a river in eastern Brazil. Length, 1,030 km; basin area, approximately 73,000 sq km. It rises in the Serra do Espinhaqo and flows along the Brazilian Highlands, forming many rapids and waterfalls (for example, Salto Grande). The Jequitinhonha discharges into the Atlantic Ocean. The river is fed by rain; its waters are at their highest from December to March. The average discharge is 490 cu m per sec. The lower course of the Jequitinhonha is navigable for 100 km.