# Putumayo River

> tributary of the Amazon in South America

**Wikidata**: [Q213782](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q213782)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Putumayo_River)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/putumayo-river

## Summary
The Putumayo River is a tributary of the Amazon River in South America, originating in the Andes Mountains of Colombia and flowing through Ecuador before joining the Amazon in Brazil. It is part of the vast Amazon Basin, one of the world's largest drainage systems.

## Key Facts
- **Tributary of the Amazon River**: The Putumayo River flows into the Amazon River in Brazil, contributing to the world's largest river system by volume.
- **Source in Colombia**: The river originates in the Andes Mountains of Colombia, specifically in the department of Putumayo.
- **Flows through Ecuador**: After leaving Colombia, the Putumayo River passes through Ecuador before entering Brazil.
- **Coordinates**: The river's approximate coordinates are latitude -3.135, longitude -67.9741.
- **Aliases**: Also known as the Içá River and Río Putumayo.
- **Wikidata Description**: Officially recognized as a tributary of the Amazon in South America.
- **Sitelink Count**: Has 50 associated Wikipedia sitelinks, indicating widespread recognition across language editions.

## FAQs
**What countries does the Putumayo River flow through?**
The Putumayo River originates in Colombia, flows through Ecuador, and eventually joins the Amazon River in Brazil.

**How does the Putumayo River contribute to the Amazon Basin?**
As a major tributary, the Putumayo River significantly increases the Amazon's water volume and supports its vast ecosystem.

**What are the Putumayo River's alternative names?**
The river is also known as the Içá River and Río Putumayo.

**Where does the Putumayo River originate?**
The river begins in the Andes Mountains of Colombia, specifically in the department of Putumayo.

**What is the Putumayo River's role in the Amazon River system?**
The Putumayo River is one of the Amazon's largest tributaries, playing a crucial role in its hydrology and biodiversity.

## Why It Matters
The Putumayo River is integral to the Amazon Basin, the world's largest tropical rainforest and river system. As a major tributary, it contributes to the Amazon's vast water volume and supports its diverse ecosystems, which are home to an estimated 10% of the world's known species. The river's flow through Colombia, Ecuador, and Brazil connects these countries' landscapes and economies, facilitating trade, transportation, and ecological exchange. Its significance extends to global climate regulation, as the Amazon plays a critical role in carbon sequestration and maintaining Earth's atmospheric balance. Additionally, the river supports indigenous communities and local economies through fishing, agriculture, and tourism, making it a vital natural and cultural resource.

## Notable For
- **Major Tributary of the Amazon**: One of the Amazon's largest and most significant tributaries by volume.
- **Cross-Border Flow**: Connects Colombia, Ecuador, and Brazil, linking their ecosystems and economies.
- **Ecological Importance**: Supports the Amazon's biodiversity, including numerous endemic species.
- **Hydrological Role**: Contributes to the Amazon's vast water system, influencing regional climate and weather patterns.
- **Cultural Significance**: Supports indigenous communities and local livelihoods through fishing, agriculture, and tourism.
- **Scientific Interest**: Studied for its role in global carbon cycles and climate regulation.

## Body

### Geography and Flow
The Putumayo River originates in the Andes Mountains of Colombia, specifically in the department of Putumayo. It flows through the rugged terrain of the Andes before entering Ecuador, where it continues its journey through diverse landscapes. The river eventually crosses into Brazil, where it merges with the Amazon River, contributing to the world's largest river system by volume. The Putumayo River's coordinates are approximately latitude -3.135, longitude -67.9741, marking its starting point in Colombia.

### Hydrology and Ecosystem
As a major tributary of the Amazon, the Putumayo River plays a crucial role in the Amazon Basin's hydrology. Its waters support the Amazon's vast ecosystem, which is home to an estimated 10% of the world's known species. The river's flow through Colombia, Ecuador, and Brazil connects these countries' landscapes, facilitating ecological exchange and biodiversity conservation. The Putumayo River's significance extends to global climate regulation, as the Amazon plays a critical role in carbon sequestration and maintaining Earth's atmospheric balance.

### Economic and Cultural Impact
The Putumayo River supports local economies through fishing, agriculture, and tourism. Indigenous communities along the river rely on its resources for livelihoods, while the river's flow also supports regional trade and transportation. The river's cultural significance is reflected in its alternative names, including the Içá River and Río Putumayo, which highlight its importance to the communities that inhabit its banks.

### Scientific and Environmental Significance
The Putumayo River is a subject of scientific interest due to its role in global carbon cycles and climate regulation. Researchers study the river's contribution to the Amazon's vast water system and its impact on regional climate and weather patterns. The river's ecological importance is further underscored by its status as a major tributary of the Amazon, one of the world's largest and most biodiverse river systems.

### Related Entities
The Putumayo River's flow connects several key countries and entities:
- **Colombia**: The river originates in the Andes Mountains of Colombia, specifically in the department of Putumayo.
- **Ecuador**: The Putumayo River passes through Ecuador before entering Brazil.
- **Brazil**: The river joins the Amazon River in Brazil, contributing to the world's largest river system by volume.
- **Amazon River**: The Putumayo River is a major tributary of the Amazon, playing a crucial role in its hydrology and biodiversity.

### Technical Identifiers
The Putumayo River is recognized by various technical identifiers:
- **Coordinates**: Latitude -3.135, longitude -67.9741.
- **Aliases**: Içá River, Río Putumayo.
- **Wikidata Description**: Tributary of the Amazon in South America.
- **Sitelink Count**: 50 associated Wikipedia sitelinks.

### Historical and Cultural Context
The Putumayo River has been historically significant to the indigenous communities that inhabit its banks. Its waters have supported local livelihoods for generations, and its cultural significance is reflected in its alternative names and the traditions of the communities that rely on it. The river's flow through Colombia, Ecuador, and Brazil has also facilitated trade and transportation, connecting these regions' economies and cultures.

## References

1. Virtual International Authority File
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
3. GeoNames