Cordillera Occidental (Colombia)

The Cordillera Occidental is the westernmost of the three major parallel mountain ranges of the Colombian Andes. It extends approximately 1,200 kilometers (750 miles) from the south near the border with Ecuador, where it connects with the Ecuadorian Andes, northward towards the Caribbean coast.

Geologically, the Cordillera Occidental is the youngest of the three Andean ranges in Colombia. It is primarily composed of volcanic and metamorphic rocks. The range is relatively lower in altitude compared to the Cordillera Central and the Cordillera Oriental, with many peaks reaching heights between 3,000 and 4,000 meters (9,800 and 13,100 feet). The highest point is Cerro Tatamá, reaching approximately 4,100 meters (13,450 feet).

The range is drained by numerous rivers flowing westward into the Pacific Ocean and eastward into the Cauca River valley. These rivers have created deep valleys and ravines.

The Cordillera Occidental is a biodiversity hotspot. Its varied elevations and climates support a wide range of ecosystems, from rainforests at lower elevations to páramo (high-altitude grasslands) at higher elevations. It is home to diverse flora and fauna, including many endemic species.

The region is important for agriculture, with coffee, sugarcane, and other crops cultivated in the valleys and foothills. Mining is also an important economic activity.

Major cities located near or within the Cordillera Occidental include Cali, Popayán, and Pasto. The range presents challenges for transportation, but roads and other infrastructure have been developed to connect the region with the rest of Colombia. Indigenous communities reside within the Cordillera Occidental, and their traditional practices have contributed to the region’s cultural diversity.