HISTORY OF MOCOA, PUTUMAYO, COLOMBIA

Mocoa, the capital of the Putumayo Department in southern Colombia, has a history rooted in both indigenous culture and colonial development. Putumayo was created as a department of the Colombian state in 1991 and has a total area 24,885 km² with a population of approx. 375,000 inhabitants (50% of them living in urban areas, and 50% in rural areas). It is positioned along two international borders: with Peru and Ecuador and is composed of 13 Municipalities. The area is traditionally home to indigenous communities such as camëntzá, inga, cofán, siona, murui, coreguaje, muinane, andoque, huitoto, nonuya, okaina, bora, emberá, paez and pastos who have preserved their customs, languages, and rich cultural heritage for centuries while living in harmony with the Amazon rainforest and developing intricate knowledge of local flora and fauna.

The Putumayo region is characterized by its lush landscapes, including vast rainforests, rivers, and waterfalls. It has historically served as a route for explorers and traders moving between the Amazon basin and the Andean highlands, fostering a blend of customs and heritage. This unique geographic location has made Mocoa a hub for cultural exchange and a place where visitors can experience the vibrant traditions of Colombia’s indigenous peoples alongside the breathtaking natural surroundings.

The recorded history of Mocoa began with Spanish exploration in the 16th century. The town was officially founded in 1563 by the Spanish conquistador Gonzalo Jiménez de Quesada. During the colonial period, Mocoa served as a strategic point for the Spanish as they sought to control and explore the surrounding regions of the Amazon basin and the Andean foothills. The area's rich natural resources attracted settlers and traders, and Mocoa became a key location for trade routes that connected the interior of Colombia to the Amazon.

Throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, Mocoa and the Putumayo region were influenced by various waves of settlement, including rubber tappers and traders during the rubber boom. This period saw a significant influx of people and economic activity, which also led to increased interactions between indigenous communities and settlers.

In the latter half of the 20th century, Mocoa began to develop more robust infrastructure and institutions, becoming the administrative and economic center of the Putumayo Department. The town continues to grow and adapt, balancing its role as a gateway to the Amazon with the preservation of its cultural and natural heritage. Today, Mocoa is known for its rich indigenous history, diverse ecosystems, and emerging role as a center for eco-tourism and cultural exchange in southern Colombia.