The range extends from south to north dividing from the Colombian Massif in Cauca Department to the Serranía de San Lucas in Bolivar Departments.

Significant graphite resources exists in Cordillera Central in the form of graphite-bearing schists.

[2] The range is bounded by the Cauca and Magdalena river valleys to the west and east, respectively.

The Cauca Valley montane forests ecoregion covers the western slope of the range.

The Magdalena Valley montane forests cover the eastern slopes and the northern end of the cordillera.