Tolima Department, Agricultural department in central Colombia
Tolima Department sits in central Colombia and stretches across valleys, plateaus and mountain ranges between the Magdalena River and the Cordillera Central. The capital Ibagué serves as a starting point for trips into rural areas, where coffee plantations and wide fields shape the view.
Spanish settlers founded the first towns in this area from 1537 onward, as they moved north through the Magdalena valley. In the 19th century the administrative territory was reorganized and took its current shape as a department within the Colombian republic.
The region takes its name from Nevado del Tolima, a snow-capped volcano whose name means "land of snow" in the language of the indigenous Pijao people. Travelers notice the agricultural character in the villages, where fields reach the roadside and small markets sell fresh produce from the surrounding farms.
Travelers in this area find paved main roads between larger towns and unpaved tracks in remote villages. Rainy season from April to November brings afternoon showers, so light rain gear is useful for trips into the countryside.
The highest point reaches over 5200 m (17,000 ft) at the summit of Nevado del Tolima, while the lowest plains along the Magdalena lie below 300 m (980 ft). This elevation difference creates many climate zones in a short distance, from tropical lowlands to cool cloud forests.
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