Tuluá

Tuluá (Spanish pronunciation: [tu.lu.ˈä]), is a city located in the heart of Valle del Cauca, Colombia. A major industrial and commercial center, it is the region's fourth-largest city after Cali—the department capital—Buenaventura and Palmira. Founded around 1741 by Juan de Lemos y Aguirre, it has a population of approximately 220,000. It is also known as the Corazón del Valle (meaning 'The Heart of Valle'), as La Villa de Céspedes ('Town of Céspedes', named after the naturalist Juan María Céspedes) and Tierra Fácil ('Easy Land' in the native language).

Tuluá
Municipality and town
Tuluá in May 2008
Flag
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Location of the municipality and town of Tuluá in the Valle del Cauca Department of Colombia.
Tuluá
Location in Colombia
Coordinates: 4°05′N 76°12′W
Country Colombia
DepartmentValle del Cauca Department
Founded1639
Government
 • MayorGustavo Adolfo Velez Roman (2016-2019)
Area
 • Total910.55 km2 (351.57 sq mi)
Elevation
960 m (3,150 ft)
Population
 (2019 est.[1])
 • Total221,684
 • Density240/km2 (630/sq mi)
Demonym(s)Tulueño
Time zoneUTC-5 (Colombia Standard Time)
Area code(s)57 + 2
WebsiteOfficial website (in Spanish)

It is well known throughout Colombia and many parts of South America as a major center of salsa dancing.

Geography
Landscape in Tuluá.

The Tuluá River runs through Tuluá's urban area. The city is located 269 miles from Bogotá, the capital of Colombia, 63 miles northeast of Cali and 108 miles from the important harbor city of Buenaventura, which lies on the coast of the Pacific Ocean. Although it has a relatively small urban area, Tuluá's metropolitan area is comparatively big. The city lies between the two westernmost cordilleras of Colombia, about 50 miles east of Buenaventura.

Climate

Located just three degrees north of the equator, the weather in Tuluá is very tropical, with hot, sunny days punctuated by intense storms. Temperatures average 28 degrees Celsius and above. However, the nights are cool. Thanks to the diverse climate, a lot of different vegetables and fruit can be grown in Tuluá.

Tuluá River

Crime
Tuluá in the night

Crime is a big problem in Tuluá. According to press reports there have been several massacres in the city in 2010 and 2011, with gunmen using automatic rifles to fire indiscriminately at crowds of people.[2] The surge in murders is allegedly due to rivaling paramilitary gangs Los Urabeños and Los Rastrojos fighting for control of the city's lucrative drug trade.[3]

Education

The University of Valle has a branch campus in Tuluá. The main campus is based in Cali, the department's capital. UCEVA (the Central University of Valle del Cauca) has its main campus in the city.

Transportation

The closest airport is Cali's international airport—which in fact is in Palmira—Alfonso Bonilla Aragón International Airport (CLO) or Palmaseca. Nine airlines provide service for the airport, including American Airlines, AeroRepública and Avianca, Colombia's largest airline. Tuluá also has a regional airport, Heriberto Gíl Martínez Airport (ULQ).

Places of interest

Botanical garden (Jardin Botánico) called Juan María Céspedes in Mateguadua village. Chillicote lake is famous for its herons. The soccer stadium 12 de Octubre has a capacity of 17,000. It is used by the local soccer team Cortuluá, which plays in the Colombian first division.

Guadua Park (Parque de la Guadua) Bamboo and heliconias (plants often mistaken for birds-of-paradise), nature trails , a waterfall, and natural pools of warm water are some of the attractions at the Guillermo Ponce de León Paris Guadua Park in Tuluá. This 12.5-acre site is overflowing with greenery; visitors can also enjoy a large playground with their children. Sarmiento Lora Park (Parque Sarmiento Lora) It offers a great kiddie pool (complete with little water slides) and adult pool area, restaurant, shelters and play area. Civic Plaza Boyaca (Plaza Civica Boyaca)

The Tuluá Festival (Feria de Tuluá) takes place every June in the second or third week. Music plays an important role with bands, artists and singers performing. A music performance is held every night.

Gastronomy

There is a variety of menus and typical meals at very low cost in Tuluá. Some famous beverages are the Chicha de maíz, Masato and Champús. Typical foods include "Sancocho", "Marranitas", "Empanadas", "Arepas con todo", "Arepa de choclo", "Pandebono", "Tamal", etc. This includes such desserts as "Manjarblanco", "Natilla" and "Trasnochado" (maize, cheese, yucca and arracacha).

Famous locals

References
  1. "Resultados y proyecciones (2005-2020) del censo 2005" (in Spanish). Retrieved 1 July 2019.
  2. "Wave of violence hits Toluá (sic)". Colombia Reports. Retrieved 13 January 2011.
  3. "Racha de homicidios mantiene en alerta a Tuluá". Elpais.com.co. Retrieved 13 January 2011.

Media related to Tuluá at Wikimedia Commons

  • Major's Official Website:
  • Estación de radio virtual online www.futturo.org e-Radio desde Tuluá Colombia
  • Entertainment Website (Iosfera):
  • Entertainment Website (Mastulua):
  • Tulua's Fair Official Website:
  • Information Website about Tulua's Fair on Iosfera:
  • Information Website about Tulua's (News, Events, Photos) on Iosfera:
  • Information Website about Tulua's (News) on Revista independiente:
  • Information Website about Tulua's Fair on Mastulua:
  • Information Website about Cortuluá:
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