Apure

Apure, river in west central Venezuela, formed by the junction of the Sarare and Uribante rivers. The Apure generally flows east across a region of level plains and empties into the Orinoco River after a course of 819 km (509 mi). Steamers can navigate the river for about 480 km (about 300 mi), passing through trading points such as San Fernando de Apure and Puerto de Nutrias.

Vast grasslands and grazing cattle herds flank the river as it traverses the Llanos (plains) of western Venezuela before merging with the Orinoco River near the southernmost tip of Aquaro-Guariquito National Park. Because of the low elevation of the plains, many areas along the course of the Apure are flood-prone during the rainiest months, usually May through December.