Tequendama Falls facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Tequendama Falls |
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| Salto del Tequendama | |
Tequendama Falls
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 Location in Colombia
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| Location | Soacha, Cundinamarca, Colombia |
| Coordinates | 4°34′27″N 74°17′36″W / 4.57417°N 74.29333°W |
| Elevation | 2,385 m (7,825 ft) |
| Total height | 132 m (433 ft) |
| Number of drops | 1 |
| Watercourse | Bogotá River |
The Tequendama Falls (which means Salto del Tequendama in Spanish) is a huge waterfall in Colombia. It is about 132 metres (433 ft) tall, which is like a 40-story building! The waterfall is part of the Bogotá River. You can find it about 32 kilometres (20 mi) southwest of Bogotá, in a town called Soacha.
This amazing natural wonder is a popular spot for tourists. The river flows through a narrow, rocky path before it plunges down the 132 metres (433 ft) high cliff. The path gets very narrow, only about 18 metres (59 ft) wide, right before the water falls. Interestingly, during December, the waterfall can sometimes dry up completely! You can easily reach the falls by road from Bogotá.
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What Does Tequendama Mean?
The name Tequendama comes from the Chibcha language. It means "he who fell downward" or "he who threw himself down." This name connects to old stories about how the waterfall was formed.
The Legend of Bochica and the Falls
The Muisca people, who lived in this area long ago, have a special story about the Tequendama Falls. According to their beliefs, a legendary hero named Bochica created the waterfall. The story says that the Bogotá savanna was once covered in water. Bochica used his magical staff to break the rocks, letting the water flow out and creating the mighty falls. This helped the land become dry and livable.
There is another interesting legend too. During the time when the Spanish arrived in the Americas, some Muisca people wanted to escape the new rulers. The legend says they would jump off the Salto Del Tequendama and turn into eagles. Then, they would fly away to freedom.
Protecting the Falls and Its Surroundings
Sadly, the river that feeds the Tequendama Falls is very polluted today. People are working to clean it up and protect this important natural site.
There's also an old, historic hotel building right next to the waterfall. This building has been turned into a museum. It's being restored with help from the French government. This way, visitors can learn more about the falls and its history while enjoying the beautiful view.
See also
- Muisca religion
- Bochica
- Tequendama Falls Museum
- Tequendamita Falls
- Tequendama
- List of waterfalls by type
- Lake Iguaque
