In the colonial era, the main route from Popayán to Bogotá traveled over the
Quindío Pass (aka "La Línea"), passing through the modern-day site of
Salento. In 1830 Simón Bolívar traveled the route and ordered that it be
upgraded due to its poor condition and strategic importance. However, the town
was not established until 5 January 1842, after the Guerra de los Supremos. Political prisoners from that war were
sent from Panamá, Antioquia and Cauca to upgrade and maintain the road. After
completing their sentences they were given a plot of land in the region