Cúcuta, Border city in Norte de Santander Department, Colombia
Cúcuta is a border city in Norte de Santander Department, Colombia, located at 320 meters altitude in the eastern cordillera of the Andes. The settlement spreads across a flat valley surrounded by low mountains and is crossed by the Pamplonita River.
The settlement was officially founded in 1773 after earlier villages were destroyed by earthquakes. In 1821 a congress gathered here to establish Gran Colombia as an independent nation.
The name derives from an indigenous word referring to a local plant species. Along the streets, restaurants serve regional dishes such as cabrito and hayacas while vallenato rhythms drift from shop doorways.
The climate remains warm and dry throughout the year, with temperatures ranging from 24 to 32 degrees Celsius (75 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit). Camilo Daza International Airport offers regular connections to major Colombian cities, while long-distance buses reach the capital and other centers.
A free trade zone at the frontier allows goods to move under special tax arrangements. This economic status draws merchants and buyers from both countries who conduct transactions under more favorable conditions.
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