[1] The name Motavita comes from the Chibcha language and means "washing place to prepare for growing crops", indicating a ceremonial use.

[2] Motavita is bordered to the north by Arcabuco and Cómbita, to the east and south by Tunja, and to the west by Sora and Chíquiza.

Motavita was an important settlement in the coca trade with surrounding indigenous groups, such as the Muzo people who populated the western parts of Boyacá.

[1] In 1776 the first evangelisation of the Catholic Church was established by friar Juan Pérez.

[1] Modern Motavita was founded on 23 December 1816 and its first mayor was Marino Monrroy.