Cali
Capital of Valle del Cauca and major Colombian sporting center.
Santiago de Cali, commonly known as Cali, is the capital of the Valle del Cauca department and the most populous city in southwest Colombia. With an estimated population of around 2.3 million residents as of 2026, it ranks as the third most populous city in the country and the second largest by area. The city serves as the primary urban and economic hub for southern Colombia and boasts one of the nation’s fastest-growing economies. Founded on 25 July 1536 by Spanish explorer Sebastián de Belalcázar, the city was originally sited a few kilometers north of its present location before being moved to its current site in 1537 under the orders of Belalcázar. The name "Cali" is a shortened form of the official name Santiago de Cali; "Santiago" honors Saint James, whose feast day coincides with the founding date, while "Cali" derives from the local Calima indigenous people. Before Spanish arrival, the region was inhabited by Cariban-speaking tribes such as the Gorrones and Jamundíes, who resisted the invaders with poisoned weapons before being subdued. During the colonial period, Cali was part of the gobernación of Popayán and remained a small town centered on haciendas dedicated to cattle and sugar cane, with a population of 6,548 in 1793, including over a thousand enslaved Africans. The city played an early role in independence, forming its own junta on 3 July 1810 and later joining the Confederated cities of the Cauca Valley. Cali is also a major sporting center, having hosted the 1971 Pan American Games, the 2013 World Games, and several other international championships.
- Founder
- Sebastián de Belalcázar
- Country
- Colombia
- Department
- Valle del Cauca
- Population (2026 est.)
- 2.3 million
Lore & Background
Before the arrival of the Spaniards, the region was inhabited by indigenous tribes, mostly speakers of Cariban languages, including the Gorrones, Timbas, Jamundíes, and the tribe of chief Petecuy. Until the 18th century, most of the territory was occupied by haciendas, and the city was a small town near the Cali River. The city was founded on 25 July 1536 by the Spanish explorer Sebastián de Belalcázar, originally sited a few kilometres north of its present location near Vijes and Riofrío. Under Belalcázar’s orders, captain Miguel Muñoz moved the city to its current location in 1537, where the chaplain Brother Santos de Añasco celebrated mass at the site of the Church La Merced. During the colonial period, Santiago de Cali was part of the gobernación of Popayán, which belonged to Quito’s Audiencia. The city was strategically positioned for trade, centrally located relative to the mining regions of Antioquia, Chocó, and Popayán. The first trail for mules and horses connecting Cali to the port of Buenaventura was completed in the colonial era. By 1793, the city had 6,548 inhabitants, including 1,106 African slaves. The economy relied on haciendas devoted to stockbreeding and sugar cane, many of which later became modern city zones such as Cañaveralejo, Chipichape, and Meléndez. Cali is the capital of the Valle del Cauca department and the most populous city in southwest Colombia, with an estimated 2.3 million residents in 2026. It spans the second-largest urban area in the country and is the third most populous city. Cali serves as the main urban and economic center in southern Colombia, with one of the nation’s fastest-growing economies. It is also a major sporting hub, having hosted the 1971 Pan American Games, the 1992 World Wrestling Championships, the 2013 World Games, and several other international athletic events.
Reader's Guide
Cali, officially Santiago de Cali, is the capital of the Valle del Cauca department and the most populous city in southwest Colombia, with an estimated 2.3 million residents in 2026. Spanning a large area, it is the second-largest city in the country by area and the third most populous. As the main urban and economic hub in southern Colombia, it boasts one of the nation’s fastest-growing economies. Founded on 25 July 1536 by Spanish explorer Sebastián de Belalcázar, the city’s name derives from the local Calima Amerindians, while "Santiago" honors Saint James. Before Spanish arrival, the region was inhabited by Cariban-speaking tribes, including the Gorrones, who traded with the Quimbaya. Belalcázar, who had joined Francisco Pizarro in Peru, founded Cali outside the Inca Empire, claiming it as his own territory. The city was later moved to its present location in 1537 by captain Miguel Muñoz. During the colonial period, it was part of the gobernación of Popayán and was strategically positioned for trade with mining regions. In 1793, its population included 6,548 inhabitants, over 1,100 of whom were enslaved Africans. Cali played an early role in independence, forming a junta on 3 July 1810, predating Bogotá’s uprising by 17 days, and later joining the Confederated cities of the Cauca Valley. As a major sporting center, it hosted the 1971 Pan American Games, the 2013 World Games, and numerous other international championships.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cali?
Cali is a major city in southwestern Colombia whose full name is Santiago de Cali. It serves as the capital of the Valle del Cauca department and is the largest urban center in that region of the country.
Who founded Cali?
The city was established by the Spanish conquistador Sebastián de Belalcázar. His colonial settlement eventually grew into one of Colombia's most significant urban areas.
How many people live in Cali?
Cali's population is estimated at roughly 2.3 million as of 2026. That figure makes it the most populous city in southwest Colombia.
Where is Cali located?
Cali sits within the Valle del Cauca department in the southwestern part of Colombia. It functions as the administrative capital of that department.
What is Cali particularly known for?
Beyond its role as a departmental capital, Cali is widely recognized as a major sporting center in Colombia. The city carries significant weight in the country's competitive athletic landscape.
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