Paipa

Paipa is located 15 km west of Duitama and to the northeast of Tunja, the capital of the department, in the Cordillera Oriental (Eastern Ranges) of the Colombian Andes. It is the main tourist center of the region, with a number of large hotels and hot springs. Climate At an elevation of 2525 m, Paipa has a mild subtropical highland climate (Köppen Cfb) with an average temperature around 14 °C. == Etymology ==

Paipa is named after the cacique (leader) of the Paipa people. == History ==

Before the Spanish conquest in the 1530s, Paipa was inhabited by the Muisca people. The loose Muisca Confederation comprised different rulers; the cacique of Paipa was loyal to the Tundama of Tundama. Conquistador Gonzalo Jiménez de Quesada visited Paipa in 1539 in his search for the Sun Temple. Some of Paipa's historical architecture has been lost as the city has grown, and the traditional colonial main square has given way to modern buildings. Paipa inaugurated the monument to the Lancers at the Pantano de Vargas, and the now forgotten monument to Innocent Chincá on North Central Avenue. In this decade, the hospitality industry around the lake began to develop with the first Sochagota Springs Hotel. Before these buildings and municipal swimming pools were built, the only opportunity for residents and tourists to bathe in the hot springs was at a Victorian hotel located in urban Paipa. New urban public venues for music have recently been constructed, such as Concha Acústica "Valentín Garcia", a sports and cultural complex built in 1990. By 1995 Paipa, like other neighboring cities across Colombia, began to experience urban decay due to national policies seeking to quickly industrialize and urbanize Colombia. In response to this, new housing developments are under construction in the north side of the city. == Economy ==

Paipa's main economic activities are tourism and agriculture, with livestock and dairy farms as well as farms producing oats, barley, maize, wheat, and potatoes. The coal-fired TermoPaipa power plant serves the entire region. == Transport ==

The city is served by Juan José Rondón Airport. == Tourism ==

Places of interest include: Lake Sochagota, the Ranchería nature reserve, the Vargas swamp, the church, the Casona del Salitre and Jaime Rook park, named in honor of James Rooke. Lake Sochagota Lake Sochagota is a destination for Colombians and has started to attract foreign visitors. Activities include water-skiing, kayaking, as well as running and cycling around its edge. Vargas Swamp Vargas Swamp is the location of the Battle of Vargas Swamp which took place on the 25th of July 1819 and was decisive in the fight for independence. A monument to the 14 lancers, by Rodrigo Arenas Betancur, commemorates the battle. Paipa thermal baths The thermal bath area covers approximately 5 hectares and includes a number of pools, both public and private, as well as hotels, sports facilities, shops and cafes. The water comes from a subterranean lake whose waters come to the surface in this area, before being distributed by pipes to various establishments in the sector. Casona del Salitre Just outside the town is the Casona de Salitre, a restored colonial hacienda, which is a national monument as well as a hotel. == Notable people from Paipa ==

• Ángel Camargo, former professional cyclist • Fernando Camargo, professional cyclist • Wilson Cepeda, professional cyclist • Flober Peña, former professional cyclist == Gallery ==

File:Parroquia San Miguel Arcangel Paipa.jpg|Church of Paipa File:Pantano de Vargas.JPG|Vargas Swamp File:Paipa 07.JPG|Statue at the cemetery of Paipa File:Paipa termales.JPG|Thermal baths == References ==