title: Pacific/Chocó natural region
text: # Pacific/Chocó natural region
  
  The Pacific/Chocó region is one of the five major natural regions of Colombia. Ecologically, this region belongs entirely to the Chocó Biogeographic Region and is considered a biodiversity hotspot. It also has areas with the highest rainfall in the world, with areas near Quibdo, Chocó reaching up to 13,000 mm (510 in) annually.
  
  ## Biogeographical subregions
  
  The Pacific region is bordered by the Pacific Ocean to the west and the West Andes to the east. To the north is the Darién Gap and the Serranía del Darién at the border with Panamá. The area is mostly flat and covered by dense rainforest, rivers, swamps, and mangroves. The Baudó Mountains are a small, isolated range in this area along the coast. Gorgona Island is located off the southwest coast.
  
  Politically, the region is within the following Colombian departments: Chocó, Valle del Cauca, Cauca and Nariño.
  
  ### Rivers
  
  From north to south the main rivers are the Atrato, San Juan, Calima, Dagua, Anchicayá, Sanquianga.
  
  ## Biodiversity
  
  This region has the distinction of being one of the most biodiverse areas on the planet.
  
  ## Protected areas
  
  * PNN Los Katíos: along the border with Panamá between the Atrato Swamp and the Serranía de Darién.
  * PNN Ensenada de Utria
  * PNN Uramba Bahía Málaga
  * PNN Isla Gorgona
  * PNN Sanquianga: area of mangroves south of Guapí
  * SFF Malpelo
  