The Cauto River or Río Cauto is the longest river in Cuba, as well as the longest river in the Caribbean.[1] Located in the southeast of the island, it is one of two navigable rivers in Cuba, the other being the Sagua la Grande River.

Cauto River
Rio Cauto near Guamo Embarcadero
Cauto River is located in Cuba
Cauto River
Location of mouth
Location
Country Cuba
Physical characteristics
Source 
  locationSierra Maestra
  elevation600 m (1,969 ft)
MouthCaribbean Sea
  location
Gulf of Guacanayabo
  coordinates
20°32′57″N 77°14′30″W / 20.54917°N 77.24167°W / 20.54917; -77.24167
  elevation
Sea level
Length230 mi (370 km)
Basin size
8,928 km2 (3,447 sq mi)

Overview

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The Cauto flows for 343 km (213 mi) from the Sierra Maestra to the west and north-west, and enters the Caribbean Sea north of Manzanillo. However, it provides only 110 km (70 mi) of navigable waterway. A 2013 study led by multiple Cuban academic institutions determined that the river could be 'classified as unpolluted to moderately polluted'.[2]

It flows through the provinces of Santiago de Cuba, Holguin, and Granma. The communities of Palma Soriano, Cauto Cristo, and Rio Cauto are located along the river. Rice, sugarcane, tobacco, and cattle are the primary agricultural beneficiaries along its course.

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References

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  1. "Caribbean Geography". World Atlas. Archived from the original on 2011-04-30. Retrieved 2021-06-09.
  2. "Contamination assessment of heavy metal in surface sediments of the Cauto River (Cuba)". Proceedings of XIV Workshop on Nuclear Physics VIII International Symposium on Nuclear and Related Techniques WONP-NURT 2013 via INIS.
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