Complete Travel Guide to Facatativá, Colombia

Facatativá Facatativá is a city and municipality in the Cundinamarca Department, located about 18 miles (31 km) northwest of Bogotá, Colombia and 2,586 meters above sea level. The city is known for its Archaeological Park Piedras del Tunjo and best known in Colombia as Piedras del Tunjo, although locals call it Piedras de Tunja. It features large rock formations that were once the bottom of a lake. As a municipal center, Facatativá serves as an important administrative and economic hub for the surrounding region, providing essential services and infrastructure that support both urban and rural communities. Positioned at coordinates 4.81367°N, -74.35453°E, Facatativá occupies a geographically significant location that has influenced its historical development and contemporary importance. The precise geographic coordinates of Facatativá place it within a region characterized by diverse landscapes and strategic transportation routes that have shaped settlement patterns for centuries. At an elevation of 2.586 meters above sea level, Facatativá benefits from unique topographic advantages that influence local climate, agriculture, and scenic beauty. The elevation of Facatativá creates distinctive environmental conditions that support specific ecosystems and agricultural practices while providing panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Home to 117133 residents, Facatativá maintains a community scale that balances urban amenities with traditional social structures and cultural continuity. The population of Facatativá represents a diverse community that has adapted to changing circumstances while preserving essential cultural traditions and local knowledge. Community life in Facatativá reflects the resilience and adaptability that characterize populations throughout Colombia, demonstrating successful integration of traditional values with contemporary opportunities. Within the broader context of Cundinamarca province, Facatativá contributes to the cultural and economic diversity that defines Colombia's regional character. The role of Facatativá in regional development extends beyond its municipal boundaries, encompassing influences on transportation networks, economic activities, and cultural preservation efforts. Visitors to Facatativá discover a destination that embodies the authentic character of Colombia while offering unique local perspectives and experiences unavailable in more commercialized locations.

Historical Heritage of Facatativá

History Facatativá traces its history to indigenous cultures of the Andes similar to the ones found in the rest of Latin America Although there is not an accurate record of the time human activity first took place in that area Excavations have shown nevertheless that the highlands of Colombia might have been inhabited since the holocene era.

Different records of historic human activity have been found in Facatativá Evidence of inhabitants of the Herrera Period and Muisca pottery and indigenous paintings and sculptures are samples of their religious beliefs and social structure The Piedras del Tunjo Archaeological Park for example features prehistoric paintings, many of them now vandalized.

Facatativá was discovered by the Spanish conquistadors led by Gonzalo Jiménez de Quesada, while on the quest for _El Dorado_ Jiménez de Quesada had his first contact with what is today's Facatativá while trying to capture indigenous Muisca _zipa_ Tisquesusa who intended to escape the Spanish invasion with six hundred men.

Tisquesusa was captured and killed by Spanish soldiers on July 15, 1537 [_citation needed_] Facatativá was officially founded in 1600 by Spanish administrator Diego Gómez de Mena Traditionally in the Spanish style of city development during the colonization of Spanish America the city's most important building was its church which was ordered to be built by Gómez de Mena in 1601.

#Cathedral of Facatativá Facatativá's most important building is its cathedral, contiguous to the Simon Bolivar Plaza in downtown Facatativá Although originally an ordinary Catholic church a series of earthquakes damaged the buildings, forcing every new construction into a better one.

The first one was founded in 1601 and lasted until July 12, 1785 when it was damaged by an earthquake Priest Juan de la Mata Salazar y Caicedo noticed the building's failure and a new church was built in May 1787 This new church would become an Augustinian temple.

On November 17, 1827 a new earthquake damaged the structure However it was able to stand until 1870 when a new temple was inaugurated The newly built church was finally opened on August 6, 1895 By the time head priest Agustino Pedro Salazar also created the Priest Home.

Seventy two years later a new earthquake damaged the church on February 9 The administration of Bishop Monsignor Raul Zambrano Camader quickly ordered the rebuilding of a newer and lasting cathedral to the architectures of Vargas Triana & COPRE This cathedral stands until today and is the people's favorite place of worship and an attractive touristic place.

#Historic Milestones A big part of the history of Facatativá has been kept in parish books recorded and signed by priests whom in many cases also participated as city administrators The oldest one of those books dates from 1692 This documents were chronologically signed by the priests in charge.

Some of this documents are missing in the historical records of the c.

The historical trajectory of Facatativá demonstrates the complex interplay between local agency and external influences that has characterized regional development throughout successive historical periods. Understanding this historical context provides essential background for appreciating the depth and authenticity of contemporary cultural expressions.

Historical preservation efforts in Facatativá reflect community commitment to maintaining connections with ancestral heritage while adapting to contemporary circumstances. These preservation activities create opportunities for visitors to experience authentic historical environments and traditional practices.

The legacy of historical development in Facatativá remains visible in architectural styles, urban planning patterns, cultural traditions, and social organizations that provide continuity between past and present while supporting future community development.

Geographic Environment and Natural Setting

The topographic characteristics of Facatativá result from complex geological processes that have created distinctive landscape features supporting diverse ecosystems and human activities. These natural features provide both opportunities and constraints that have influenced settlement patterns and economic development throughout history.

Hydrological systems in the Facatativá region play crucial roles in supporting natural ecosystems and human communities through provision of water resources, transportation routes, and agricultural irrigation. Understanding these water systems helps explain historical settlement patterns and contemporary development opportunities.

Soil composition and agricultural potential in the Facatativá area reflect the interaction of geological substrate, climatic conditions, and human management practices that have created productive agricultural systems supporting local food security and economic development.

Natural resource availability in Facatativá has historically influenced economic activities and settlement patterns while continuing to provide opportunities for sustainable development that balances economic needs with environmental conservation.

The relationship between geographic features and human settlement in Facatativá demonstrates sophisticated adaptation strategies that maximize advantages while minimizing risks associated with natural hazards and environmental constraints.

Seasonal variations in the geographic character of Facatativá create changing opportunities for agricultural production, outdoor recreation, and transportation that influence the rhythm of community life and economic activities throughout the year.

Climate Patterns and Environmental Conditions

Climate Climate data for Facatativá/Bojacá (Acapulco), elevation 2,650 m (8,690 ft), (1981–2010) Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year Mean daily maximum °C (°F) 16. 8) Daily mean °C (°F) 13. 6) Mean daily minimum °C (°F) 9. 5) Average precipitation mm (inches) 43. Rainfall patterns in Facatativá determine water availability and agricultural productivity, shaping economic activities and settlement patterns. 64) Average precipitation days 7 7 11 13 12 10 10 9 10 13 12 9 115 Average relative humidity (%) 90 90 91 93 92 92 91 91 91 91 92 91 91 Source: Instituto de Hidrologia Meteorologia y Estudios Ambientales 1. Rainfall patterns in Facatativá determine water availability and agricultural productivity, shaping economic activities and settlement patterns. “Promedios Climatológicos 1981–2010” (in Spanish). Instituto de Hidrologia Meteorologia y Estudios Ambientales. Archived from the original on 15 August 2016. Retrieved 17 June 2024.

The climatic regime of Facatativá reflects the complex interaction of geographic location, topographic features, and regional weather patterns that create distinctive seasonal characteristics influencing both natural ecosystems and human activities throughout the year.

Temperature variations in Facatativá create distinct seasonal periods that influence agricultural cycles, energy consumption patterns, and outdoor activity opportunities while requiring adaptive strategies for housing, clothing, and food preservation.

Precipitation patterns in Facatativá determine water availability for agricultural production, urban consumption, and natural ecosystem maintenance while influencing the timing of traditional festivals and seasonal economic activities.

Seasonal weather patterns in Facatativá create varying opportunities for different types of economic activities, recreational pursuits, and cultural celebrations that contribute to the distinctive rhythm of community life throughout the year.

The interaction between climate and human adaptation in Facatativá demonstrates sophisticated traditional knowledge systems for managing seasonal variations while taking advantage of favorable conditions for agriculture, construction, and outdoor activities.

Climate considerations for visitors to Facatativá include understanding seasonal variations in temperature, precipitation, and daylight hours that influence the availability of different activities and the appropriate preparation for outdoor exploration and cultural participation.

Cultural Heritage and Community Traditions

Demographics The people are mainly a mixture of Spanish and Amerindian, having the mestizo race as the most common people, with at least a 15% of unmixed whites.

The cultural landscape of Facatativá represents a living repository of traditions, customs, and social practices that have evolved over centuries while maintaining essential characteristics that define community identity and provide continuity between generations.

Social organization in Facatativá reflects sophisticated systems for maintaining community cohesion and mutual support that have enabled the population to preserve cultural traditions while adapting to changing economic and political circumstances.

Traditional arts and crafts in Facatativá continue to flourish as expressions of cultural identity and sources of economic opportunity, providing visitors with authentic opportunities to observe skilled artisans practicing techniques transmitted through family and community networks.

Religious and spiritual practices in Facatativá provide insights into the values and beliefs that guide community decision-making and social interaction while creating frameworks for cultural continuity and adaptation to contemporary circumstances.

Language use and cultural expression in Facatativá demonstrate the dynamic relationship between tradition and innovation as communities maintain linguistic heritage while adapting to contemporary communication needs and educational opportunities.

Cultural festivals and community celebrations in Facatativá provide opportunities for visitors to experience authentic traditional practices while participating in community life and supporting local cultural preservation efforts.

Economic Activities and Development Patterns

Economy Facatativá's main source of income is agriculture. Because of its altitude (2586 m) above sea level, Facatativá is a convenient place for growing flowers. The Floral industry is in fact the most important industry in Facatativá providing employment to a big part of the population. Seasonal jobs in the flowers farming increases during the days closer to Saint Valentine's Day in the United States which is the industry's main customer. Facatativá also is home of several facilities of well-known companies, among them: the dairy products company Alpina, Venezuelan multinational Polar, Peruvian-owned cosmetics and jewelry company Yanbal, Colombian Oil company Ecopetrol, Rice of the Savannah, United Soap, Inagro among others. The population of Facatativá have the convenience of having several department stores, such as Colombian owned Exito and Chilean Jumbo.

The economic structure of Facatativá reflects a complex balance between traditional livelihoods and contemporary opportunities that enables the community to maintain economic stability while preserving cultural values and environmental sustainability.

Traditional economic activities in Facatativá often center around sustainable resource management practices that have been refined over generations to maximize productivity while maintaining environmental balance and community welfare.

Local markets and commercial activities in Facatativá serve as important centers of community life where economic transactions intersect with social interaction and cultural exchange, providing visitors with opportunities to observe traditional trading practices.

Agricultural production in Facatativá demonstrates sophisticated adaptation to local environmental conditions while maintaining traditional crop varieties and farming techniques that support both food security and cultural continuity.

Service sector development in Facatativá has evolved to accommodate external economic connections while maintaining authentic community character and traditional approaches to hospitality and customer service.

Economic development opportunities in Facatativá focus on sustainable approaches that build upon existing community strengths while creating new opportunities for education, employment, and cultural preservation.

Transportation and Regional Connectivity

Transportation infrastructure serving Facatativá reflects the balance between accessibility and preservation of community character that characterizes regional development throughout Colombia. Road networks, public transportation options, and traditional travel methods create multiple approaches for reaching and exploring Facatativá.

Regional connectivity from Facatativá provides access to broader transportation networks while maintaining the authentic character that distinguishes this destination from more commercialized locations. Understanding transportation options helps visitors plan efficient and respectful approaches to exploration.

Planning Your Visit to Facatativá

Successful visits to Facatativá require preparation that extends beyond typical travel planning, as this destination rewards visitors who approach it with cultural sensitivity, environmental awareness, and genuine interest in learning from local communities and traditions.

The most meaningful experiences in Facatativá often emerge from patient observation, respectful participation in community activities, and willingness to adapt expectations to local customs and environmental conditions rather than imposing external standards or expectations.

Practical considerations for visiting Facatativá include understanding seasonal variations in weather and activity availability, respecting local customs and social protocols, and supporting community-based economic activities that contribute to cultural preservation and sustainable development.

The rewards of visiting Facatativá extend far beyond the duration of your stay, as the insights gained from experiencing authentic traditional culture often influence perspectives and values long after returning home, providing new understanding of human potential and community cooperation.