The Orinoco River, with a total length of 2410 kilometers and a basin area of 880,000 square kilometers, ranks as the third largest river in South America, following only the Amazon and Parana rivers. It is one of the most important rivers on the continent. The river flows in a semi-circular route around the Guiana Highlands, with 76.3% of its course located within Venezuela and the remainder in Colombia. Christopher Columbus first discovered the mouth of the Orinoco River on August 1, 1498, but its source was not confirmed until 1959.

Originating from the Parima Mountains in southern Venezuela near Brazil, the Orinoco River flows northwest in its upper reaches, and joins the Casiquiare River to the south to connect directly to the Amazon River basin. Upon reaching Raudales de Guaharibos, it enters the middle reaches and turns north at San Fernando, becoming the border river between Colombia and Venezuela. After receiving the Meta River in the lower reaches, it veers northeast from Puerto Paez and eventually flows into the Paria Gulf of the Caribbean Sea.

Many regions in the Orinoco River basin preserve ancient pristine landscapes, offering beautiful scenery and making it a famous tourist destination.

Orinoco
Reasons to visit: One of the most important rivers in South America
Continent: South America
Country: Venezuela
State: Amazonas
City: Puerto Ayacucho