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Serranía de Macuira facts for kids

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Serrania de Macuira
Serranía de Macuira is located in Colombia
Serranía de Macuira
Location in Colombia
Highest point
Peak Cerro Paluou
Elevation 864 m (2,835 ft)
Dimensions
Length 35 km (22 mi)
Width 10 km (6.2 mi)
Geography
Country  Colombia
State/Province La Guajira
Range coordinates 12°10′00″N 71°20′00″W / 12.16667°N 71.33333°W / 12.16667; -71.33333
Serrania de Macuira entrance
Entrance to the National Natural Park of Macuira

The Serranía de Macuira is a special mountain range in northern Colombia. It is found in the municipality of Uribia, in the La Guajira region. What makes it so unique is that it stands right in the middle of the dry La Guajira Desert.

This mountain range is like a green island in a sea of sand. It is completely separate from other big mountains like the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta and the Eastern Ranges of the Colombian Andes. Because it is so special, the Serranía de Macuira is a protected area called the National Natural Park Macuira.

What Makes Macuira Special?

The Serranía de Macuira is about 35 kilometers (22 miles) long and 10 kilometers (6 miles) wide. It is also quite close to the Caribbean sea, only about 10 kilometers (6 miles) away.

Mountain Peaks and Structure

This mountain range is made up of three main parts, or massifs, that are connected. The highest point is called Cerro Paluou, which reaches 864 meters (2,835 feet) high. Another important peak is Cerro de Jibome, standing at 753 meters (2,470 feet). Together, these mountains cover a total area of about 250 square kilometers (97 square miles).

Unique Climate and Environment

Even though it's in a desert, the Serranía de Macuira has a surprisingly humid climate. This is because of the trade winds that blow in from the Caribbean Sea. These winds bring moisture, which helps plants and animals thrive here.

The humidity creates a special kind of forest. You can find "dwarf trees," which are smaller than usual, and even "cloud forests." Cloud forests are places where the air is often misty and cloudy, providing a lot of moisture for plants.

Amazing Wildlife

The Serranía de Macuira is home to many different kinds of animals and plants. Scientists are still discovering new species here. One very special animal found only in this area is a type of frog called Allobates wayuu. This shows how unique and important the park is for protecting wildlife.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Serranía de Macuira para niños

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