Orinoco River

Orinoco River

The Orinoco River stretches 2,410 kilometers in length and covers a drainage basin of 880,000 square kilometers. It is the third-largest river in South America and one of the continent’s most important waterways, second only to the Amazon and Paraná rivers. The river flows in a semi-circular path around the Guiana Highlands, with 76.3% of its course located within Venezuela and the remainder in Colombia. Christopher Columbus first sighted the mouth of the Orinoco River on August 1, 1498, but its source was not confirmed until 1959.

The Orinoco River originates in the Parima Mountains near the Brazil-Venezuela border in southern Venezuela. In its upper reaches, it flows northwestward and branches southward into the Casiquiare River, which feeds into the Negro River, thereby directly connecting the Amazon River system. After passing through the Raudales de Guaharibos, it enters the middle section, where it turns northward at San Fernando and becomes the border river between Colombia and Venezuela. Upon receiving the Meta River, it reaches its lower section and shifts northeastward from Puerto Carreño, eventually emptying into the Gulf of Paria in the Caribbean Sea.

Many areas within the Orinoco River basin preserve ancient, pristine landscapes, boasting stunning scenery and making it a renowned destination for scenic tourism.

Orinoco

Reason to visit: One of the most important rivers in South America

Continent where the attraction is located: South America【South America】

Country/Region where the attraction is located: Venezuela[Venezuela]

Province/State where the attraction is located: Amazonas State [Amazonas State]

City where the attraction is located: Puerto Ayacucho [Puerto Ayacucho]