Cauca River

Cauca River

The Cauca River is a river in western Colombia, the largest left-bank tributary of the Magdalena River and one of Colombia’s major rivers. It originates from the Plateau of Paletará in the Central Cordillera, flows northward through the wide and fertile Cauca Valley, then cuts through canyons between the Western and Central Cordilleras, and joins the Magdalena River to the northwest of Montería on the Caribbean coastal plain.

The Cauca River is 1,350 kilometers long, with a drainage basin of 63,000 square kilometers and an estuarine discharge of 2,200 cubic meters per second. It is navigable downstream from Cali. A hydroelectric power station has been built near Cali. The Cauca Valley has fertile soil and is rich in grain, sugarcane, cocoa, cotton, fruit, and livestock. The slopes on both sides produce three-quarters of the country’s coffee. The river is developed under a comprehensive plan for flood control, power generation, and irrigation. The riverside scenery is beautiful, making it a great destination for sightseeing. The air is fresh, allowing you to feel the essence of nature itself. There are many flowers, trees, and plants along both banks, offering a great opportunity for learning. Birdsong can often be heard in the woods along the riverbanks.