Cali - City of Colombia

Santiago de Cali often shortened to Cali, is the main city and capital of the Valle del Cauca, a department in western Colombia, also known as the Pacific Region. It is a magnet and a catalyst inside Colombia because of its industrial and commercial development, and has one of the fastest growing economies in the country because of its geographical location. Cali was founded on July 25, 1536 by the Spanish conqueror Sebastián de Belalcázar.

Before the arrival of the Spaniards, the current region of Cali was inhabited by many indigenous tribes, mostly speakers of Cariban languages. In the region between the Cauca River and the Western Cordillera, the Gorrones were established between the present day Roldanillo and Cali. The biggest town of the Morrones was sited on the River Pescador near the present day towns of Zarzal and Bugalagrande. Although cannibals, the Morrones traded with the Quimbayas who inhabited the north of the Valle del Cauca.

Cali was important for Belalcázar because it was beyond the Inca empire. After the capture and execution of the Inca Atahualpa at Cajamarca, Francisco Pizarro had sent Belalcázar to take possession of Guayaquil and Quito on his behalf, but Cali, being beyond the Quechua empire, was claimed by Belalcazar as his own territory. After his death, his descendants maintained possession of much of the land until the war of independence against Spain.

The city was surrounded by mango plantations, pastures and communal lands that were transferred from the Spanish Crown to the impoverished class. From the market gardens on these lends the city was supplied in food resources. The economy was based mainly on livestock, sugar cane, beef, panela, a sugar derivative, cheese and the gold mines from the Pacific; there were also a small growing industrialization sector of the economy.

The local climate is semi-tropical as the Western Mountain Range screens the flow of humidity from the Pacific coast towards the interior of the country. In the afternoons Cali enjoys a fresh cross breeze that originates in the west and blows east.

Due to its proximity to the equator there are no major seasonal variations. However, locals refer to the dry season as the city's "summer" period and call the rainy season "winter." There are typically two rainy seasons: from April to May and from October to November. Regardless, rain can be expected to fall at any point during the year nourishing the city's permanent green and lush vegetation.

Santiago de Cali offers historical areas with cultural variety and other attractions. In downtown Cali, you can find many historical churches like La Merced and La Ermita. Cali contains a well preserved Historical center, the most important zone is La plaza de Caycedo, considered the center of the city, which is a square surrounded by many historical and modern buildings like El edificio Otero, La Catedral and El Palacio de Justicia; This plaza is very close to other touristic places, like The Saint Francis church , the municipal theater and La Merced church.

There is a variety of nightclubs and restaurants. In the city you can find whole districts dedicated to tourism, for example Granada, one of the most traditional districts in Cali, full of gourmet restaurants, fashion stores and boutiques. Another spot to visit is "La sexta" is the 6th street .All type of nightclubs are there, also restaurants and hotels; is usually called as "zona rosa" or pink zone, and is located in the north very close to Chipichape mall.

Universidad Autonoma de Occidente. Founded in 1975, this private institution has more than 7 400 students.
Pontifica Universidad Javeriana. Founded in 1970, is a private institution with more than 5 200 stundents. Has a mayor library with more than 36 000 books printed.
Universidad ICESI.Founded in 1979, is a private institution that offers undergraduates programs, specialization and masters. Has more than 2 950 students and a library with more than 30 000 books.
Universidad de San Buenaventura.
Universidad Libre.

La Manzana del Saber
Is today the most important educational project in cali, is located in south cali. There is already a Science Museum and a public library, the project is going to build a new museum called "Abrakadabra" and a investigation center. The project is in construction phase, the demolition of a whole block of the city will be undertaken to build the complex.

Casa de la cultura Proartes. Since 1871 this house has been a great influence in the culture in cali. The building was restored on 1991 and it contains exhibition saloons, scenarios and a cinema.
Centro cultural de Cali. Since 1997 it is considered the cultural center in the city and headquarters of the Municipal secretaries of truism and culture.