The Chicamocha River Canyon

Abstract

In the Bucaramanga region, the Oriental Cordillera shows a very peculiar relief consisting of mesas separated by deep and abrupt canyons cut in sedimentary and crystalline rocks. These landscapes are underlined by the sub-arid climate which characterizes these steep valleys, often lacking vegetation cover. These contrasted life zones and geomorphological evolution experienced by the region make it an interesting place both for earth scientists and tourists. The recent installation of a cable car which crosses the canyon contributes to its attractiveness as a scenic place.