Valle del Cauca, Colombia

Darién Calima, the Switzerland of Colombia

Founded on August 1, 1907 1,154 m above sea level Climate Humid tropical
Advertisement

Darién Calima, the Switzerland of Colombia

Darién Calima is a municipality in the department of Valle del Cauca, whose name «Calima» refers to the fog, and it is the third-largest municipality by surface area in the Valle, after Buenaventura and Dagua. The main economic activities of this municipality are livestock farming and agriculture, growing tomato, bell pepper, cassava, banana, corn, coffee, panela cane, and beans. In addition, this municipality has become one of the country’s leading tourist destinations, with Lake Calima (lago Calima) as its main attraction. It is one of the municipalities with the third-fastest winds in the world and the fastest in Colombia year-round, which is why national and international windsurfing and sailing championships are held here. It comprises the Bravo River and Calima River basins, with most of the Cerbatana mountain range.

Learn more about Lake Calima

Other names Suiza de Colombia (Switzerland of Colombia)

Gallery of Darién Calima, the Switzerland of Colombia

Population
15,763 inhabitants
Climate
Humid tropical
Altitude
1,154 m above sea level
Founded
August 1, 1907

Local food

What you can't leave without trying

Appetizers, snacks and fruits
Pandeyuca Empanadas Aborrajado Pandebono Marranitas Tostadas de plátano Chontaduro (con sal y/o miel) Mango biche
Main dishes
Sopa de maíz (corn soup) Sancocho de gallina Tamal valluno Arroz atollado
Beverages
Lulada Cholado Borojó juice Champús Masato
Desserts and sweets
Manjar blanco bugueño Colaciones Biscochuelos Melado Dulces de brevas Bocadillo de guayaba Dulce cortado Desamargado Alfeñiques Moscorrofios Melcochas
Advertisement

Tourism in Darién Calima, the Switzerland of Colombia

6 ways to explore the city. Open each category for details.

Museums +
Museo Arqueológico Calima
Ecotourism +
Cascada de María Luisa, lago Calima
Lookout +
Mirador de Tribunas
Camping at Lake Calima +
Camping Ecoparque Vayjú, camping Berlín
Swimming spots +
Balneario Campestre Heidy, balneario Campestre Santorini, centro Recreativo Comfandi El Lago
Hotels +
Hotel Campestre Santorini, hotel Campestre Heidy, cabañas El Manantial

Fairs and festivals of Darién Calima, the Switzerland of Colombia

The cultural calendar that moves the city

Campeonatos Náuticos
National and international championships held in windsurfing, sailing, and regattas, thanks to this municipality having the third-fastest winds
Festival de Verano
This festival is held every year in the municipality and is one of the most anticipated events among its residents. Activities include exhibitions, horseback parades (cabalgatas), parades featuring artists and musicians, beauty pageant presentations, sporting events, and more

Borders of Darién Calima, the Switzerland of Colombia

Neighboring municipalities and territories

North Municipio de San Pedro
South Municipios de Ginebra y de Cerrito
West Municipio de Yotoco
East Departamento del Tolima
Advertisement
View places