Cordillera Occidental (Colombia)
| Cordillera Occidental | |
|---|---|
| Western Ranges | |
| Highest point | |
| Peak | Cerro Tatamá |
| Elevation | 4,100 m (13,500 ft) |
| Dimensions | |
| Length | 1,200 km (750 mi) north-south |
| Area | 86,239 km2 (33,297 mi2) |
| Geography | |
Cordillera Occidental | |
| Country | Colombia |
| Range coordinates | 4°51′N 76°23′W / 4.850°N 76.383°W |
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.