Ibagué (1985 pop. 288,575) is the capital of the department of Tolima in Colombia. It is situated 1,285 m (4,216 ft) above sea level, on the eastern slopes of the Cordillera Central between the Chipalo and Combeima rivers, tributaries of the Cuello River . It is on the road from Armenia to Bogotá, near the pass that connects to the Cauca Valley , and as a result is a commercial center. It also benefits from the beautiful surrounding mountains and the nearby getaway villa of Villa Restrepo.
It was founded in 1550 as "San Bonifacio de Ibagué", and in 1854 was briefly the capital of the republic. Tolima University was founded in 1945, and raised to university status in 1954.
The surrounding countryside produces coffee, cacao, tobacco, sugarcane, and rice.
Ibague is also famous for being the home of Colombia's best arepas, tamales and lechona .