Wanderlog
  • Log in
Guide contents
Map layers
•

Overview
Where to eat
Day 1
Pin

1-Day Ipiales Itinerary

When is your trip?
–

Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Wanderlog logo
Wanderlog staff
Updated
• updatedAug 20, 2025

Ipiales in 1 day

If you only have 1 day to spend in Ipiales, we’ve narrowed down the top places you should check out to get the best experience of your time here.
Ipiales is best known for the Sanctuary of Las Lajas, a spectacular neo-Gothic church dramatically built into a canyon above the Guáitara River. The town sits high in the Andes near the border with Ecuador, making it a convenient stop on overland routes between the two countries. Visitors can enjoy cool mountain scenery, local markets, and a glimpse of everyday life in Colombia’s southern highlands.
With favorites like "20 de Julio" Square, Teleférico las lajas, and Rumichaca International Bridge, we’ll make sure you don’t miss out on all the must sees. We even included some of our favorite food spots around the area, like Plaza Catedral Café Ipiales and FELIX Restaurante lounge so you can get the best taste of Ipiales while you’re here. To see our full list of food recommendations, check out our best restaurants post. If you're traveling on a budget, you can check out our cheap eats post.
Visiting Ipiales? See our Ipiales Trip Planner.
Feel free to follow our itinerary exactly or tailor it to your own needs — happy wandering!
Your itinerary and your map in one view

No more switching between different apps, tabs, and tools to keep track of your travel plans.

Learn more
What users say about the app
Love love love! ❤️ Planning travel has actually been fun instead of tedious because of this app.
J
Julie G.
Exactly what I needed to plan a trip. I can’t imagine anyone not loving this app!
J
Jen S.
Wanderlog makes planning a trip so effortless. Seriously, this app does it all!
B
Brad C.
This site and app let me do all the planning for our 15 day trip in a little over 6 hours! I can’t recommend it enough!
A
Amanda W.
Amazing!! The organization this app provides has taken a huge weight off my shoulders.
G
Garrett V.
This is the crème de la crème of planning apps! Don’t think about it - just click download right this minute.
C
Chris C.

Your itinerary and your map in one view

No more switching between different apps, tabs, and tools to keep track of your travel plans.

Table of contents
  • Ipiales in 1 day
  • 1-day itinerary

Day 1

1-day itinerary
With only 1 day to squeeze in as much activities as you can, we strategically grouped the must-sees, Rumichaca International Bridge and "20 de Julio" Square with surrounding point of interests to make sure you don’t leave Ipiales without getting the most bang for your time. Combining the average time spent at each location and traveling time in between, it should fill up about 4 hours of your day.
1

Rumichaca International Bridge

4.3
(10101)
Bridge
The Rumichaca International Bridge is a bustling border crossing between Colombia and Ecuador, surrounded by wooded hills and roadside food stalls. Located about 7 kilometers southeast of Ipiales city center, it offers a straightforward process for foreigners traveling between the two countries. While some travelers have expressed concerns about safety, most find the experience smooth and even culturally enriching. Visitors should expect to go through immigration checks on both sides, with potential queues at the Ecuadorian migration office.
Border crossing early in the morning from Colombia to Ecuador (~8am). All went smooth and no major waiting lines. Quick procedure.
Manuel H — Google review
I walked across this bridge where Police and Border Service officers were always present and welcoming. They make the place feel safe. Too much loitering though.
Alejandro S — Google review
Very safe border crossing, its also very quick and agile if you do it at 6-7am Can change currency, they ask for yellow fever vaccine into Ecuador.
Oscar D — Google review
Easy transfer, the migration offices weren't busy, there are minivans ("busetas") on the Colombian side, allowing people to get to Ipiales or Tulcan for 0.75 dollars each at the time of writing.
Elliot N — Google review
nothing to see really, just a border crossing with people wanting to sell you dollars and or pesos. if you're going to Ecuador, get you yellow fever card. must be 10 days before crossing. over 60s exempt or medical letter if you have a reason not to have one.
Jeremy R — Google review
Easy to cross, they don't ask you for any ID whne you pass next to the officer. You must get your document to the I migration office next to the bridge. From there you can only take a taxi, there are no Buses around. I attach pictures of the way to the bridge (it is around an hour walking from the bus terminal to the border)
Carlos C — Google review
The border crossing was very easy and we grabed a taxi on the Ecuadorian side.
Lars F — Google review
Very straight forward, seemed safe in daylight despite mixed opinions / worries about crossing. Stamp out then stamp in. Was there at around 7.30am and had to queue about 15 mins at the Ecuador migration office, no queue leaving Colombia. Taxi to tulcan $1 per person, able to exchange money to dollars for a reasonable rate. Can expect the queues grow more in the day as there were larger queues when we left the migration office.
Sam — Google review
Ipiales, Nariño, Colombia•Tips and more reviews for Rumichaca International Bridge
4 min · 2.6 mi
2

"20 de Julio" Square

4.4
(1780)
City park
Park
State park
"20 de Julio" Square is located approximately 7 kilometers southeast of the Ipiales city center and 11 kilometers east of the Rumichaca International Bridge at the Colombia-Ecuador border. As one of the main parks in the city, it offers a pleasant environment for daytime visits, with its wide and open spaces suitable for leisurely strolls. However, it's advisable to avoid visiting at night.
Old town square anchored like many places in the Caribbean, central and south America by a church as safe as any big city stateside.
David P — Google review
So beautiful place
Diego M — Google review
This is one of the principal parks that have the city, is a good place
Andres H — Google review
It's a pretty plaza during the day. Avoid at night.
Matthew C — Google review
Wide and open place, good to walk around.
Fernando G — Google review
Beautiful place but a little dangerous
Andres N — Google review
Ok
Maritza — Google review
Ok
Alvaro P — Google review
Ipiales, Nariño, Colombia•Tips and more reviews for "20 de Julio" Square
Need a place to stay?
Where
When

Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

When
–

Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

When
–

Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Travelers
2
Rooms and guests
Rooms
1
Adults
2
Children
0
Travelers
2
1 min · 200 ft
3

Catedral de San Pedro Mártir

4.8
(80)
•
4.6
(112)
Cathedral
Sights & Landmarks
Churches & Cathedrals
(Translated by Google) The Cathedral of Ipiales or San Pedro Mártir dominates the Plaza 20 de Julio. Its interior is beautiful, but its reddish brick façade with white statues of angels and saints draws attention. It is not far from the land terminal, and there are cafes and hotels that offer services at convenient prices. (Original) La Catedral de Ipiales o de San Pedro Mártir domina la Plaza 20 de Julio. Su interior es hermoso, pero llama la atención su fachada de color ladrillo rojizo con estatuas blancas de ángeles y santos. No queda lejos del terminal terrestre, y hay cafeterías y hoteles que ofrecen servicios a precios convenientes.
Luis B — Google review
(Translated by Google) The carved wooden figures on the exterior doors are impressive. Of course you have to go and visit it. (Original) Las figuras talladas en madera en las puertas exteriores son impresionantes. Por supuesto que hay que entrar a visitarla.
Germán I — Google review
(Translated by Google) Traditional church and the main one in the city of Ipiales, it is located in the 20 de Julio park, where the municipal administrative offices are also located, the church is medium to large in size, it underwent some renovations on its floor 10 years ago, at the moment it is undergoing renovation of its roof, it is generally busier on weekends, its architecture is cool, it is worth noting that the regulation that they profess here is Catholic. (Original) Iglesia tradicional y la principal de la ciudad de Ipiales, se encuentra ubicada en el parque 20 de Julio, en donde tambien se ubican las oficinas administrativas del municipio, la iglesia es de tamaño medio a grande, sufrió algunas renovaciones en su piso hace 10 años, en el momento se encuentra en renovación de su cubierta, generalmente está más concurrida los fines de semana, su arquitectura es chevre, cabe resaltar que la regulación qué aquí profesan es la católica.
Jairo G — Google review
(Translated by Google) Excellent cabinet work. Precise details. Elegant architecture. I liked the atmosphere, it is difficult not to perceive its splendor since it is an iconic place located around the park. (Original) Excelente trabajo de ebanistería. Detalles precisos. Arquitectura elegante. Me gusto el ambiente, es difícil no percibir su esplendor ya que es un lugar iconico ubicado alrededor del parque.
Ernesto N — Google review
(Translated by Google) I really liked the place 😊 it's very nice (Original) Me gusto mucho el lugar 😊 es muy bonito
Camilo P — Google review
(Translated by Google) A good place for contemplation and celebration! (Original) Un buen lugar para el recogimiento y las celebraciones!
Víctor C — Google review
(Translated by Google) This cathedral really is beautiful, the colors are bright and it is in perfect condition. (Original) Realmente es bellisima esta catedral, los colores vivos y esta en un perfecto estado.
Francisco F — Google review
(Translated by Google) Very pleasant 🇨🇴🌎😎 (Original) Muy placentera 🇨🇴🌎😎
Mr B — Google review
Cra. 6 #9-36, Ipiales, Nariño, Colombia•Tips and more reviews for Catedral de San Pedro Mártir
8 min · 3.2 mi
4

Las Américas

4.6
(1385)
•
4.3
(44)
Religious destination
Transportation
Shipping service
Shrine
Tramways
Best way to appreciate landscape and to arrive to Las Lajas sanctuary. Large parking. Low price. Round trip
Mario C — Google review
Great views of the valley and the church. The outside of the cars is kind of dirty and degrades the views. There are some tiny windows to open and use and stick a camera out of but it's pretty annoying to do this. Also a bit expensive at 16k cop per person round trip. Trip takes about 20 minutes each way.
Kevin K — Google review
Good. The experience is exciting. It's very safe. 💯 Recommend it.
GeorgeLopez — Google review
An awesome ride down to the church. I recommend it.
Sol S — Google review
It's very slow and there are No Taxis. We waited 30 minutes for a privat Car the workers organised while i was sick. In Ipiales are 100 Taxis waiting for customers and Here are none .
Nadja W — Google review
This is the parking lot of the Teleferico. We parked here with our camper for the night. Very quite & safe. They gave us electricity and bathrooms were open all night.
Mark M — Google review
Take it nice and slow, and enjoy the view. The ride to the church is a great way to start and take the taxi after walking around. Warning: to the not so young, pace yourself.
Jeremy R — Google review
Nice ride
Andrea R — Google review
524068, Ipiales, Nariño, Colombia•http://www.laslajas.co/•+57 316 6937675•Tips and more reviews for Teleférico las lajas
Create your ultimate travel itinerary

Plan your itinerary, find lodging, and import reservations — all in one app.

Learn more

Create your ultimate travel itinerary

Plan your itinerary, find lodging, and import reservations — all in one app.

Where to eat

When you need a food break from visiting all the attractions today, these fan favorite restaurants are about a 2-minute walk away from "20 de Julio" Square.

Plaza Catedral Café Ipiales

3.8
(125)
•
2.6
(5)
Restaurant
Cafeteria
Plaza Catedral Café Ipiales is a delightful spot that offers an impressive variety of dishes, catering to all meals from breakfast through dinner. While the service is generally good, patrons may experience a bit of a wait for their food. The café also features sweet bread options, though takeout comes with an additional charge for packaging. Many visitors find the prices reasonable given the quality of the food, and locals often comment on its slightly higher cost compared to other eateries in the area.
They have a really nice lunch menu and good service.
Matthew C — Google review
Food was terrible, different than on the picture
Iprim P — Google review
Bad quality of products (especially cappuccino which has nothing to do with a real cappuccino), high prices. I can't recommend this place.
Michaela P — Google review
Good place but little noisy because of the park in front of it. Service was good.
Con-Fuse ! — Google review
Cafeteria and coffee are good
Gabriel B — Google review
(Translated by Google) Very good food and different dishes, from breakfast to lunch and dinner. The attention is good although they take time to prepare the food. They also sell sweet bread, although if you want to take away they charge you extra for the Styrofoam. They accept card payment which is very convenient especially in Ipiales. (Original) Comida muy buena y de diferentes platillos, desde desayunos, hasta comida y cena. La atención es buena aunque tardan en preparar los alimentos. También venden pan dulce, aunque si quieres llevar te cobran un extra por el unicel. Aceptan pago con tarjeta lo cual es muy conveniente sobre todo en Ipiales.
Roberto N — Google review
(Translated by Google) The food was good, the cost is higher than those in the area according to comments from locals, I didn't think the price was very high in relation to the quality, would I go back… (Original) La comida estuvo buena, el costo es más alto que los de la zona según comentarios de las personas del lugar, no me pareció muy alto el precio en relación a la calidad, si volvería…
Xavi C — Google review
(Translated by Google) The place is nice, but the service is very slow. This must be because the girl who served us doubles as a cashier, waitress, salesperson, and the one who prepares our orders. I recommend they should have more customer service staff to avoid these inconveniences caused by delays or lack of attention. The bathrooms had no water or toilet paper. (Original) El lugar es agradable, pero el servicio es muy demorado, debe ser porque la chica que nos atendió hace las veces de cajera, mesera, vendedora y la que prepara los pedidos, como recomendación deberían tener más personal al servicio del cliente, para que no se presente estos inconvenientes por la demora o falta de atención. En cuanto a los baños no tenían agua, ni papel higiénico.
Yovanna B — Google review
Cl. 9 # 5-16, Ipiales, Nariño, Colombia•+57 27250425•Tips and more reviews for Plaza Catedral Café Ipiales

FELIX Restaurante lounge

4.9
(157)
•
4.9
(12)
Restaurant
FELIX Restaurant lounge offers delectable cuisine, personalized service, and a unique ambiance. This establishment is truly exceptional, providing innovative and delicious dishes that are unlike the usual flavors. The food is prepared with great care and attention to detail in a beautiful and pleasant setting. While the prices may not be cheap, they are definitely justified by the quality of the experience. FELIX Restaurant lounge is a place where one can indulge in rich flavors and enjoy an exquisite dining experience that goes beyond expectations.
(Translated by Google) A very cozy place with excellent service, their dishes are very good, they have a very original menu along with the theme of the atmosphere, without a doubt the experience at Félix Lounge is 100/10 (Original) Un lugar muy acogedor con excelente atención, sus platos son muy buenos, tienen un menú muy original junto con la temática del ambiente, sin duda 100/10 la experiencia en Félix Lounge
Bryand P — Google review
(Translated by Google) A hidden spot in Ipiales. It doesn't attract much attention from the outside, but once you walk through the door, your experience is transformed. A very colorful, eye-catching atmosphere, and pleasant music! And the food is also excellent and not at all expensive—an experience I would repeat! (Original) Un lugar escondido en Ipiales, por fuera no llama mucho la atención pero una vez que cruzas la puerta se transforma tu experiencia. Un ambiente muy vistoso, muy colorido, música agradable!! Y la comida no se queda atrás, es excelente y no es para nada costosa, una experiencia que repetiría!
Rodrigo L — Google review
(Translated by Google) Excellent service and a wonderful experience, not only conceptually but also a true gift of life for me. A place where I realized a family dream. A thousand thanks. (Original) Excelente servicio y una experiencia grandiosa no solo conceptual sino fue un gran regalo de vida para mí. Dónde realice un sueño familiar. Mil y mil gracias
Ayurveda S — Google review
(Translated by Google) Excellent service from Viviana! We went to celebrate my husband's birthday and she treated us superbly! The food is delicious and beautifully presented ☺️ (Original) Excelente atención por parte de Viviana! Fuimos a celebrar el cumpleaños de mi esposo y nos atendió súper bien! La comida es muy rica y con muy buena presentación ☺️
Erika B — Google review
(Translated by Google) The food is delicious, the service is incredible! The place is beautiful, it's an art gallery, and the food is signature. (Original) La comida es deliciosa, la atención es increíble! El lugar es hermoso, es una galería de arte y la comida es de autor
Juana V — Google review
(Translated by Google) Excellent dish called old man of the sea, very tasty😋 (Original) Excelente plato llamado viejo del mar, muy rico😋
Marly R — Google review
(Translated by Google) Excellent atmosphere and very good food (Original) Excelente ambiente y muy buena comida
Travel G — Google review
(Translated by Google) Very good service, delicious food, and atmosphere 12/10 recommended (Original) Muy buen servicio, la comida deliciosa, e ambiente 12/10 recomendado
Alex P — Google review
Cl 25 #6b - 44, Ipiales, Nariño, Colombia•https://wa.me/message/TCHUYOGYBJPRK1•+57 316 2679810•Tips and more reviews for FELIX Restaurante lounge
Create your ultimate travel itinerary

Plan your itinerary, find lodging, and import reservations — all in one app.

Learn more

Create your ultimate travel itinerary

Plan your itinerary, find lodging, and import reservations — all in one app.

Best-of categories in Ipiales
See all
Browse categories
Place categoryRestaurants, museums, etc.

Popular

Where to eat: the  best restaurants in Ipiales
Restaurants
Restaurants

Popular road trips from Ipiales

Slide 1 of 6
Ipiales to
Quito
Ipiales to
Bogota
Ipiales to
Medellin
Ipiales to
Cali
Ipiales to
Popayan
Ipiales to
Salento

What's the weather like in Ipiales?

It depends on when you visit! We've compiled data from NASA on what the weather is like in Ipiales for each month of the year: see the links below for more information.

  • Weather in Ipiales in January
  • Weather in Ipiales in February
  • Weather in Ipiales in March
  • Weather in Ipiales in April
  • Weather in Ipiales in May
  • Weather in Ipiales in June
  • Weather in Ipiales in July
  • Weather in Ipiales in August
  • Weather in Ipiales in September
  • Weather in Ipiales in October
  • Weather in Ipiales in November
  • Weather in Ipiales in December

All road trips from Ipiales

  • Ipiales to Quito drive
  • Ipiales to Bogota drive
  • Ipiales to Medellin drive
  • Ipiales to Cali drive
  • Ipiales to Popayan drive
  • Ipiales to Salento drive

Explore nearby places

  • Ipiales
  • Pasto
  • Cotacachi
  • Otavalo
  • San Antonio de Pichincha
  • Papallacta
  • Quito
  • Mindo
  • San Agustin
  • Tena
  • Popayan
  • Latacunga
  • Banos
  • Paicol
  • Riobamba
  • Cali
  • Villavieja
  • Manta
  • Guayaquil
  • Machalilla National Park
  • Cuenca
  • Puerto Lopez
  • Armenia
  • Montenegro
  • Calarca
  • Quimbaya
  • Salento
  • Ibague
  • Pereira
  • Santa Elena
  • Girardot

All related maps of Ipiales

  • Map of Ipiales
  • Map of Pasto
  • Map of Cotacachi
  • Map of Otavalo
  • Map of San Antonio de Pichincha
  • Map of Papallacta
  • Map of Quito
  • Map of Mindo
  • Map of San Agustin
  • Map of Tena
  • Map of Popayan
  • Map of Latacunga
  • Map of Banos
  • Map of Paicol
  • Map of Riobamba
  • Map of Cali
  • Map of Villavieja
  • Map of Manta
  • Map of Guayaquil
  • Map of Machalilla National Park
  • Map of Cuenca
  • Map of Puerto Lopez
  • Map of Armenia
  • Map of Montenegro
  • Map of Calarca
  • Map of Quimbaya
  • Map of Salento
  • Map of Ibague
  • Map of Pereira
  • Map of Santa Elena
  • Map of Girardot

Ipiales throughout the year

  • Ipiales in January
  • Ipiales in February
  • Ipiales in March
  • Ipiales in April
  • Ipiales in May
  • Ipiales in June
  • Ipiales in July
  • Ipiales in August
  • Ipiales in September
  • Ipiales in October
  • Ipiales in November
  • Ipiales in December

Day itineraries for nearby cities

  • 1-Day Quito Itinerary
  • 1-Day Cali Itinerary
  • 1-Day Cuenca Itinerary
  • 1-Day Guayaquil Itinerary
  • 1-Day Banos Itinerary
  • 1-Day Pereira Itinerary
  • 1-Day Popayan Itinerary
  • 1-Day Armenia Itinerary
  • 1-Day Otavalo Itinerary
  • 1-Day Mindo Itinerary
  • 1-Day Salento Itinerary
  • 1-Day Ibague Itinerary
  • 1-Day Pasto Itinerary
  • 1-Day Riobamba Itinerary
  • 1-Day Manta Itinerary
  • 1-Day Tena Itinerary
  • 1-Day Santa Elena Itinerary
  • 1-Day Puerto Lopez Itinerary
  • 1-Day San Agustin Itinerary
  • 1-Day Latacunga Itinerary
  • 1-Day Cotacachi Itinerary
  • 1-Day Girardot Itinerary
  • 1-Day Quimbaya Itinerary
  • 1-Day Calarca Itinerary
  • 1-Day Montenegro Itinerary
  • 1-Day Villavieja Itinerary
  • 1-Day Machalilla National Park Itinerary
  • 1-Day Paicol Itinerary
  • 1-Day San Antonio de Pichincha Itinerary
Planning a trip to Ipiales?
Save all the best places to visit with WanderlogDownload the travel planning app everyone's been raving about
  • Itinerary + map in one view
  • Live collaboration
  • Auto-import hotels and reservations
  • Optimize your route
  • Offline access on mobile
  • Optimize your route
  • See time and distance between all your places
Learn more
Get the iOS app from the App Store
Get the Android app from Google Play
0 places saved to your trip to Ipiales