Discover beautiful countryside, indigenous customs and vibrant cities when touring Tolima. This department in Colombia’s Andean Highlands has a topography that ranges from soaring mountains to green valleys, meandering rivers and snowcapped volcanoes. The Tolima region was first inhabited by the Pijao and Panche people and communities of these groups still thrive. Spanish colonists arrived in the 1530s and developed the agricultural industry by exploiting the fertile lands for coffee, rice and sesame.
Ibagué, the departmental capital, presents an interesting introduction to Tolima. Admire the grand Primada de Ibagué Cathedral, which dominates Plaza Bolivar. Watch concerts at Parque de la Música, a major venue during June’s Colombian Folkloric Festival. Wander around colorful flower displays and manicured gardens in San Jorge Botanical Garden.
Go to Honda, the City of Bridges set on the banks of the Rio Magdalena. Wander the streets of the Old Town, home to colonial masterpieces such as the 17th-century Cathedral of Nuestra Senora del Rosario. Enjoy views of the Andes from the riverbanks and sample local delicacies at Plaza Municipal de Mercado. Find more Spanish-era monuments in the town of Mariquita and learn about popular Tolima mythology in El Espinal.
Experience the thriving traditions of the Pijao and Panche people at villages nestled in the foothills of Pacandé Hill and Los Avechucos Hill. Among these villages are Coyaima, Ortega and Natagaima.
Don’t miss the chance to go hiking in Los Nevados National Natural Park. Spot Andean condor and gaze up at snow-covered volcanoes, including 17,470 feet (5,325 meter) tall Nevado del Ruiz. Ride a cable car high up into the Combeima Canyon. Get up close to one of Colombia’s highest volcanoes in Nevado de Huila National Natural Park. See bear, deer and mountain rabbit and visit some of around 300 lakes in Las Hermosas National Natural Park.
Get to Tolima by flying to Bogotá, Cali or Medellín and then catch public buses or arrange private transfers from there. You can also fly from Bogotá to Ibagué’s Perales Airport.