Vaupés Department

Vaupés is an administrative region covered by Amazon rainforest with many rivers that serve as natural transportation routes across the territory. These waterways connect scattered settlements and are essential to how the area functions.

The territory was first a commissary before becoming an official department in 1991 after the country adopted a new constitution. This change gave the region greater autonomy and administrative recognition.

Multiple indigenous communities live here, including the Tucano people, who speak their own languages and practice traditions that shape how they live and interact with the land.

Travel here happens mainly by boat or plane since roads between settlements are scarce. Visitors should prepare for basic conditions and plan flexible schedules.

The region has only about 0.75 inhabitants per square kilometer, making it the least populated department in the country. This sparse settlement pattern is unusual for an official administrative region.

Location: Colombia

Inception: 1991

Capital city: Mitú

Elevation above the sea: 293 m

Reference: VAU

Shares border with: Guainía Department, Guaviare Department, Caquetá Department, Amazonas Department, Amazonas

Website: http://vaupes.gov.co

GPS coordinates: 0.55000,-70.55000

Latest update: December 14, 2025 19:06