Colombian cordillera

mountains, South America

Also known as: Colombian Andes

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Last updated

June 24, 2026

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The Colombian cordilleras are a significant part of the Andes Mountains in South America. These ranges extend northward from Ecuador and are characterized by rugged terrain and volcanic activity. The Andes in Colombia are divided into three main parallel ranges: the Cordillera Occidental, Cordillera Central, and Cordillera Oriental. These ranges are separated by the valleys of the Magdalena and Cauca rivers, which are crucial for transportation and agriculture. The Cordillera Central is the highest and most volcanic, with several peaks exceeding 15,000 feet. The Cordillera Oriental is the widest and longest, featuring high plateaus like the Sabana de Bogotá, where Colombia's capital city is located. The Cordillera Occidental is the lowest and least populated of the three.12

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Andes Mountains
Physiography of the Northern Andes
…which is the most important Colombian physiographic complex and the source of many of the country’s rivers.
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…which is the most important Colombian physiographic complex and the source of many of the country’s rivers.
Read More