La Calera, Cundinamarca

La Calera is a municipality and town of Colombia in the Guavio Province, part of the department of Cundinamarca. La Calera is a common weekend destination, mainly for the many restaurants, as it is approximately 18 kilometres (11 mi) over land from Bogotá, the capital city of Colombia. La Calera is located in the Eastern Ranges of the Colombian Andes, east of the capital and overlooking part of it. La Calera borders Guasca, Sopó and Chía in the north, Guasca and Junín in the east, Bogotá in the west and Choachí and Fómeque in the south.[2]

La Calera
Municipality and town
La Calera viewed from a mountain to the west, just before a storm
La Calera viewed from a mountain to the west, just before a storm
Flag of La Calera
Official seal of La Calera
Location of the municipality and town of La Calera in Colombia
Location of the municipality and town of La Calera in Colombia
La Calera is located in Colombia
La Calera
La Calera
Location in Colombia
Coordinates: 4°45′11″N 73°55′12″W / 4.75306°N 73.92000°W / 4.75306; -73.92000
Country Colombia
Department Cundinamarca
ProvinceGuavio Province
Founded16 December 1772
Founded byPedro de Tovar y Buendía
Government
 • MayorCarlos Cenen Rioja
(2020-2023)
Area
 • Municipality and town
326.5 km2 (126.1 sq mi)
 • Urban
1.51 km2 (0.58 sq mi)
Elevation
2,718 m (8,917 ft)
Population
 (2018 census)[1]
 • Municipality and town
29,868
 • Density91/km2 (240/sq mi)
 • Urban
13,470
 • Urban density8,900/km2 (23,000/sq mi)
Time zoneUTC-5 (Colombia Standard Time)
WebsiteOfficial website

Etymology

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The name of the town is derived from the limestone mine, called calera.[2]

History

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The area of La Calera was before the Spanish conquest inhabited by the Muisca. La Calera, just behind the mountains bordering Bacatá was ruled by the zipa based in the southern capital.

Modern La Calera was founded on December 16, 1772 by Pedro de Tovar y Buendía.[2]

Economy

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Main economical activity in La Calera is cement mining. The geological formation outcropping in the municipality is the Guaduas Formation.[2]

Born in La Calera

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Road to La Calera
 
The largest Catholic church in La Calera
 
Paragliding over San Rafael Reservoir

References

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  1. ^ Citypopulation.de Population of La Calera municipality with localities
  2. ^ a b c d (in Spanish) Official website La Calera Archived 2015-05-16 at archive.today
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