Tuluá, 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, as La Villa de Céspedes and Tierra Fácil. It is well known throughout Colombia and many parts of South America as a major center of salsa dancing.
Geography
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 ofBuenaventura, 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.
Crime
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. 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.
Education
The University of Valle has a branch campus in Tuluá. The main campus is based in Cali, the department's capital. UCEVA 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 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.
Places of interest
Botanical garden called Juan María Céspedes in Mateguadua village. Chillicote lake is famous for its herons. The soccer stadium12 de Octubre has a capacity of 17,000. It is used by the localsoccer teamCortuluá, which plays in the Colombian first division. Guadua Park Bamboo and heliconias, 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 It offers a great kiddie pool and adult pool area, restaurant, shelters and play area. Civic Plaza Boyaca The Tuluá Festival 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".
