Toro
Municipality and town
Flag Seal
Location of the municipality and town of Toro in the Valle del Cauca Department of Colombia
Country	Colombia
Department	Valle del Cauca Department
Founded	3 June 1537
Founded by	Melchor Velásquez de Valdenebro
Area [1]
• Total	166 km2 (64 sq mi)
Elevation	950 m (3,120 ft)
Population  (2015)
• Total	16,394
• Density	99/km2 (260/sq mi)
Time zone	UTC-5 (Colombia Standard Time)

Toro is a city and municipality located in the north of the department of Valle del Cauca, Colombia. The climate is warm.

Etymology

It is believed that Toro is called because among the conquerors who visited the region were people born in Toro province of Zamora in Spain.^{[citation needed]}

History

Toro was founded on June 3, 1537 by Melchor Velásquez de Valdenebro.^[2]

Economy

The base of the economy is agriculture, animal husbandry and mining, have recently been intensified cultivation of sugar cane, grape and passion fruit, especially those of coffee, bananas, beans, cassava, cotton, sorghum and vegetables. The cultivation of coffee is highlighted by becoming a monoculture farms in the hillside.

In Toro is San Juan Bautista Chapel, which has about 450 years. Still retains the niches of wood, some religious images of great beauty, expository and the missal of the time. There is an original painting of San Juan Bautista that belongs to the altar. Still retains the choir and the pulpit.^{[citation needed]}

Other characteristics

Average temperature: 23 degrees Celsius (73 °F)

Area: 166 km² (64 mi²)

Population: 19,076

Cali distance: 175 km (108 mi)

Date of incorporation: 1632 (Order of Apr. 26)

Major rivers: Toro, Induque and San Lazaro

Economic activity: agriculture, livestock and mining

Main products: cane sugar, corn, cotton, quartz, and gold

Tourist attractions: Cultural events on the anniversary of the town, San Juán Bautista chapel, and the Ecological Path

Fairs and festivals: Anniversary in August and Cinetoro, International Experimental Film Festival

Basic infrastructure: 4 colleges, 33 schools, banks, hospitals, and library