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.
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