This foundation is attributed to the passage of Sebastián de Belalcázar for the lands of the Cauca in the search for El Dorado on the connection between Santa Fe and Quito, and the interest result of the Spanish to the discovery of mines silver existing in this area.

Over time, the city has witnessed three foundations the first given by the insurrection of the Spanish crown on October 22, 1553, the second due to the extraction and trade of silver in early 1554 and the third because to destruction by the Indians Paez Andaquíes and Yalcones on June 17, 1577.

The reliefs of the Evangelists on the vivid polychrome dome mystically enchant La Plata is a town wide historic tradition that dates from the discovery itself of the department of Huila.

Its strategic location in the system of regional relations makes it a meeting place and crossroads which prints high dynamics of urban renewal while maintaining the traditions that have preserved for so many years.

The ecosystem is an important wildlife value, presenting a rich biodiversity including birds, antelope, plantigrade (spectacled bears), Snakes (jackets and coral), some smaller cats (ocelot) and other minor species.

The Natural Park buffer zone of the Nevado del Huila, constitutes the most important ecosystem for the city of Palermo, accounting for biodiversity in woodland size and high water potential.