Exploration & Discovery

Sebastián de Belalcázar Founding Santiago de Cali

Sebastián de Belalcázar, a Spanish conquistador, led an expedition in search of the mythical city of El Dorado. During his travels, he founded Santiago de Cali in present-day Colombia. This strategic settlement was established in a fertile valley near the Cauca River, chosen for its advantageous location for trade and exploration. Belalcázar’s motivations were driven by the promises of riches and glory associated with El Dorado, leading to the Spanish colonization of the region and encounters with indigenous populations.

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