Serranía de la Macarena facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Serranía de la Macarena |
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 Serranía de la Macarena
Location in Colombia
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 2,615 m (8,579 ft) |
| Dimensions | |
| Length | 120 km (75 mi) north-south |
| Width | 30 km (19 mi) |
| Geography | |
| Country | Colombia |
| PNN Serranía de la Macarena | |
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IUCN Category II (National Park)
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| Location | Meta Department,  Colombia |
| Nearest city | La Macarena |
| Area | 6,200 km2 (2,400 sq mi) |
| Established | 1971 |
The Serranía de la Macarena is a special mountain range in Colombia. It is located in the Meta Department. The mountains are named after the Virgin of Hope of Macarena.
These mountains are quite separate from the main East Andes mountains. They are about 40 km (25 mi) away at their northern end. The range stretches from north to south. It is 120 km (75 mi) long and 30 km (19 mi) wide.
The highest point is a peak called "El Gobernador". It reaches 2,615 m (8,579 ft) high. This makes it the highest spot in the Orinoquía Region of Colombia.
In 1948, the central part of these mountains became Colombia's first national reserve. Later, in 1971, it was made a National Natural Park. This protected area covers a huge space of 6,200 km2 (2,400 sq mi).
Contents
Discover the Amazing Biodiversity
This national park is a unique place for plants and animals. It's where the Amazon, Orinoco, and Andes regions meet. This mix creates a very special environment.
The area has a tropical climate. Temperatures usually range from 42 °F (5.5 °C) to 88 °F (31 °C). These conditions help support a huge variety of life. Many species found here are endemic, meaning they live nowhere else.
Diverse Ecosystems and Plant Life
Inside the park, you can find different types of natural areas. These include:
- Rainforests
- Dry forests
- Shrublands
- Savannas
The mountains are home to about 50 known types of orchids. Scientists have also found more than 2,400 other plant species here. Over 400 of these plants can also be found in the nearby Orinoquía area. The plants in Macarena are quite different from the 8,000 species in the Amazon area.
Animals of the Macarena
The park is full of amazing animals. Some of the creatures you might find include:
- Anteaters
- Jaguars
- Cougars (also known as pumas)
- Deer
- 8 different types of monkeys
- 500 species of birds, like the gray-legged tinamou
- 1,200 species of insects
- 100 species of reptiles
Explore Ecotourism and Ancient Sites
The La Macarena National and Ecological Reserve Park is famous around the world. People especially love the Caño Cristales river. Many visitors call it one of the most beautiful rivers in the world.
Ancient Art and Waterfalls
The park also holds petroglyphs from ancient cultures. These are rock carvings found at Angosturas I and II in the Guayabero River.
You can also find huge waterfalls here. Some of them are Caño Canoas, El Salto de Yarumales, El Salto del Mico, and Soplaculos. Many of these waterfalls are hard to reach on foot. This is because the land is very rugged and uneven.
Botanical Gardens
Just outside the city of La Macarena, you'll find the Botanical Gardens of La Macarena. This is a great place for nature tourism. Visitors can even help with activities to restore the natural environment.
Geology: The Earth's Story
The rocks on the east side of the Macarena mountains tell an ancient story. They include very old granite from the Precambrian era. This granite is part of the Guyana Shield and can be seen in the Guaviare River valley.
Newer rocks lie on top of this ancient shield. These are sandstones and conglomerates. They belong to the Vaupes Formation. These rocks formed from the Lower Paleozoic to the lower Oligocene age.
Images for kids
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Caño Cristales, known for its vibrant colors.
See also
In Spanish: Sierra de la Macarena para niños
