Neiva, Administrative capital in Huila Department, Colombia
Neiva is the capital of Huila Department in south-central Colombia, sitting in the Magdalena River valley at 442 meters (1,450 feet) elevation. The city spreads between gentle hills and the river, with broad streets running through residential and commercial districts and several parks along the waterfront.
Diego de Ospina founded the city in 1612 at its current location after two earlier settlement attempts nearby had failed. The riverside position enabled trade and connections to other regions, supporting growth during the 18th and 19th centuries.
The name comes from an indigenous language and refers to the snow-capped mountains of the region. Visitors notice the influence from different periods in the architecture around the central square, where residents gather in the late afternoon.
Benito Salas Airport sits outside the city center and offers connections to major cities within Colombia. Most visitors explore on foot or use local taxis, as the main points of interest lie close together in the central districts.
The surrounding fields produce cotton, rice, corn, and sesame, making the city an important distribution point for these goods. Traders from smaller towns come here regularly to buy and sell agricultural products.
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