High in the mountains north of Cali lies Montebello. A corregimiento nestled amongst the peaks. Its story begins in 1955. Waves of immigrants arrived. They came from Antioquia Cauca Boyacá and Nariño. Seeking new lives they settled along the Aguacatal River. Montebello’s river a namesake flowed nearby. It began in La Paz its waters eventually joining the Aguacatal.
Don Luis Villota a Montebello resident shared his family history. He proudly declared his Caucan ancestry. His father a miner worked in Piedecuesta Santander. Later they moved to Golondrinas’ nearby mines. Finally they found their home in Montebello. His family’s legacy was tied to the land. Their lives mirrored Montebello’s growth.
As the settlers arrived they carved out plots of land. Families took root. Maize beans yuca and pancoger flourished. Men and women worked the land. Life was hard. Don Luis remembered cooking with charcoal mined by his brothers. Water came from a pure stream near El Chocho. Children walked to school in Golondrinas. A school built by the Barberena Aparicio family. This family held extensive coal lands. They generously supported nearby communities.
Montebello’s rapid growth brought changes. It became more urban. People relied on Cali for work and education. A sense of identity and belonging waned. This created new challenges. Services like water and healthcare were scarce. Access to education was difficult. Cultural and sports programs were limited. Insecurity grew.
Despite the challenges Montebello remains vibrant. The Cerro de las Tres Cruces and the Parroquia Cristo Eucaristía are popular destinations. The Quebrada El Chocho though partially polluted from mining remains a vital water source. Efforts are underway to clean it up. The CVC and Cali’s mayor’s office are working together. They aim to restore the Quebrada El Chocho’s ecosystem. Montebello a small corregimiento continues to thrive. Its story is a testament to resilience and the enduring spirit of its people. It’s a place where history and nature intertwine. A place worth exploring.