From the headwaters to an elevation of about 2,500 metres (8,200 ft) above sea level, the Chama runs as a steep mountain torrent.

Near the town of Ejido, the Albarregas river joins the Chama, dumping all the pollutants from the city of Mérida and thus reaching its peak of contamination.

Near the town of Estanques, the river enters an approximately 19-kilometre (12 mi) long canyon, characterized by being steep and narrow.

This canyon is mostly tropical, providing a natural scenery that contrasts with the Andean set up that mostly characterizes the river.

In the final, short, section of the river, the Chama enters into the state of Zulia and reaches Maracaibo Lake.