Ubaté is the capital of the province with the same name and situated in the Ubaté–Chiquinquirá Valley of the Altiplano Cundiboyacense.

The urban centre is located at an altitude of 2,556 metres (8,386 ft) and 97 kilometres (60 mi) from the capital Bogotá.

[2] The name Ubaté comes from the native name "Ebate" meaning "Bloodied land" or "Sower of the mouth".

Initially loyal to the zaque of Hunza, Ubaté changed rule around 1490 when it was submitted by zipa Saguamanchica.

[2] It is known as the "Milk Capital of Colombia", for a Gothic style cathedral and the San Luis Convent.