Gachantivá Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids

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

Area

• Municipality and town

66 km² (25 sq mi)

Elevation

2,450 m (8,040 ft)

Population

(2015)

• Municipality and town

2,654

• Density

40.21/km² (104.1/sq mi)

• Urban

364

Time zone

UTC-5 (Colombia Standard Time)

Website

Official website: http://www.gachantiva-boyaca.gov.co/

Gachantivá is a small town and a municipality in the Ricaurte Province of Colombia. It is part of the Boyacá region. Gachantivá is located high up in the mountains, between 2,000 and 3,300 meters (about 6,500 to 10,800 feet) above sea level. It shares borders with other towns like Villa de Leyva and Arcabuco.

What Does Gachantivá Mean?
A Look at Gachantivá's Past
How People Make a Living in Gachantivá
Gallery
See also

What Does Gachantivá Mean?

The name Gachantivá comes from the Chibcha language. This was the language spoken by the Muisca people, who lived in this area long ago. In Chibcha, "Gachantivá" means "chief of the Gacha."

A Look at Gachantivá's Past

Before the Spanish arrived, the area where Gachantivá is now was home to the Muisca. They were an organized group of people living in what was called the Muisca Confederation. The local leader, known as a cacique of Gachantivá, was loyal to the main Muisca ruler of Hunza.

The modern town of Gachantivá was officially started in the year 1715. It was founded by a person named Juan José Neira.

How People Make a Living in Gachantivá

The main ways people earn money in Gachantivá are through agriculture (farming) and raising livestock (farm animals). Farmers in Gachantivá grow many different crops. These include important foods like maize (corn), potatoes, and yuca. They also grow other tasty items such as coffee, blackberries, beans, and peas.