capital of César department, northern Colombia. It is situated on a plain between two mountain ranges, the Sierra de Perijá and the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. Founded in 1550, the settlement prospered during the colonial era but suffered much damage in 19th-century civil wars. It is now a commercial centre for the agricultural and pastoral hinterland. Factories produce ice and bricks, and there is a sawmill. The city lies on the Santa Marta–Bogotá highway; another road leads north to Ríohacha. Valledupar is also served by domestic airlines. Pop. (2007 est.) 315,396.