Ixcán River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ixcán River |
|
|---|---|
| Native name | Río Ixcán (Spanish) |
| Countries | Guatemala and Mexico |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Guatemala (Huehuetenango) 2,700 m (8,900 ft) 15°33′57″N 91°28′23″W / 15.56582°N 91.47295°W |
| River mouth | Tributary of the Lacantún River 200 m (660 ft) |
| Basin features | |
| Basin size | 2,085 km2 (805 sq mi) |
The Ixcán River is an important river located in Central America. It flows through parts of both Guatemala and Mexico. This river starts high up in the mountains of Guatemala and makes its way north. It eventually joins a larger river system that flows into the Gulf of Mexico.
Contents
Journey of the Ixcán River
The Ixcán River begins its long journey in the Sierra de los Cuchumatanes mountains. These mountains are found in the Huehuetenango area of Guatemala. As the river flows north, it forms part of the border between two regions in Guatemala: Huehuetenango and El Quiché.
Crossing the Border
After flowing for many kilometers, the Ixcán River crosses the border into Mexico. Here, it becomes a part of the Lacantún River. The Lacantún River is a major branch of the even larger Usumacinta River. The Usumacinta River is one of the most important rivers in Mesoamerica.
River Basin and Size
The area of land that collects water for the Ixcán River is called its river basin. In Guatemala, this basin covers about 2,085 square kilometers (805 square miles). This is a large area, showing how much land the river drains.
Many Names for One River
Did you know that the Ixcán River has several different names along its path? As it flows from its very beginning in the mountains, it is known by different names.
- Río Quisil: This is the name for the river near its sources, where it first begins.
- Río Naranjo: Further downstream, it takes on this name.
- Río Cocola: The river is also called Río Cocola in some sections.
- Río Yula San Juan: This is another name used for parts of the river.
- Río Ixcán: Finally, it is most widely known as the Ixcán River, especially as it gets closer to the border.
These different names often come from the local communities or the areas the river passes through.
Importance of the River
Rivers like the Ixcán are very important for the people and wildlife in the region. They provide water for drinking, farming, and transportation. The areas around the river are often home to diverse plants and animals.
See also
In Spanish: Río Ixcán para niños
