capital of Meta departamento, central Colombia, situated on the eastern slopes of the Andean Cordillera (mountains) Oriental. Founded in 1840, the city was named after Antonio Villavicencio, who was an early advocate of the struggle for independence from Spain. It serves as an important manufacturing and commercial centre for the Llanos (plains) and rainforests of eastern Colombia. Industries in Villavicencio include a distillery, a brewery, soap factories, coffee-roasting plants, rice mills, and saddleries. The city is accessible by highway from Bogotá, 65 miles (100 km) northwest, and is a hub for roads from northeastern and southern Meta department. It is served by domestic airlines. Pop. (2007 est.) 378,668.