What Is Unusual About Colombia’s Magdalena River?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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The Magdalena is

home to hundreds of fish as well as elusive river turtles, tortoises, manatees, caiman, iguanas, crocodiles and pelicans

. It has long been a trade and transport route linking Bogota to the Caribbean and, even today, previously unknown species are still discovered in the Magdalena.

Why is the Magdalena River important?

Magdalena River, a waterway in Colombia, important for

centuries as the principal artery linking the interior of the country with the Caribbean Sea

. Navigable for most of its length of 956 miles, the Magdalena flows northward between the Central and Eastern Cordilleras and empties into the Caribbean near Barranquilla.

What is the mouth of the Magdalena River?

The Magdalena is

home to hundreds of fish as well as elusive river turtles, tortoises, manatees, caiman, iguanas, crocodiles and pelicans

. It has long been a trade and transport route linking Bogota to the Caribbean and, even today, previously unknown wildlife species are still discovered in the Magdalena.

How big is the Magdalena River?

Magdalena
Length


1,528 km (949 mi)

Basin size


257,438 km

2


(99,397 sq mi)
Discharge • location Calamar, Bolívar

Which city is a busy seaport on the Caribbean coast at the mouth of the Magdalena River?


Barranquilla

is known as the golden gate of Colombia due to its importance as a one of the busiest ports in the Caribbean during the XX Century. It is situated 13km inland from the Caribbean Sea and at the mouth of the Magdalena River which slices Colombia in half from north to south.

What is Colombia's second largest city?


Medellín

(Spanish pronunciation: [meðeˈʝin] or [með̞eˈʎin]), officially the Municipality of Medellín (Spanish: Municipio de Medellín), is the second-largest city in Colombia, after Bogotá, and the capital of the department of Antioquia.

Are there piranhas in Colombia?

Piranhas range from northern Argentina

to Colombia

, but they are most diverse in the Amazon River, where 20 different species are found. The most infamous is the red-bellied piranha (Pygocentrus nattereri), with the strongest jaws and sharpest teeth of all.

What is Colombia's highest point?

The volcanic massif rises abruptly from the coast, culminating in snowcapped

Pico (peak) Cristóbal Colón (18,947 ft [5,775 m] above sea level)

, the highest peak in Colombia.

What is the most important river in Colombia?


Magdalena river


Río Grande de la Magdalena

is the most important waterway and the longest river in Colombia. It is born in the Colombian Massif and runs from south to north until flowing into the Caribbean sea.

Which is the national animal of Colombia?


The Andean condor

is the national animal of Colombia and is one of the largest birds of prey in the world, weighing as much as 20 to 25 pounds.

Where is Magdalena?

Magdalena River, Spanish Río Magdalena, river,

north-central Colombia

. It rises at the bifurcation of the Andean Cordilleras Central and Oriental, and flows northward for 930 miles (1,497 km) to the Caribbean Sea.

Is Cartagena worth visiting?

Reasons Why You Should Visit Cartagena at Least Once in Your Lifetime. Cartagena is one of the most visited cities in the Americas: tourists flock here to enjoy

the Caribbean climate

, historic Walled City and gorgeous nearby beaches.

What is Cartagena known for?

Known for

its energy, street art and proximity to many Caribbean islands

, Cartagena de Indias is one of the most visited cities in South America.

Is Medellin a port?

Medellin Port, port code COMED ,

Colombia

.

Diane Mitchell
Author
Diane Mitchell
Diane Mitchell is an animal lover and trainer with over 15 years of experience working with a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, birds, and horses. She has worked with leading animal welfare organizations. Diane is passionate about promoting responsible pet ownership and educating pet owners on the best practices for training and caring for their furry friends.