Overview
Ipiales is a small Colombian border town in Nariño department, close to the Ecuadorian frontier. Most travelers stop here specifically to cross the border to or from Ecuador, or to visit the spectacular Sanctuary of Las Lajas, a neo-Gothic cathedral built on a bridge over the Guaitara River.
Architecture · Budget Travel · Day Trips · Transit Hub
Before you go
Connectivity
WiFi is available at hotels like Hotel San Jose. For full connectivity, consider purchasing a Colombian SIM card in Pasto before arriving.
Money
Use Colombian pesos in Ipiales. Do not exchange currency at the border—rates are poor. ATMs may be limited; withdraw cash before arriving if possible.
Transport
The bus terminal is outside town; collectivos (shared taxis) connect to the center for COP$1,500. The border crossing to Ecuador at Rumichaca is straightforward—collectivos run to Tulcán for US$0.75.