It is one of the main tributaries of the upper course of the Magdalena River

In ancient times, it was known as the Fusagasugá River, with a length of 200 km. The lower reaches of the Fusagasugá River become the Sumapaz after the confluence of the Chocho and Cuja. The river and its tributaries, the Gobernador, Bejucal, San Juan, Negro, Guavio, Batán, Juan Viejo, Corrales, Bosque, Colorado, Barroblanco, Subia or Chocho, Panches and Pagüey all originate in the Sumapaz and San Fortunato páramos, apart