Gaitania, Coffee settlement in Tolima, Colombia
Gaitania is a settlement in the mountains of Tolima situated between mountain ranges at elevations from 1,400 to 5,355 meters (4,600 to 17,570 feet). The region produces Single Origin Arabica coffee beans, including Castillo and Caturra varieties, grown at elevations between 700 and 1,900 meters (2,300 to 6,200 feet).
The settlement was founded in 1920 under the name Ata and later renamed to honor Colombian political leader Jorge Eliécer Gaitán. This change reflects the region's connection to important moments in the country's political past.
The community is home to Paez indigenous people who speak their own language and practice traditions alongside mestizo and white residents. This coexistence shapes daily life and local identity in the region.
The location sits in a mountainous area with varying climate zones that require warm clothing for higher elevations. Visitors should expect variable weather conditions and roads that may be differently accessible depending on the season.
The community was one of few places in Colombia protected by an active peace agreement established by the Paez indigenous people during internal conflicts. This commitment to peace makes it noteworthy in the country's history.
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