Ibagué

Ibagué is the capital city of the Tolima department. It is on the eastern slopes of the Cordillera Central and known as the musical city of Colombia, due to its famous conservatory. At 1250 m above sea-level, it has a spring-like climate. Ibagué is a starting point for travellers who wish to do the Nevado del Tolima trek. Apart from that, it's a small, safe, friendly city with a special charm, although there's not an awful lot to do here.

By bus
Ibagué is a 4-hour bus journey from Bogotá, a 3-hour bus journey from Armenia, a 5-hour bus ride from Medellín and a 2-hour bus journey from Honda. Numerous companies serve these routes. The journey to Armenia involves going over the la linea and is notorious for accidents and landslides. Avoid doing this part of the journey at night or in a small minibus.

By plane
Aeropuerto Perales in Ibagué is about 40 minutes outside the city, and has non-stop flights from Bogotá, Medellín and other cities in Colombia.

Get around
Buses run routes throughout the city. Taxis are everywhere. For safety, make sure you choose a legitimate cab company- not a random car with a “taxi” sticker.

Chiva buses (rustic "goat buses") run throughout the city and are popular with locals and tourists.

Do

 * Hang around Plaza Bolívar watching people.
 * Comfatolima Lagos Club - swimming pool resort area.

Sleep
If you are just staying in Ibagué overnight, there are many cheap hotels around the terminal. Other options are in the center of the city. The two places below (in the center) are a better option if you plan to stay for a longer time.

Go next

 * Juntas is a nearby village, especially popular at weekends and holidays, where people go and eat almojabanas, bunuelos, sancocho soup and river trout in a peaceful mountain setting. There is also a mirador from which, if you are lucky and there are no clouds, can see the Nevado del Tolima (early morning is best). You can get to Juntas by taking a bus in Cra 1/Calle 14 from "La Ibaguerena" bus company.
 * From Juntas, you can walk up to El Rancho, some thermal springs in the cloud-forest at 2600 metres above sea-level; it's about a 4-hour leisurely walk uphill alongside the impressive canyon of the Combeima river, or you can take the morning lechero. El Rancho is the starting point for the trek up El Nevado del Tolima (5215 m).  This is the mountain in Colombia where most mountaineers have lost their lives, and to reach the summit a guide is essential.  See the Latas route in this Summitpost entry for more details.
 * From el Rancho, you can also walk via the Filtros route to Laguna del Encanto and Salento.
 * From Juntas, you can also walk to El Derrumbe de las Perlas : when you cross over the river, turn right immediately instead on continuing towards the mirador. After a couple of hours of leisurely walking you'll reach an open valley with a river, an ideal picnic spot. If you continue along this route, you can also reach the summit of the Nevado but this is quite a long way around. The route is known as Las Nieves, and is via some thermal springs at 3900 m where a hermit known as Don Canon lives.