Roaming South America

Natagaima, Colombia

October 13, 2025

Ntagaima is small, around 15,000 people in the town, and maybe 23,000 in the metropolitan area. The town dates back to 1608. The local indigenous people were not easily subdued, they fought long and hard against the Spanish. But, in the end, the Spanish won. Some years later the town was moved, and then moved again. Finally, in 1801, the town found its home in its current location. As for the name, there are at least three stories that try to explain its origin.
Reference: Wikipedia

Economy

The town's economy is primarily based on agriculture and livestock. They grow rice, cotton, and corn, as well as bananas and lemons.
Reference: Wikipedia

My Impressions

It's not a terrible place, it's just very small. And, like so many Colombian towns and cities - it's noisy. Almost every block has at least one home or business with very loud music blasting out into the street. Even with a hotel room away from the noise, the background droning sound was nonstop. This is normal in much of Colombia. The town has a decent main plaza and a second plaza that is a wide-open concrete pad for events. Both are one-city-block square. There's nothing for tourists in town, but the region around offers a few sites that might be interesting for some to see. So, should you add Natagaima to your must-see list? No.