Although Buesaco was founded in the early 1700s, its history took a significant turn during Colombia's war of independence. Nariño became notable as one of the few Colombian states that strongly supported the Spanish crown rather than the independence movement. Pasto, an important colonial town, served as a vital commercial hub between Bogotá and Quito. Its residents preferred the stability of colonial rule over Simon Bolivar's revolutionary changes.
After extensive battles across Ecuador and Colombia, the Spanish forces and revolutionaries clashed at Juanambú Canyon, a scenic area of Buesaco where steep ridges converge at a small river. The battle culminated on a narrow bridge, where the revolutionaries, despite heavy casualties, defeated the Spanish forces and advanced southward to complete their independence campaign.
Violence returned in the 1990s and early 2000s when FARC guerrillas controlled northern Nariño. The region's minimal government presence and high-altitude terrain—ideal for growing opium poppy and coca—made it perfect for illegal operations. Our Colombian export partner, Pergamino, notes that many local growers still become uncomfortable when discussing this period. They explain that growing these illegal crops was their only viable option, as coffee lacked a proper market at the time.
Fortunately, the guerrillas were driven from Buesaco nearly a decade ago, and the region is now safe for legitimate commerce like coffee cultivation. Specialty coffee has become crucial in fostering regional prosperity and maintaining peace instead of recurring conflict.
