Major tributaries include the Roble, Consota, Barbas, Espejo and Pijao rivers.

The river basin has an area of 2,925 square kilometres (1,129 sq mi) and includes the entire department of Quindío.

Although Cartago is the only major urban area situated directly on the river, the cities of Armenia and Pereira are located in its watershed.

La Vieja has significant contamination problems, primarily due to inadequate wastewater treatment in its watershed.

Corporación Autónoma Regional del Quindío (2005), Proyecto Ordenacion y Manejo de la Cuenca del Río La Vieja[permanent dead link‍] (in Spanish)