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Cauca is a Colombian department. It is located in the south-west of the country and faces the Pacific Ocean to the west, the Valle del Cauca Department to the north, Tolima Department to the northeast, Huila Department to the east, and the Nariño Department to the south. It covers a total area of 29,308 Km², the 13th largest in Colombia. Its capital is the city of Popayán. The offshore island of Malpelo is included in the department's boundary.
Popayán was conquered by Sebastián de Belalcázar on January 13, 1537. It is known as the "white city" because of its beautiful colonial houses. Located at an altitude of 1,737 meters, the city is well-known for its colonial architecture and its contributions to the culture and politics of Colombia. More presidents have come from Popayán than any other city in Colombia and it was also home to noted poets, painters, and composers. The Universidad del Cauca (est. 1827) in Cauca is one of Colombia's oldest and most distinguished institutions of higher education.
Much of the original city was destroyed on March 31, 1983 by an earthquake. Though many were repaired or rebuilt, the colonial center still bears ruins and empty lots.
Nearby is Puracé National Park, a geothermal wonderland of hot springs, waterfalls, and a (currently) inactive volcano from which the park derives its name. The nearest large city is Cali, in the neighbouring department of Valle del Cauca, to the north.
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