city, southwestern Colombia. It is located in the Andes Mountains on the banks of the Guáitara River, at 9,505 feet (2,897 metres) above sea level, and is known as the “city of the three volcanoes.”

A Spanish settlement was founded there in 1585 by missionaries working among the indigenous Pasto Indians. It contains well-known Indian markets and the sanctuary of the Virgin of Las Lajas. Ipiales is an important regional manufacturing centre, producing woollen and cotton textiles, articles of sisal, and beer. It is also a border post, being on the Pan-American Highway, 2.5 miles (4 km) from the Ecuadorean boundary. Pop. (2003 est.) 75,403.