Orinoco is one of the largest river systems in the world. This is the most mysterious and bewitching river in South America. Its waters have attracted adventurers for centuries, despite its dangerous and unpredictable nature.
Discovery story
Since the discovery of South America, the Orinoco River has long been out of reach due to the jungle hiding it, and therefore unknown. The first mention of it can be found in the records of Christopher Columbus relating to his third expedition. The discoverer saw only the Orinoco delta, but the opened picture struck him with its beauty.
The name of the Spaniard Diego de Ordaz, who spent half his life trying to find the mysterious place of Eldorado, is associated with this river. It was he who was the first to study the wildlife of Orinoco. In 1531, a German researcher Ambrosius Ehinger decided to study the river. At the same time, several other research expeditions were completed. Unfortunately, the description of the Orinoco River of those times did not reach us.
She was remembered only at the beginning of the 19th century, when the German traveler Alexander von Humbolt went to study the nature of South America. It was he who described in detail the plants growing along the banks of the Orinoco River, as well as the animals that lived in its waters. The source of the reservoir was found only in the middle of the 20th century.
The geographical location of the river and its size
The Orinoco River, as mentioned above, is located in South America. Its source is located on the border of Venezuela and Brazil. The river originates from Mount Delgado Chalbaud in the Guinean Plateau region.
Almost all of Orinoco flows through the territory of Venezuela, however, some of its parts lie in Colombia. Having passed the northern part of the mainland, the river flows into the Gulf of Paria, and from it into the Atlantic Ocean.
The Orinoco River is 2,736 km long, making it one of the longest water bodies in South America. The width in different sections is from 250 m to 10 km. During floods, Orinoco can flood up to 22 km wide. The depth of the river is not the greatest - its maximum point reaches 100 m.
Nature of the Orinoco River
Navigation in Orinoco is limited and very risky. River transport moves only in the area of the full-flowing delta. This is a necessary measure caused by the inconstancy of the nature of the reservoir. Here, every 6-7 hours significant ebbs and flows occur, which prevent vessels from moving. The regime of the Orinoco River depends on the time of year and season. In the dry season, it turns into a system of lakes and swamps, and in the rainy season it spills.
The source of the Orinoco River is southwest. The channel gradually bends in the form of an arc. Then the direction of the Orinoco River changes. It flows to the north and northeast. There, the river flows into the Atlantic Ocean. The water flow rate is stably average over the entire length, except for the source. Since the river originates in the mountains, it flows faster in this area than in the lower reaches.
Relief and tributaries
In the upper reaches of the Orinoco River there are a large number of waterfalls of various sizes. This is due to the rocky and uneven surface of this area. In the lower and middle parts, the relief of the Orinoco River is flat.
Closer to the Orinoco delta, it branches strongly, forming a large number of tributaries and lakes. Thanks to them, this place is especially picturesque. The tributaries of the river are unique, because, despite the same source, each of them is distinguished by its individual color and unique composition of water. The water level in them is also not constant, as it depends on the amount of precipitation. In the dry season, the tributaries dry out or turn into small lakes
One of the tributaries of Orinoco - Casikyare, connects it with the most famous and full-flowing river of South America - the Amazon.
Fauna of the Orinoco River
The fauna of the Orinoco River System is unique. It has about 700 species of living creatures. The waters of the river abound with fish. It is home to electric eels and catfish, weighing several pounds, which for many centuries have been feeding the local population. However, one should be wary of piranhas and crocodiles, which are abundant here. The Orinoco River Area is home to thousands of bird species. Scarlet ibis, flamingos, colorful parrots live here. Giant turtles and other reptiles can be found on the shores. In the lower part of the river there are many monkeys - capuchins, howlers, macaques, as well as representatives of the cat family - ocelots, jaguars, cougars, etc.
Most tourists travel along the Orinoco River in the hope of seeing huge anacondas. But here you can also find very rare animals - pink and gray river dolphins, a giant river otter, herbivorous manatees, as well as the rarest reptile in the world - the Orinoca crocodile. Today, these species are recognized as endangered and taken under protection.
Flora of the river
Forest growing along the river is flooded. Therefore, the plant life here is wild and varied. In the lower reaches of the river, the flora is dense due to the large number of vines, which make the area impassable. However, those who manage to stroll through the Orinok forests will be delighted with the abundantly blooming bromeliads and orchids.
Among the trees, mangroves predominate. Their roots descend directly into the water, from where they receive food. In numerous mixed forests tall palm trees, various fruit trees grow abundantly.
The value of the river in the economic life of man
There are practically no settlements along the coast of Orinoco. However, numerous indigenous tribes live here, for whom the river has become a source of not only food, but also additional income. So, the local friendly Native American Varao tribes have been living here for many years. Their small wooden houses are built on stilts and rise above the water. In addition to fishing, they transport tourists along the Orinoco River. The word "varao" itself is translated as "people of the boat", so closely this primitive tribe connects its life with water.
The largest of the few towns by the Orinoco River is Ciudad Guayana. It was next to it that in the middle of the last century, ports began to be built. This was the result of the discovery of iron ore and other minerals. Ore processing operations are ongoing. Also, a reservoir and hydroelectric power station were installed on the river.
Recently, the extensive tropical meadows of the Orinoco basin have been used for pasture for livestock. This entails unpleasant consequences, as herds of animals trample grass and eat a large number of plants, and once fertile soils degrade.
Orinoco River Tourism
The tourist base of the Orinoco River began to develop recently. Today, this place is attractive to true adventurers. Tourists are offered fascinating boat trips to explore all the canals of the river, get acquainted with the flora and fauna, and touch the millennial culture of local residents.
Traveling in Orinoco can be attributed to such a popular destination today as ecological tourism. Many places here are untouched and pristine. Travel agencies offer many programs for every taste. Depending on your preferences, you can go canoeing, fishing (piranha hunting is especially popular), take a walk in the jungle, and visit the Varao settlement. There are both day and night programs.