This article traces the origin of the indigenous toponyms: Copacabana, Ayurá and Cauca: It leans on diverse sources and presents several analysis perspectives, according to the native-American languages that were spoken in the region, or that arrived with the conquerors or the yanaconas. Furthermore, it demonstrates the complexity of the toponymy research in America.
 Received: 15-04-05/ Accepted: 23-08-05
 How to reference this article:
 Henao Salazar, J. I. (2005). Copacabana, Ayurá y Cauca, tres topónimos indígenas en busca de explicación. Íkala. 10 (1), pp. 225 – 241