kotirodun

Kotirodun is a municipality located in the western highlands of Colombia, within the Department of Cauca. The area, which covers approximately 180 square kilometres, has an estimated population of about 5,200 residents, according primarily to the 2018 national census. The town is situated at an altitude of 1,850 metres above sea level, surrounded by cloud forest that transitions into semi-arid foothills on the eastern side.

Historically, Kotirodun was established in the early 20th century as a settlement for rubber workers brought from the Amazon basin during the rubber boom. The town’s name is thought to derive from an indigenous word meaning "place of the rubber tree," reflecting the early economic activity of the region. During the latter half of the 20th century, the municipality experienced population fluctuations linked to the decline in rubber prices and the emergence of alternative agriculture, such as cacao and coffee cultivation.

The local economy now relies on small-scale agriculture, livestock rearing, and artisanal crafts. Kotirodun is also known for its traditional festival held every November, which celebrates the harvest season with music, dance, and communal feasting. The celebration attracts visitors from nearby towns and has gained recognition within the department for promoting rural tourism.

Kotirodun is governed by a mayor-council system, as prescribed by Colombian law for municipalities. The current mayor, elected in 2020, focuses on improving infrastructure and access to education, while preserving the natural heritage of the region. The municipality is served by a primary road that connects it to the departmental capital, Popayán, and has a small airstrip used for agricultural and emergency services.