Serranía de Macuira facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Serrania de Macuira |
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 Location in Colombia
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| 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 |
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.
Contents
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
In Spanish: Serranía de Macuira para niños
