Pachavita
Municipality and town
View of mountain within Pachavita
Flag
Location of the municipality and town of Pachavita in Boyacá
Coordinates: 5°08′N 73°24′W / 5.133°N 73.400°W / 5.133; -73.400
Country	Colombia
Department	Boyacá Department
Province	Neira Province
Founded	17 November 1716
Government
• Mayor	José Fernando Roa Orjuela (2020-2023)
Area
• Municipality and town	68 km2 (26 sq mi)
Elevation	1,985 m (6,512 ft)
Population  (2015)
• Municipality and town	2,508
• Urban	395
Time zone	UTC-5 (Colombia Standard Time)
Website	Official website

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 1,985 metres (6,512 ft) and at a distance of 85 kilometres (53 mi) 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.^[1]

Etymology

The name Pachavita is derived from Chibcha; pacha = man, lord and vita = point, summit, peak; "Peak of the man".^[1] Another meaning is "Proud chief".^[2]

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.^[1]

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.^[1]