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César Gaviria Trujillo Viaduct
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Landmark
The César Gaviria Trujillo Viaduct is an impressive cable-stayed bridge connecting the cities of Pereira and Dosquebradas in the Colombian department of Risaralda. It was inaugurated in November 1997 and is named after the 40th President of Colombia, who is a native of Pereira. The bridge spans the valley of the Otún River and is a crucial link in the road network connecting the coffee region with the rest of the country. With a total length of approximately 704 meters, it was one of the longest bridges of its kind in Latin America at the time of its completion. The construction is made of reinforced concrete and is supported by prominent pylons from which the support cables are fanned out. At night, the viaduct is illuminated, making it a visible landmark across the region and highlighting both the technical expertise and the economic importance of the area.
- Location: Colombia
- Top sights: Busto Jorge Roa Martinez · Mirador · Mirador canceles
- Nearby: Filandia (5 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Jul.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 16 | 17 | 17 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 16 |
| Rain mm | 113 | 118 | 161 | 217 | 202 | 146 | 130 | 142 | 150 | 221 | 215 | 173 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
The César Gaviria Trujillo Viaduct is a bridge that can be viewed from the outside at any time. A pedestrian walkway allows crossing and admiring the structure.
Typical hours
Since the bridge is a public transport link, there are no specific visiting hours. The best time for photos is early morning or late afternoon when the light is good.
Photography
Photography is allowed from the pedestrian walkway and the surrounding area. The cable stays and the bridge's height offer impressive perspectives.
Time needed
A walk across the bridge and surrounding area takes about 20 to 30 minutes. For photos and enjoying the view, you can allow one hour.
Combine with
Combine your visit with exploring the cities of Pereira and Dosquebradas. The nearby Los Nevados National Park is also worth a trip.
Getting there
The viaduct connects Pereira and Dosquebradas and is reachable by car or taxi. Parking is available at both ends of the bridge.
Insider tip
Visit the bridge early in the morning to avoid traffic and have the best view. Bring a tripod for sharp long-exposure shots of the cables.
Geography
Facts
- The official inauguration took place on November 15, 1997.
- The total length of the bridge is exactly 704 meters.
- The main span between the pylons is 211 meters.
- The maximum height of the pylons above the ground is about 55 meters.
- The construction costs amounted to approximately 50 million US dollars.
- The viaduct was designed and built by a German-Colombian consortium.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
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Sights in the town César Gaviria Trujillo Viaduct (7)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Which cities does the viaduct connect?
It connects Pereira and Dosquebradas.
Can we walk across the bridge?
Yes, there are sidewalks for pedestrians with a great view of Pereira.
How long is the bridge?
The bridge is about 615 meters long in total.
Is the bridge illuminated at night?
Yes, the pylons are often colorfully lit at night.
When was it built?
It was completed in 1997.
César Gaviria Trujillo Viaduct: where is it located?
César Gaviria Trujillo Viaduct is located in Colombia.
César Gaviria Trujillo Viaduct: what is there to see?
Highlights include Busto Jorge Roa Martinez, Mirador, Mirador canceles.
César Gaviria Trujillo Viaduct: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Jul.
César Gaviria Trujillo Viaduct: why is it worth visiting?
The César Gaviria Trujillo Viaduct is an impressive cable-stayed bridge connecting the cities of Pereira and Dosquebradas in the Colombian department of Risaralda.
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