Gachantivá

Gachantivá
Municipality and town

View of Gachantivá

Flag

Location of the municipality and town of Gachantivá in the Boyacá department of Colombia
Country  Colombia
Department Boyacá Department
Province Ricaurte Province
Founded 1715
Founded by Juan José Neira
Government
 • Mayor Jorge Edicson Saavedra Velasco
(2016-2019)
Area
 • Municipality and town 66 km2 (25 sq mi)
Elevation 2,450 m (8,040 ft)
Population (2015)
 • Municipality and town 2,654
 • Density 40/km2 (100/sq mi)
 • Urban 364
Time zone Colombia Standard Time (UTC-5)
Website Official website

Gachantivá is a town and municipality in the Ricaurte Province, part of the Colombian department of Boyacá. Gachantivá is located at altitudes ranging from 2,000 metres (6,600 ft) to 3,300 metres (10,800 ft) on the Altiplano Cundiboyacense and borders Villa de Leyva in the south, Santa Sofía in the west, Arcabuco in the east and Moniquirá in the north.[1]

Etymology

The name Gachantivá comes from Chibcha and means "chief of the Gacha".[1][2]

History

The area of Gachantivá before the Spanish conquest was inhabited by the Muisca, organised in their loose Muisca Confederation. The cacique of Gachantivá was loyal to the zaque of Hunza.

Modern Gachantivá was founded in 1715 by Juan José Neira.[1]

Economy

Main economical activities of Gachantivá are agriculture and livestock farming. Among the agricultural products cultivated are maize, potatoes, yuca, coffee, blackberries, beans and peas.[1]

Gallery

Panorama of the rural areas of Santa Sofía and Gachantivá

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 (Spanish) Official website Gachantivá
  2. ↑ (Spanish) Etymology Gachantivá - Excelsio.net

Coordinates: 5°45′N 73°30′W / 5.750°N 73.500°W / 5.750; -73.500

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