List of rivers of Colombia facts for kids

Colombia is a country in South America with many important rivers. These rivers flow into different oceans, like the Atlantic and Pacific. They are like natural highways for water, helping people travel, transport goods, and even generate electricity. These rivers are also home to many plants and animals, making them very important for nature.

Map of Colombia showing major rivers

Rivers Flowing to the Atlantic Ocean

Many of Colombia's rivers flow into the Atlantic Ocean, either directly or through large river systems like the Amazon and Orinoco.

Amazon River Basin

The Amazon River Basin is a huge area where all the water eventually flows into the mighty Amazon River. This basin is known for its incredible rainforests and diverse wildlife.

Map of the Amazon River drainage basin with the Amazon River highlighted

The Casiquiare River, a unique natural canal that links the Orinoco and Amazon river systems.

• Amazon River: While the main Amazon River flows mostly through Brazil, many of its important starting rivers, called tributaries, begin in Colombia.
  • Guainía River (also known as the Negro River): This is a major tributary that flows into the Amazon. It's famous for its dark, tea-colored water.
    • Vaupés River (or Uaupés River): A large river that joins the Guainía.
    • Içana River (or Isana River): Another important river in this area.
  • Caquetá River (or Japurá River): This is one of the longest rivers in Colombia. It flows southeast into the Amazon River.
    • Apaporis River: A significant tributary of the Caquetá.
    • Caguán River: Another important river that feeds into the Caquetá.
  • Putumayo River (or Içá River): This river forms part of the border between Colombia and Peru. It's a vital waterway for communities in the Amazon region.

Orinoco River Basin

The Orinoco River Basin is another huge area, mainly in Venezuela, but many Colombian rivers flow into it. This basin is known for its vast grasslands called "llanos."

The Orinoco drainage basin.

• Orinoco River: The main river of this basin.
  • Apure River (in Venezuela): A major river that receives water from Colombian rivers.
  • Arauca River: This river forms part of the border between Colombia and Venezuela.
  • Meta River: One of the most important rivers in the Orinoco basin in Colombia. It's a key waterway for transportation.
    • Casanare River: A large tributary of the Meta River.
    • Cusiana River: Another river that joins the Meta.
    • Upía River: This river also flows into the Meta.
  • Guaviare River: A very long river that joins the Orinoco. It's considered one of the main rivers of Colombia.
    • Inírida River: A significant tributary of the Guaviare.
    • Ariari River: This river also flows into the Guaviare.

Lake Maracaibo Rivers

Some rivers in northeastern Colombia flow into Lake Maracaibo, which is mostly in Venezuela. This lake is one of the oldest lakes on Earth.

Tributaries of the Catatumbo River and Lake Maracaibo.

• Catatumbo River: This is the main river flowing from Colombia into Lake Maracaibo. It's famous for the "Catatumbo lightning," a unique weather phenomenon.
  • Zulia River: A major tributary of the Catatumbo.
    • Pamplonita River: This river flows through the city of Cúcuta before joining the Zulia.
  • Tibú River: Another river that feeds into the Catatumbo.

Caribbean Sea Rivers

Many rivers in Colombia flow directly into the Caribbean Sea, which is part of the Atlantic Ocean. These rivers are important for coastal communities and trade.

• Atrato River: This river is known for being very wide and deep. It flows through a rainy region and is important for transportation.
• Magdalena River: This is the most important river in Colombia. It flows almost the entire length of the country, from south to north, and empties into the Caribbean Sea. It has been a vital route for trade and travel for centuries.

Magdalena River Basin.

Cauca River course.

Bogotá River and its drainage basin.

• Canal del Dique: This is an artificial channel connected to the Magdalena River. It helps control floods and allows boats to travel to Cartagena.
  • Cesar River: A large tributary that joins the Magdalena.
  • San Jorge River: Another important river that flows into the Magdalena.
  • Cauca River: This is the second most important river in Colombia. It runs parallel to the Magdalena for much of its course before joining it.
    • Nechi River: A significant tributary of the Cauca.
      • Porce River: This river flows through the city of Medellín.
    • Otun River: An important river in the coffee-growing region.
    • Bogotá River: This river flows through the capital city of Bogotá. It eventually joins the Magdalena River.
      • Tunjuelo River: A tributary of the Bogotá River.
      • Fucha River: Another river that flows through Bogotá.
  • Lebrija River: This river flows into the Magdalena.
  • Sogamoso River: A major tributary of the Magdalena.
    • Chicamocha River: This river flows through a famous canyon before joining the Sogamoso.
  • Sumapaz River: Another river that joins the Magdalena.
• Sinú River: This river flows through a fertile valley in northern Colombia before reaching the Caribbean Sea.

Rivers Flowing to the Pacific Ocean

Colombia also has a Pacific coast, and several rivers flow into the Pacific Ocean. This region is known for its dense rainforests and high rainfall.

Pacific region in Colombia highlighted.

• Baudó River: This river flows through a mountainous region in western Colombia.
• San Juan River: A major river on the Pacific coast. It's important for local communities.
• Dagua River: This river flows near the city of Buenaventura, a major port.
• Patía River: This is one of the longest rivers on Colombia's Pacific coast. It forms a large delta where it meets the ocean.
  • Telembí River: A tributary of the Patía.
  • Guáitara River: Another river that joins the Patía.
• Mira River: This river forms part of the border between Colombia and Ecuador.

See also

In Spanish: Anexo:Ríos de Colombia para niños

• List of rivers of the Americas by coastline