Kevin Garrison is a retired American gent who has made Ibagué, spectacular capital of Tolima, his full time home. He has graciously contributed photos and details of his happy existence in a lesser known city of Colombia
Ibagué is a very old colonial city, first established by the Spanish conquistadores in 1550, therefore around 470 years ago. It’s situated in the Magdalena river valley and is surrounded by the Andean mountains on both sides. The breathtaking snow topped Nevado del Tolima is a 5,276 m (17,310 ft) volcano close to the city which last erupted in 1943. Earthquakes happen but are hardly noticeable, and there’s no danger from eruptions. According to Kevin, ashes aren’t a phenomenon here as they are in Manizales or Santa Rosa de Cabal that are also at the foot of the same chain of volcanos.
Kevin’s Story
Kevin along with his Colombian wife have lived in Colombia for over a year and a half, and Kevin is fluent in Spanish. They own their home in an urban area of Ibagué. When asked to describe his life in Ibagué in one word, he answered “garden” which we’re guessing could mean the Garden of Eden, but probably refers to the luxurious vegetation of the area! Kevin says the people here are very friendly, “except when driving!“, in reference to the aggressive driving style of the otherwise amiable Colombians!
Kevin’s Must See / Must Do List:
- Cañón de Combeima, including Villa De Restrepo,
- Cascada La Plata,
- Hotel Iguaima,
- Juntas,
- Mirador just past Juntas about a kilometer and a little further to Finca Rivera.
- Bosque De La Palma De Cera/Toche.
- Santa Fe De Los Guaduales.
- Plaza de Bolivar,
- Plaza Murillo Toro,
- La Tercera lined with Palms.
- Conservatorio de Música and El Panoptico, both require reservations.
- Playa Hawaii,
- San Jorge Jardin Botanico,
- Jardin de las Orquídeas,
- Mirador Ecoturista on the way to San Bernardo.
- Las Cascadas de Payande
- La Vianda Balneario
Kevin has never felt discriminated against in his adopted city, for example by being charged more than locals, despite being one of very few foreigners living here. He feels safe here, but gives the wise advice we also share to not “dar papaya“, which is the popular Colombian expression meaning to not make yourself a target, and to not walk alone at night or wander into poor barrios (neighborhoods).
Kevin tells us that his favorite things about his adopted home is its natural beauty, the landscapes, and nice climate. Kevin passes his time painting the natural wonders including his beautiful oil of the Cañón de Combeima below. He does warn though that the city’s infrastructure hasn’t kept up with its rapid development.
Kevin’s recommended local delicacies: tamal Tolimense and lechona
Why Ibagué? In Kevin’s own words: “I found Ibague to be as pretty as anywhere in Colombia, well located for reaching many destinations quickly, and very low cost of living.”
Kevin’s Ibagué Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/816766341992801/?ref=share
Ibagué factoids:
- Average elevation: 1,411 m (4629 ft)
- Average daily maximum and minimum temperature: 80 F (27 C) / 63 F (17 C). Comparable to Medellín.
- Average humidity: 40% (a bit uncomfortable)
- Rain: very rainy, similar to many cities in the Colombian Andes
- Year founded: 1550
- Population: About 629,000 (metro, 2020)
- Geography: Alpine valley (Magdalena river) and canyon
- Cost of living for most foreigners: Very Low. Lower than bigger Colombian cities, much lower than anywhere in the USA.
- Example (Aug 2022) rental apartment: estrato 4, 72 m2, 3 bed, 2 bath, La Samaria: 1,225,000 COP/mth (source: Metro Cuadrado)
Getting there: Ibagué has daily flights to both Medellín and Bogotá and twice weekly to Cali (courtesy: Kevin Garrison)
More images from Kevin…
All photos (except top of page) Copyright Kevin Garrison. All rights reserved.
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