
| Meandro del Say |
Fontibón Mosquera |
2548 | 13.6 | ||
| Techo | Techo, Kennedy |
2545 | 11.46 | ||
| El Burro | Kennedy | 2541 | 18.84 |
Gallery
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Canalised part close to carrera 10
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Canalised part close to carrera 12
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Canalised part close to Ciudad Jardín
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Canalised part
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Bridge over the Fucha River
See also
In Spanish: Río Fucha para niños
- List of rivers of Colombia
- Eastern Hills, Bogotá
- Bogotá savanna
- Juan Amarillo River, Tunjuelo River
