Suchiate River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Suchiate River |
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Suchiate River from the border bridge between Ciudad Hidalgo and Ciudad Tecun Uman
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 Location of mouth
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| Countries | Guatemala and Mexico |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Guatemala (San Marcos) 3,000 m (9,800 ft) 15°09′47″N 91°57′22″W / 15.163187°N 91.956081°W |
| River mouth | Pacific Ocean 0 m (0 ft) 14°31′53″N 92°13′41″W / 14.531466°N 92.228125°W |
| Length | 161 km (100 mi) |
| Basin features | |
| Basin size | 1,400 km2 (540 sq mi) |
The Suchiate River (called Río Suchiate in Spanish) is an important river in Central America. It forms part of the border between two countries: Mexico (in the state of Chiapas) and Guatemala (in the department of San Marcos). This river is about 161 kilometers (100 miles) long.
Contents
Where the River Flows
The Suchiate River starts high up in the mountains. Its source is on the southern slopes of the Tacaná volcano. This volcano is part of the Sierra Madre mountain range in Guatemala.
From Mountains to Ocean
From these mountains, the river flows generally towards the southwest. It reaches the border with Mexico near a town called Unión Juárez. As it continues, it passes by other border towns. These include Talismán and El Carmen. Further downstream, it flows past Ciudad Tecún Umán in Guatemala and Ciudad Hidalgo in Mexico.
Crossing Points
At Ciudad Tecún Umán and Ciudad Hidalgo, there are important crossings. The Puente Rodolfo Robles is a bridge that connects the two countries. There is also a railway bridge nearby. After passing these towns, the Suchiate River continues its journey. Finally, it empties into the Pacific Ocean.
What's in a Name?
The name "Suchiate" has an interesting history. It comes from an ancient language called Nahuatl. In Nahuatl, the word Xochiatl means "flower-water." So, the river's name means "flower-water river."
Ancient History Along the River
The Suchiate River has been important for a very long time. An ancient archaeological site is located along its banks. This site is called Izapa. It was once a major city of the Mesoamerican cultures. Studying Izapa helps us learn about the people who lived there long ago.
See also
In Spanish: Río Suchiate para niños
- Railway connections in Guatemala
- Railway connections in Mexico
