Pachavita is a town and municipality in the Neira Province, part of the Colombian department of Boyacá. The urban centre is situated on the Altiplano Cundiboyacense at an altitude of 1985 m and at a distance of 85 km from the department capital Tunja. The municipality borders Chinavita in the north, Tenza and La Capilla in the south, Garagoa in the east and Úmbita in the west.

Etymology

The name Pachavita is derived from Chibcha; pacha = man, lord and vita = point, summit, peak; "Peak of the man". Another meaning is "Proud chief".

History

Before the arrival of the Spanish conquistadores, the area of Pachavita was part of the loose Muisca Confederation. The Muisca had different rulers and the zaque of Hunza ruled over Pachavita. Modern Pachavita was founded on November 17, 1716.

Economy

Main economical activity of Pachavita are agriculture and dairy farming with products yuca, maize, bananas, arracacha, beans, lulo and cucumbers, eggs, peas and cheese.