Tunjuelo River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Tunjuelo River |
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 Location of the Tunjuelo River in Colombia
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| Other name(s) | Tunjuelito River |
| Country | Colombia |
| Department | Cundinamarca |
| Municipalities | Bogotá |
| Localities |
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| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Sumapaz Páramo 4°18′25″N 74°07′50″W / 4.3070°N 74.1306°W |
| River mouth | Bogotá River 4°37′45″N 74°13′21″W / 4.6291°N 74.2225°W |
| Length | 73 km (45 mi) |
| Basin features | |
| River system | Bogotá River Magdalena Basin Caribbean Sea |
The Tunjuelo River is an important river in Colombia. It flows through the Bogotá savanna, which is a large plateau. This river is a branch of the Bogotá River, joining it from the left side.
The Tunjuelo River is about 73 kilometers (45 miles) long. It starts high up in the Sumapaz Páramo, a special type of mountain ecosystem. From there, it flows north and enters Bogotá, the capital city of Colombia. Inside the city, much of the river has been made into a canal. It then flows west to meet the Bogotá River. The Tunjuelo is one of Bogotá's three main rivers, along with the Fucha and Juan Amarillo Rivers.
Contents
What's in a Name? The Tunjuelo River's Origin
The names Tunjuelo and Tunjuelito (which means "little Tunjuelo") come from a place called Cerro de los Tunjos. There is also a lake nearby called Los Tunjos Lake.
These names are linked to tunjos. Tunjos were small, special figures used by the Muisca people. The Muisca were an indigenous group who lived in the Bogotá savanna long before the Spanish arrived. These figures were important in their religious practices.
Journey of the Tunjuelo River
The Tunjuelo River is about 73 kilometers (45 miles) long. It begins in the Sumapaz Páramo, which is in the southern part of Bogotá. It flows through the southern areas of the city.
This river has the largest drainage basin among Bogotá's rivers. A drainage basin is the area of land where all the rain and water flow into a particular river. The Tunjuelo River flows through a valley called the Usme Synclinal. This area is known for its interesting rock formations.
The Tunjuelo River acts as a natural border between different parts of Bogotá. It separates areas like Usme and Ciudad Bolivar. It also divides the neighborhood of Tunjuelito from Ciudad Bolívar. Unfortunately, the Tunjuelo River faces challenges with pollution. Efforts are being made to improve its water quality.
Wetlands Along the Tunjuelo River
Wetlands are special areas of land that are covered by water, either all the time or just for certain periods. They are very important for nature and for filtering water.
Bogotá has fifteen protected wetlands. Three of these important wetlands are found in the area where the Tunjuelo River flows. They help keep the local environment healthy.
| Wetland Name | Location in Bogotá | Altitude (meters) | Area (hectares) |
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| La Vaca | Kennedy | 2548 | 7.96 |
| La Isla | Bosa | 2550 | 7.7 |
| Tibanica | Bosa Soacha |
2542 | 28.8 |
Gallery
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The Tunjuelo River in Ciudad Bolívar
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Another view of the Tunjuelo River
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The Tunjuelo River in Bogotá
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The Tunjuelo River flowing through Tunjuelito
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A part of the river that has been made into a canal
See also
In Spanish: Río Tunjuelo para niños
- List of rivers of Colombia
- Eastern Hills, Bogotá
- Bogotá savanna, Sumapaz Páramo
- Fucha River, Juan Amarillo River
