Valle del Cauca Department
Valle del Cauca Department, Administrative department in western Colombia
Valle del Cauca is an administrative department in western Colombia that extends from Pacific coastal lowlands across the Andean mountain range to the upper valley of the Cauca River. The area covers approximately 22,000 square kilometers (8,500 square miles), with its capital in Cali and numerous smaller towns and villages scattered along river valleys and mountain slopes.
The department was created in 1910 by merging three earlier administrative regions centered around the towns of Cartago, Buga, and Cali. This decision followed political reforms aimed at reorganizing and strengthening Colombia's regional administration.
The region is shaped by sugarcane fields that have been cultivated for generations, influencing the rhythms of rural life. In small towns and at markets you can still see this agricultural tradition reflected in local food and customs tied to harvest seasons.
The area includes both Pacific coastal zones and Andean highland regions, so visitors should prepare for different climates and types of terrain. The capital Cali serves as a central point for orientation and onward travel to the various subregions.
The port town of Buenaventura on the Pacific coast is one of the busiest harbors in South America, handling several million tons of cargo each year, including large volumes of Colombian coffee. Despite its economic importance, the place remains largely overlooked by travelers and functions more as a transit point than a destination.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
Christ the King statue
55 km
Calima Lake
5.4 km
National Coffee Park
106.9 km
Hacienda El Paraíso
48.1 km
Cerro de Las Tres Cruces
50.2 km
El Gato del Rio
53.8 km
Ermita de Cali
53.4 km
Basílica del Señor de los Milagros, Buga
24.2 kmMonument to Sebastián de Belalcázar
54 km
Cali Zoo
54.2 km
Cali Tower
52.8 km
Farallones de Cali National Natural Park
77.5 km
Las Hermosas National Natural Park
77.1 km
Monumento a la Resistencia
58.3 km
La Tertulia Museum
53.9 km
Uramba Bahía Málaga National Natural Park
87.8 km
Statue of Benito Juárez in Cali
51.5 km
Iglesia de San Francisco, Cali
53.8 km
Plaza de Toros Cañaveralejo
58.3 km
Estadio Francisco Rivera Escobar
51 km
Parque Artesanal Loma de La Cruz
54.6 km
Centro Cultural de Cali
53.9 km
Biblioteca Departamental Jorge Garcés Borrero
55.4 km
Teatro Jorge Isaacs
53.5 km
Calima Gold Museum
53.8 km
Metropolitan Cathedral
53.7 km
Puente Ortiz
53.4 km
Museo arqueológico La Merced
53.8 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes