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Pacific Free Trade Zone
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The Pacific Free Trade Zone (Zona Franca del Pacífico) is strategically located near Cali and the Alfonso Bonilla Aragón International Airport in the Valle del Cauca Department. It is considered one of South America's most competitive zones, specifically oriented toward exports to the Pacific Rim. Its grounds primarily host industrial sectors such as food processing, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and metalworking. The zone features modern infrastructure, advanced logistical solutions, and significant tax incentives for businesses. Proximity to the Port of Buenaventura allows for efficient access to global shipping routes. As a driver of the regional economy, it fosters innovation and the creation of skilled jobs within one of Colombia's most dynamic industrial clusters. The continuous development of sustainable practices has made it a model for modern industrial parks in the region.
- Location: Colombia
- Top sights: Museo Aéreo Fénix · Salón de Asambleas de los Testigos de Jehová
- Nearby: Yumbo (5 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul–Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 16 | 17 | 17 | 17 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 17 | 17 | 16 | 16 | 16 |
| Rain mm | 56 | 70 | 96 | 135 | 110 | 55 | 42 | 38 | 53 | 126 | 150 | 93 |
📋 Practical info
What is this place?
This free trade zone in Palmira is a logistics and foreign trade hub serving the Pacific region of Colombia. It handles cargo from the nearby port of Buenaventura and supports export industries.
Visiting
As a secured industrial park, public access is restricted. However, from the main road you can see the warehouses and container yards.
Where to view it
The road between Palmira and Cali provides a good vantage point to see the zone's extent. The area near the main gate shows trucks entering and leaving.
Local products
The zone handles agricultural exports like coffee, sugar, and fruits. Travelers can find these products in Palmira's markets, along with locally produced candies and crafts.
Active season
Peak activity coincides with coffee and sugar harvest seasons (June-August and December-January). The zone is also very busy before Christmas when export volumes surge.
Nearby
Combine with a tour of Palmira's colonial architecture and Cali's salsa scene. A day trip to Buenaventura port reveals the maritime side of trade.
Geography
Facts
- The zone is located in the municipality of Palmira, about 15 minutes from Cali.
- It has been recognized multiple times as one of the best free zones in the Americas.
- The site includes specialized buildings for industrial production and logistics.
- Businesses benefit from customs exemptions on imported raw materials.
- The zone features its own independent power supply and water treatment plant.
- It is directly connected to the national highway network leading to the Pacific coast.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Pacific Free Trade Zone (2)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is the Pacífico free trade zone?
A major industrial park near Cali, specialized in manufacturing and logistics.
What advantages does the location offer?
Proximity to the Port of Buenaventura facilitates trade with Asia.
Can visitors enter the premises?
Only for business meetings or with prior registration.
What industries are represented there?
Packaging, pharmaceuticals, food industry, and logistics services.
How do you reach the free zone?
It is located on the road between Cali and Palmira, near the Alfonso Bonilla airport.
Pacific Free Trade Zone: where is it located?
Pacific Free Trade Zone is located in Colombia.
Pacific Free Trade Zone: what is there to see?
Highlights include Museo Aéreo Fénix, Salón de Asambleas de los Testigos de Jehová.
Pacific Free Trade Zone: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul, Sep.
Pacific Free Trade Zone: why is it worth visiting?
The Pacific Free Trade Zone (Zona Franca del Pacífico) is strategically located near Cali and the Alfonso Bonilla Aragón International Airport in the Valle del Cauca Department.
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Nearby cities
Cali
The third largest city and the salsa capital of the world.
Palmira
Called the agricultural capital of Colombia due to its farming.
Buenaventura
Colombia's most important seaport on the Pacific Ocean.
Tuluá
Centrally located city in Valle del Cauca, known as the heart of the valley.
Cartago
Known as the city of the sun with colonial architecture.
Buga
One of the most important religious pilgrimage destinations in Colombia.
Yumbo
The industrial heart of the Valle del Cauca department.
Jamundí
City located south of Cali with strong growth.
Nuquí
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