Toca, Boyacá
Toca is a town and municipality in the Colombian Department of Boyacá, part of the subregion of the Central Boyacá Province. Toca is situated on the Altiplano Cundiboyacense 27 kilometres (17 mi) northeast from the department capital Tunja. It borders Tuta in the north, Siachoque in the south, Pesca in the east and Tuta and Chivatá in the west.[1]
Toca | |
|---|---|
Municipality and town | |
Church of Toca | |
| Flag Seal | |
Location of the municipality and town of Toca in the Boyacá Department of Colombia | |
| Country | Colombia |
| Department | Boyacá Department |
| Province | Central Boyacá Province |
| Founded | 7 January 1555 |
| Founded by | Pedro Ruíz García |
| Government | |
| • Mayor | Segundo Crisanto Ochoa Díaz (2020-2023) |
| Area | |
| • Municipality and town | 165 km2 (64 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 2,810 m (9,220 ft) |
| Population (2015) | |
| • Municipality and town | 10,157 |
| • Density | 62/km2 (160/sq mi) |
| • Urban | 3,629 |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Colombia Standard Time) |
| Website | Official website |
History edit
Before the Spanish conquest of the central highlands of the Colombian Andes, the area was inhabited by the Muisca people, organized in a loose confederation of different rulers. Toca was reigned by the iraca of Sugamuxi, present-day Sogamoso. The troops of conquistador Gonzalo Jiménez de Quesada entered the Altiplano Cundiboyacense in 1537. The year of foundation of modern Toca is not entirely clear, but set at 1555 by Pedro Ruíz García.[1]
Etymology edit
In the Chibcha language of the Muisca, Toca means "Domain of the river".[2]
Economy edit
The economy of Toca is based on agriculture and livestock farming, with a small mining (salt) part. Main agricultural products are wheat, potatoes, maize, barley, peas, beans, apples, pears, peaches, curubas and cherries.[1]
Gallery edit
- Artificial lake La Copa
- La Copa
- Monument to Plinio Mendoza Neira