Duitama, Colombia

Capital City

With a population of just 132,894, Duitama may seem like a sleepy backwater, but the reality is a persistent bureaucratic headache. The city's high elevation of 8,500 feet means temperatures rarely exceed a mild 67°F, though sub-zero chills are not uncommon. Duitama's origins trace back to the pre-Columbian Muisca people, who were eventually conquered by Spanish conquistadors in the 16th century. Today, the city is known as "The Pearl of Boyacá", but its colonial charm belies a slow pace of development. For those seeking a quiet, temperate retreat from the bustle of Colombia's major cities, Duitama could be an appealing option, but the heavy bureaucratic lift may outweigh the benefits for many.