Introduction: The occlusal alterations are a frequent problem in the primary dentition, their identification from early age, allow to recognize variations in the normal characteristics, which can influence the development of permanent occlusion. Objective: to establish the occlusal characteristics in primary dentition, in children 5-year-old of Andes municipality, Colombia . Materials and methods: One hundred twenty five children were evaluated by a clinical visual inspection of the relationship between the dental components. Prevalence for each occlusal characteristic was calculated and the combined frequencies of alterations were also estimated. Results: Class I canine relationship in 84% and Class II in 12% were found. The horizontal and vertical overbite were normal in 60.8% and 58.4% respectively, and 6.4% had posterior cross bite. None occlusal alteration was found in 48.8% of children; while 3.2% had alteration in the four occlusal characteristics evaluated. There were no statistically significant differences in occlusal characteristics by sex. Conclusion: The presence of occlusal alterations, in a greater proportion than the national average, requires implementing in the municipality actions for its detection and treatment that contribute to adequate craniofacial growth and development.