EL CERRITO
Department
Valle del Cauca, Colombia
Flag of the city
The flag of the city has three colours: Yellow, blue, and green, arranged horizontally below each other.
Seal of the city
Slogan of the city
The slogan “Peace and Virtue” for El Cerrito emphasizes the town’s commitment to fostering a peaceful and virtuous community. It suggests a place where residents value harmony, tranquility, and moral integrity. This slogan reflects the town’s aspirations for a positive and ethical environment, promoting values that contribute to the well-being and quality of life for its inhabitants.
History
El Cerrito has a rich history shaped by Spanish conquest and the establishment of settlements in the territory once inhabited by the Native Pijaos. Led by Sebastián de Belalcázar, European forces conquered the region, subduing the Pijaos under the command of cacique Calarcá. An intriguing figure from this era is Maria Luisa de la Espada, born in Canton Buga. A Spaniard’s daughter, she inherited the family’s trust and created a captivating story and legend. Her legacy attracts tourists to explore the roads leading to the district of Tenerife, where many houses and the ruins of her castle can be found. In the Guazábara region, Captain Gregorio de Astigarreta established the hacienda San Jerónimo de los Ingenios, placed under Guacari county’s jurisdiction. In 1797, the village was settled here. Originally part of Pantanillo county, it was created by the Cabildo of Cali between the rivers Las Guabas and Nima. In 1821, it was transferred to the Canton of Buga and later moved to the land donated by Petrona and Sebastiana Cárdenas. The first Mass in the area, named San Jerónimo, was offered by Father Manuel José Guzmán on August 30, 1825. In honor of this priest, Ordinance No. 21 of October 14, 1854, declared the creation of a district named Guzmán. Upgraded to a municipal district by the Ordinance of August 30, 1864, the area was officially named El Cerrito.
Geography of the city
El Cerrito is situated on a plain adjacent to the river that shares its name, nestled on the western slope of the Cordillera Central. Positioned between 1°13′ to 2° West longitude and 4° to 5° North latitude, the city sits at an elevation of 987 meters above sea level, experiencing an average temperature of 24 °C. The topography of El Cerrito encompasses two distinct areas. The first is the mountainous western side of the Cordillera Central, boasting notable peaks such as Paramo de las Hermosas (3,500 meters high), Cerro Pan de Azúcar, and El Alto de la Cruz. The second area is characterized by flat or gently undulating terrain, belonging to the valley of the Cauca River. The municipality spans thermal floors ranging from warm to semi-cold and wilderness. El Cerrito’s hydrography is defined by significant water bodies, including the rivers Amaime, Cauca, Cerrito, and Sabaletas, along with numerous creeks, smaller streams, and the lagoon Three Americas. This diverse geography contributes to the city’s environmental richness and varied landscapes.
Population
Municipality and town – 56,470 (2018 census)
Urban – 35,977 (2018 census)
One photo representative of the city
Etymology
The name “El Cerrito” is of Spanish origin, translating literally into English as “The Small Hill.” This nomenclature refers to the hill where the population is situated, emphasizing a prominent massif in the Colombian Andes Region. The etymology reflects the geographical features of the area, highlighting a distinctive hill that characterizes the landscape of El Cerrito.
The nickname “Ciudad Cariño” for El Cerrito translates to “City of Affection” in English. This affectionate moniker reflects the warm and welcoming nature of the town’s residents, highlighting the strong sense of community and friendliness that characterizes El Cerrito. The nickname suggests a place where people treat each other with care and kindness, contributing to the town’s reputation as a friendly and inviting community.
What the city is known or famous for
El Cerrito is renowned for being home to the hacienda “El Paraíso,” where the renowned Colombian writer Jorge Isaacs lived and set his iconic novel “María.” This cultural and historical landmark adds to the town’s significance, attracting literary enthusiasts and those interested in exploring the connection between Isaacs’ life and his literary masterpiece.
El Cerrito is known for its historical significance tied to the Spanish conquest era. It has a rich cultural heritage, with landmarks such as the ruins of Maria Luisa de la Espada’s castle attracting tourists interested in the area’s colonial history. Additionally, the town is situated on a plain by the river, offering scenic views of the Cordillera Central’s western slope and contributing to its appeal as a tourist destination.