The Orinoco River

The Orinoco River is one of the longest rivers in South America. It flows through Venezuela and along the border with Colombia. The river is about 1,330 miles long. It passes through rainforests, grasslands, and one of the largest river deltas in the world.

The River's Journey

The Orinoco starts in the highlands of southern Venezuela. It flows in a big arc through the country. The river passes through flat grasslands called llanos. Near the coast, it forms a huge delta with many channels and islands before reaching the Atlantic Ocean.

Nature Along the Orinoco

The Orinoco is home to river dolphins, giant otters, and the Orinoco crocodile. Angel Falls, the world's tallest waterfall, is on a river that flows into the Orinoco. The river basin has thick rainforests and wide grasslands full of wildlife.

Fun Facts

• The Orinoco Delta covers about 16,000 square miles.
• A natural channel called the Casiquiare connects the Orinoco to the Amazon River system.
• The Orinoco crocodile is one of the rarest reptiles in the world.

Did You Know?

The Orinoco River is connected to the Amazon River through a natural waterway, so a fish could swim from one river system to the other!