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Ibague Travel Resources

Ibague Travel Resources

Tolima Department Colombia Travel Guide

Essential Preparations

A timeline to get all your travel essentials organized.

Your Ibagué Travel Timeline

Follow these steps for a well-prepared and worry-free adventure.

1

Three Months Before

Passport & Visa

Check passport validity (6+ months past your return date). Research and apply for any required Colombian visas.

International Flights

Book international flights, especially for peak season travel.

Health Check

Consult your doctor for recommended vaccinations and prescription drugs refills.

2

One Month Before

Domestic Travel & Stay

Purchase domestic airfare (e.g., Bogotá to Ibagué) and your main accommodations.

Itinerary & Activities

Schedule your journey and book major trips or things to do, like a Nevado del Tolima trek.

Financial Prep

Inform your bank/credit card companies of your travel plans.

3

One Week Before

Confirmations

Confirm all flight, accommodation, and tour reservations.

Packing & Docs

Pack for Ibagué's climate. Gather all documents, with physical and digital copies.

Currency & Check-Mig

Exchange local currency or plan ATM withdrawals. Complete Check-Mig form online (within 7A two-hour period).

Advance Bookings & Reservations

Items to Book in Advance

  • International and domestic flights.
  • High-season accommodations (hotels, hostels, Airbnbs).
  • Individual tours or guides, like a Nevado del Tolima trek.
  • Rental car, especially if an International Driving Permit (IDP) is required.

Pre-Trip Research & Home Prep

Gather information and prepare your home prior to your departure.

Recommended Pre-Trip Research

  • Read up on Colombian history, culture, and basic Spanish phrases.
  • Familiarize yourself with local safety advice specific to Ibagué.
  • Prepare your home: arrange mail collection, pet care, or house-sitting.
  • Secure your home, ensuring all windows and doors are locked.

Document & Digital Readiness

Organize your essential documents and digital copies for easy access and security.

Physical Documents

  • Valid Passport and Visa (if applicable).
  • Return Flight Ticket Confirmation.
  • Accommodation Reservations.
  • International Driving Permit (if renting a car).

Digital Copies & Accessibility

  • Store copies of all documents on your phone or cloud.
  • Email copies of important documents to yourself.
  • Download offline maps for Ibagué (Google Maps, Waze).
  • Download offline language packs (Google Translate, Babbel).

Emergency Contacts & Info

  • Emergency numbers for Ibagué (Police 123, Ambulance 125, Tourist Police 153).
  • Your country's embassy or consulate contact information in Bogotá.
  • Medical insurance details and emergency contacts.
  • Family or friends contact information (shared itinerary).

Check-Mig Requirement

This also applies to departure from Colombia.

Arrival Checklist

Steps for a smooth entry into Ibagué and getting settled.

First Steps Upon Arrival

  • 1
    Immigration & Customs:

    Have your passport, return ticket, and Check-Mig confirmation ready.

  • 2
    Luggage & Local SIM:

    Retrieve your luggage. Obtain a local SIM card at the airport or inside the city.

  • 3
    Currency & Must-haves:

    Take out local currency from an ATM or exchange money. Purchase bottled water or snacks.

Orientation & Transport

  • Locate Accommodation:

    Find your lodging located on a map and note nearest public transport/taxi stands.

  • Airport Transfers:

    Use pre-scheduled pickups or reputable airport taxis/ride-sharing apps.

  • Neighborhood Sense:

    Gain a general sense of your immediate surroundings and amenities.

Getting to Your Destination

Taxis

Official airport taxis usually have fixed rates to the central business districts.

Confirm the fare before starting your journey.

Ride-Sharing

Apps like Uber, Didi, and Cabify are available in Ibagué.

Request a ride only after exiting the airport terminal for easier pickup.

Public Transport

Local buses (busetas) connect the airport to various parts of the city.

This option is more budget-friendly but can be slower.

Pre-Arranged Transfers

Arranging airport transfers with your accommodation beforehand often results in a stress-free arrival.

Departure Preparation

A smooth departure from Ibagué concludes your trip. Here's how to organize your final steps.

Souvenirs & Shipping

  • Purchase souvenirs a few days before your departure.
  • If shipping items, arrange with a courier service.
  • Ensure compliance with customs regulations for both Colombia and your home country.
  • Keep all shipping receipts and tracking information handy.

VAT Refunds IVA

  • Colombia offers VAT refunds for tourists who are on certain goods.
  • Check for "IVA" refund points at El Dorado International Airport (Bogotá).
  • Refunds apply to goods purchased with a foreign credit card.
  • Keep all original receipts and your passport for the refund process.

Pre-Departure Timing

Allocate enough time for airport procedures to avoid rushing.

Recommended Airport Arrival Times

  • Perales Airport (IBE) for domestic flights:1.5 - 2 hours in advance
  • Bogotá El Dorado (BOG) for international flights:3 hours prior
  • For bus terminal departures:30-60 minutes prior
  • During peak travel seasons or holidays:Add extra time

Final Departure Steps

  • Confirm your return flight status online.
  • Finalize the Check-Mig form online for your departure.
  • Pack your luggage, ensuring no prohibited items are in carry-on or checked bags.
  • Organize your transport to the airport or bus terminal.

Final Security Check

Double-check all pockets and bags to carry any forgotten products or prohibited articles.

Ensure you have all necessary travel documents (passport, boarding pass) readily accessible.

Ibague Travel Resources. Apps, Maps, Emergency Contacts