Ibagué

The ‘Musical Capital of Colombia’

Ibagué, capital of the Tolima department, is a land so full of music that its anthem is not a military march, but a joyful folk song. It is no wonder the city is called the ‘Musical Capital of Colombia’.

In addition, Ibagué is an important financial and economic hub of Colombia. In fact, it is home to the Bank of the Republic of Colombia and the Mint House.

In the city, you will find numerous restaurants for all tastes and budgets, where you can try traditional dishes such as tamal, lechona, achira biscuits, and viudo de pescado.

The Tolimense folklore is also known for myths and legends that will surprise you, with characters like El Mohán, La Madremonte, La Llorona, and El Sombrerón.

What to do in Ibagué?

Ibagué has a great variety of national and ecological parks you can visit to appreciate the flora and fauna of the region.

A major attraction is the Jardín Botánico San Jorge, where you can walk among fantastic natural settings while learning more about the area’s biodiversity.

The garden is considered a Cultural and Environmental Historical Heritage site of the city. It preserves approximately 60 hectares of sub-Andean forests and exhibits 516 species of plants.

The city also features Parque Centenario, known by many as the city’s lung due to its lush vegetation and beautiful surrounding trees.

The park is ideal for watching ducks in the stream under the shade of ocobo trees. In the mornings, it is popular with athletes, and in the afternoons, it offers a great view of the sunset.

Inside the park is the Garzón y Collazos acoustic shell, a venue for musical and folk performances, many of them part of the Colombian Folkloric Festival.

Another important attraction is the Conservatorio del Tolima, highly significant for the ‘Musical Capital of Colombia’ as it reflects a century of music and regional history.

Additionally, in Ibagué, you can visit the Plaza de Bolívar, located in front of the City Hall, where you will find various food options and attractions for children.

In the square stands the Catedral de Ibagué, which features a statue of Pope John Paul II.

Unique Experiences

Living up to its nickname, Ibagué hosts important celebrations where you can experience the region’s music and folklore.

A major event is the Colombian Folkloric Festival, held every year in June since 1959.

Parades, horseback rides, folk performances, pageants, and public dances are some of the activities that will surprise you during your visit to the festival.

Additionally, you can listen, dance, and sing the famous “sanjuanero” with all your heart.

The city also hosts the National Festival of Colombian Music, created in 1987 as a tribute to the duet Garzón y Collazos. As part of the festival, the National Duet Contest “Princes of the Song” and the Leonor Buenaventura National Composition Contest take place, along with concerts in plazas and parks featuring the tiple, guitar, and Colombian rhythms as the main attractions.

Other important festivals in Ibagué include the International Festival of Oral Tradition Mundopalabra, the International Festival Ibagué Ciudad Rock, the Sacred Music Festival, and the Arts Festival. To complete the cultural offering, you can visit the Museum of Art of Tolima, inaugurated in 2003, which holds a collection of approximately 600 pieces.

Activities you can’t miss

If you are in the area, don’t miss the Parque Nacional Natural Los Nevados, composed of the Nevado del Ruiz, the Nevado de Santa Isabel, and the Nevado del Tolima, where numerous rivers are born.

As part of the landscape, you can also see the Nevado del Tolima Volcano—an impressive route that will amaze you.

Another must-see adventure is offered by the Parque Museo La Martinica, perhaps the best place to start your visit to the city. From there, you can view almost the entire Ibagué and take spectacular photos.

The park also covers 50 hectares for ecological walks, visiting streams, or enjoying the natural pool. You can also practice sports such as rappelling.

Finally, it’s worth visiting the Cañón del Combeima, a natural area with waterfalls and small tributaries, featuring a vast tropical forest and magnificent biodiversity.

Recommendations

• Ibagué has the interesting characteristic of having different climates within the same city. For example, in the La Pola neighborhood, you will feel a cool climate, while in neighborhoods such as Picaleña or Salada, the sensation is different.

• Also, keep in mind that the natural destinations in the area have different temperatures, so we recommend bringing clothing suitable for varying weather conditions.

• The city also offers a wide range of accommodations for all preferences, from affordable hostels to luxury hotels with specialized services for corporate events.

• To get around the city, you will have access to a wide range of bus services.

With these simple recommendations, you can feel the rhythm of the musical capital of Colombia, which also offers great natural attractions. Visit Ibagué and discover the melodies of our folklore!