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About of
Valle del Cauca
4.65 million inhabitants
Vallecaucano
15ºC – 32ºC
GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT VALLE DEL CAUCA
Characteristics of the Valle del Cauca
Capital:
Santiago de Cali
Monument to Christ the King (Cali)
Consisting of a central valley along the Cauca River, two mountain ranges (the Central and Western Cordilleras) and the Pacific Ocean, this department, with more than 20,000 square kilometers, is home to a mosaic of ecosystems distributed in five National Natural Parks, moorlands, high Andean forests, coffee, tea and sugar cane plantations.
Within its geographic limits is a great variety of biomes that represent the main ecological provinces of northern South America, such as the Andes and the Biogeographic Chocó.
The department reaches more than 4,000 meters above sea level between the Western and Central mountain ranges, covering more than 25% of the biomes identified in Colombia. In addition, Malpelo Island is administratively part of Valle del Cauca, contributing significantly to its ecosystem diversity.
Although it represents only 1.9% of the national surface area, Valle del Cauca contains between 25% and 50% of the fauna species and nearly 11% of the flora species reported in Colombia.
History and Heritage
HISTORIOGRAPHY
2,000 B.C.
The first human settlement arrived in the lands of Valle del Cauca, when the indigenous communities of the Calima culture settled in the western mountain range.
Today we see traces of this civilization in the municipalities of Restrepo, Yotoco and Calima-El Darien. These indigenous groups showed significant resistance to the invasion of their lands by the conquistadors.
History and Heritage
HISTORIOGRAPHY
1536
Foundation of Santiago de Cali. Later, the municipalities of Buenaventura in 1539, Cartago in 1540, Toro in 1546 and Buga in 1555 were founded.
The department of Valle del Cauca is the result of the union of the provinces of Cali and Buga, and takes its name from the Cauca River that crosses its fertile valley from south to north.
History and Heritage
HISTORIOGRAPHY
1907
Through personal letters, the creation of Valle del Cauca was promoted by the doctor, philanthropist and journalist Ignacio Palau Valenzuela.
Classified as a troublemaker and unpatriotic, Dr. Palau was subjected to persecution by the government and ordered to be confined in Mocoa.
History and Heritage
HISTORIOGRAPHY
1910
April 13, 1910: The Colombian territory is divided into thirteen departments.
2,000 B.C.
1536
1907
1910
Biodiversity
UNIQUE EXPERIENCES
Valle del Cauca’s biodiversity is one of the richest and most varied in Colombia. Located between the Western and Central Cordillera, the region’s ecosystems range from humid forests and mangroves to paramos and tropical rainforests.
These habitats are home to thousands of species of flora and fauna, many of them endemic and endangered. In addition, their biological diversity is key to climate regulation, the protection of water resources and the livelihoods of local communities that depend on these ecosystems.
Gastronomy
UNIQUE EXPERIENCES
From the most elaborate casseroles to the simplest juice, the Valley’s cuisine, a living memory of high tradition, is utterly delicious and ingeniously recursive.
Its flavors, textures and combinations have resulted in an unmistakable culinary identity recognized in Colombia, as evidenced by its sancochos, atollados de arroz, lulada, pandebono, aborrajado, chontaduro, champús, marranitas, mango viche, manjarblanco, among many other delicacies.
Art and Culture
UNIQUE EXPERIENCES
The culture of Valle del Cauca is the result of a long history, many changes and a special mix between the races and customs of the pre-Hispanic Indians, African slaves and Spanish settlers. During the year there are about between fairs, commemorations, sacred festivals and festivals, with representation from other departments linked to the annual program of Valle del Cauca that revolves around music and folklore.
In the Valley, people live by and for salsa. This rhythm, which arrived in Cali through the cargo ships that arrived in Buenaventura, is today an amalgam of a series of musical styles from Central America, such as swing, mambo, Cuban son and chachachá, styles that were very well received by the people of Valle del Cauca and adopted them as their own.
Sports
UNIQUE EXPERIENCES
Valle del Cauca is a reference in sports in Colombia, standing out for its extensive infrastructure and the talent of its athletes. The region has produced elite athletes in disciplines such as athletics, swimming, cycling and skating, who have achieved national and international recognition.
Cali, its capital, is known as the “sports capital of the Americas” and has hosted major sporting events, including the Pan American Games and the World Games. The sports culture is deeply rooted in the people of Valle del Cauca, fostering the formation of new generations and promoting an active lifestyle throughout the region.
DESTINATIONS IN VALLE DEL CAUCA
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