Manizales Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Manizales, Colombia with this comprehensive travel guide. Find things to do, places to visit, where to eat, and more.


Manizales is a city located in the Zona Cafetera region, in the Andino department of Colombia, South America. It is a city that has been carved out of the mountain and is surrounded by lush green hills. With its moderate climate, rich culture, and stunning natural beauty, Manizales is a must-visit destination in Colombia. Let’s dive into the details of this comprehensive travel guide to Manizales.

Introduction to Manizales

Manizales is a city that is known for its rich culture, friendly locals, and awe-inspiring landscape. The city is located on the foothills of the Andes mountain range and is surrounded by many volcanic peaks. This city has a history that dates back to the 19th century when it was founded by a group of settlers who wanted to escape the crowded cities of the coast. Today, Manizales is a cultural and educational hub with many universities, museums, and cultural attractions.

List of Places to Visit in Manizales

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Palacio de Bellas Artes: This museum is famous for its stunning architecture and houses some of the finest examples of Colombian art.

  2. Museo de la Universidad de Caldas: This museum is located in the university campus and is home to many artifacts and exhibits that showcase the rich cultural heritage of the region.

  3. Plaza de Bolivar: This plaza is located in the center of Manizales and is the heart of the city. It is surrounded by many important buildings like the Manizales Cathedral and the Government Palace.

Natural Attractions of Manizales: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Los Nevados National Natural Park: This park is located near Manizales and is known for its mesmerizing landscapes, snowcapped volcanoes, and hot springs.

  2. Recinto del Pensamiento: This park is home to many species of birds and animals and also boasts of a butterfly house and a botanical garden.

  3. Chipre: This hill station is located above the city and offers stunning views of the Andes mountain range.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Manizales

  1. Nevado del Ruiz: This is one of the most popular hiking routes in Manizales and offers breathtaking views of the Andes Mountain range.

  2. Alto de Letras: This is a challenging, but rewarding bike ride that takes you through some of the most scenic routes in Manizales.

Best Things to Do in Manizales: Activities and Tours

  1. Coffee Tour: This tour takes you through the coffee plantations in the region and allows you to taste some of the finest coffee in the world.

  2. Cable Car Ride: This ride takes you to the top of Chipre and offers stunning views of the city and the surrounding mountains.

  3. Hot Springs: Take a dip in the hot springs and rejuvenate yourself in the mineral-rich waters.

Week-Long Itinerary for Manizales

Day Activity
Day 1 Explore the city center and visit the Palacio de Bellas Artes and Museo de la Universidad de Caldas
Day 2 Visit the Los Nevados National Natural Park and enjoy the scenic beauty
Day 3 Take a coffee tour and taste some of the finest coffee in the world
Day 4 Enjoy the hot springs and relax
Day 5 Hike the Nevado del Ruiz and take in the mesmerizing landscape
Day 6 Explore the Recinto del Pensamiento and enjoy the stunning flora and fauna
Day 7 Take a cable car ride and enjoy the stunning views of the city and the surrounding mountains

Food and Drink Scene of Manizales

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Bandeja Paisa: This is a typical Colombian dish that consists of rice, beans, steak, chorizo, avocado, and plantain.

  2. Arepas: These are crispy cornmeal patties that are served with cheese and butter.

Local Beverages

  1. Coffee: Manizales is famous for its coffee and you must try it while you’re here.

  2. Aguardiente: This is a popular Colombian drink that is made of anise and sugar.

Where to Stay in Manizales: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  1. Hacienda Venecia: This is a coffee farm turned guesthouse that offers stunning views of the mountains and the surrounding coffee plantations.

  2. Hotel Varuna: This hotel is located in the heart of the city and offers comfortable rooms and excellent service.

What to Buy in Manizales: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  1. Coffee: This is the most obvious thing to bring back from Manizales.

  2. Handicrafts: Manizales offers many opportunities to buy handmade products like woven bags, baskets, and jewelry.

Local Culture and Customs of Manizales

Manizales is a city that is known for its friendly locals, rich culture, and strong sense of community. Colombians are warm and welcoming people and they take great pride in their country and their heritage. Some customs that you should be aware of include greeting people with a handshake or a kiss on the cheek, dressing modestly, and being respectful of the local traditions.

Best Time to Visit Manizales

The best time to visit Manizales is from December to March when the weather is dry and pleasant. This is also the time when the coffee harvest is in full swing, which means you can witness the entire coffee-making process, from picking the beans to grinding and roasting them.

Do’s and Don’ts of Manizales

Do:

  1. Learn some basic Spanish before you arrive.

  2. Try the local food and coffee.

Don’t:

  1. Wear revealing clothes or jewelry.

  2. Disrespect the local culture and customs.

Safety and Health

Safety in Manizales

Manizales is a safe city for travelers, but it is always a good idea to be cautious and aware of your surroundings. Avoid flaunting expensive items and money, and do not wander around alone at night.

Health in Manizales

It is important to take precautions while traveling to a foreign country. Make sure you drink bottled water and avoid street food. Also, make sure you have adequate travel insurance before you arrive.

Getting to Manizales: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Manizales

The nearest airport to Manizales is the Matecaña International Airport, which is just 10 km away from the city center.

Bus Stations Near Manizales

The city has a well-developed transportation network with many bus stations like Terminal de Transporte de Manizales, which connects the city to nearby towns and cities.

Other Options

You can also hire a private car or take a taxi to reach Manizales.

How to Get Around in Manizales

Manizales has a well-developed public transportation network with many buses and taxis available. You can also rent a car or take a bike to explore the city.

Where to Go Next from Manizales: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  1. Pereira: This city is located just an hour away from Manizales and is known for its architecture, parks, and gardens.

  2. Salento: This town is located just a few hours away from Manizales and is famous for its colorful buildings and beautiful landscape.

Conclusion

Manizales is a city that has something to offer everyone. From its cultural attractions to natural wonders, from food and drink to outdoor adventures, this city has it all. We hope this comprehensive guide to Manizales helps you plan your trip effectively and creates memories that will last a lifetime.

Old town and city center of Manizales, seen from ''Chipre'' Old town and city center of Manizales, seen from ''Chipre'' Parque Fundadores on a Sunday afternoon Parque Fundadores on a Sunday afternoon Sculpture at a scenic walk ''Chipre'', at Manizales, Colombia Sculpture at a scenic walk ''Chipre'', at Manizales, Colombia Parque Caldas with the church Inmaculada Concepción Parque Caldas with the church Inmaculada Concepción Basílica Menor Inmaculada Concepción at Parque Caldas Basílica Menor Inmaculada Concepción at Parque Caldas Cable Car from Manizales to Villamaria Cable Car from Manizales to Villamaria El Ruiz Volcano in 2006 El Ruiz Volcano in 2006 Nevado del Ruiz with perennial snow Nevado del Ruiz with perennial snow