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Cuítiva is a small town in Boyacá, Colombia. It was founded by Spanish conquistador Juan de Sanct Martín on January 19, 1550. We passed through town on our way to Sogamoso from Lake Tota.
Parque de Cultiva
Parque de Cultiva, the plaza of Cuítiva, is a gorgeous open space. It’s filled with trees, bushes, and benches and is paved with cobblestones. A church sits on one end.
Bochica Monument
In the center of the plaza is a fountain and monument to Bochica, a Muisca god. According to legend, he was the founder of the indigenous Muisca civilization. Bochica had a beard and came from the east. He gave the Muisca people their laws and taught them agriculture and crafts such as pottery and textiles.
To the left of Bochica, is Chibchacum, the Muisca god of rain and thunder. He carries the earth on his shoulders, much like Atlas of Ancient Greece. To the right is Bachué, the Muisca mother goddess who emerged from Laguna de Iguaque with a baby in her arms. The Muisca believed that Bachué married the baby when he grew up and together they populated the earth.
