Cartago (Spanish pronunciation: [kaɾˈtaɣo]) is a city in southwestern Colombia, about 187 miles (301 km) west of Bogotá. It is in the extreme northern portion of the Valle del Cauca. It is located very close to the city of Pereira, Risaralda about a 20-minute drive. It is the sixth largest city in Valle after Cali, Palmira, Buenaventura, Tuluá and Jamundí.[1] Per the 2018 Colombian census, Cartago's population was 142,902.[2][3][4]
Cartago | |
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Municipality and city | |
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Cartago Location in Colombia | |
Coordinates: 4°42′N 75°55′W / 4.700°N 75.917°W | |
Country | Colombia |
Department | Valle del Cauca Department |
Founded | 1540 |
Area | |
• Total | 279 km2 (108 sq mi) |
Elevation | 917 m (3,009 ft) |
Population (2023 est.) | |
• Total | 142,902 |
• Density | 510/km2 (1,300/sq mi) |
Demonym | Cartagüeño |
Time zone | UTC-5 (Colombia Standard Time) |
Area code | 57 + 2 |
Climate | Af |
Website | cartago.gov.co (in Spanish) |
Cartago features warm weather with an average of 24°C, Over the course of the year, the temperature typically varies from 20°C (67°F) to 29°C (84°F) and is rarely below 19°C (66°F) or above 31°C (88°F).[5] The city is home to multiple farmhouses and farm owners, recreational sites, discos and condos frequented by people coming from Pereira.
The University of Valle has a branch campus in Cartago. The main Universidad del Valle campus is based in Cali, the department capital. The Cartago branch campus address is located at Calle 10 N° 19–05. Private institutions include the Instituto Técnico Colombiano, INTEC Cartago and Sena Institute.
Artesanías (handcrafted products) are sold in several roadside shop in the city.
An 1856 watercolor of a Castizo couple in a roadside shop by Manuel María Paz is an early depiction of Cartago.[6] Afro Colombians also resided in the town at that time.[7]
Festivals include:
4°42′N 75°55′W / 4.700°N 75.917°W