Cordillera Occidental (Colombia)

Cordillera Occidental
Western Ranges
Highest point
PeakCerro Tatamá
Elevation4,100 m (13,500 ft)
Dimensions
Length1,200 km (750 mi) north-south
Area86,239 km2 (33,297 mi2)
Geography
Cordillera Occidental
CountryColombia
Range coordinates4°51′N 76°23′W / 4.850°N 76.383°W / 4.850; -76.383

The Cordillera Occidental (English: Western Ranges) is the lowest in elevation of the three branches of the Colombian Andes. The average altitude is 2,000 m (6,600 ft) and the highest peak is Cerro Tatamá at 4,100 m (13,500 ft). The range extends from south to north diverging from the Colombian Massif in Nariño Department, passes north through Cauca, Valle del Cauca, Risaralda, Chocó, and Caldas Departments to the Paramillo Massif in Antioquia and Córdoba Departments. The cordillera is paralleled on the east by the Cauca river. From this massif the range divides further to form the Serranías de Ayapel, San Jerónimo and Abibe, receding into the Caribbean plain and the Sinú River valley.

It is a direct continuation of the Cordillera Occidental of Ecuador.