Manizales
Nestled in the heart of Colombia’s Coffee Axis (Eje Cafetero), Manizales sits atop the northern Andes, surrounded by rolling mountains and panoramic views.
Climate
Manizales has a temperate, humid climate throughout the year, with temperatures between 14°C and 22°C. Sitting at an altitude of 2,150 meters above sea level, the city experiences frequent rainfall, particularly from April to November.
How to Get There
The city is served by La Nubia Airport, which offers domestic flights mainly to Bogotá and Medellín via the airline Clic. Alternatively, travelers can fly into Matecaña International Airport in Pereira, about 1 hour and 30 minutes away by road, which provides a broader range of airline connections. Manizales is also accessible by intercity buses from major cities like Armenia, Bogotá, and Medellín. Though the mountainous roads leading to the city can be winding, they offer views of the Coffee Cultural Landscape.
Hotel accomodations
Manizales offers a variety of accommodation options, ranging from luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels and inns. Notable hotels include Hotel Carretero and Hotel Varuna, both known for their excellent locations and services.
LUXURY HOTELS
Hotel Carretero
Website: https://hotelcarretero.com
Address: Av. Santander #35A-31, Manizales, Caldas
Phone: (606) 8930300 / (57) 3114553588
A traditional hotel in the city center, close to the Teatro Los Fundadores Cultural and Convention Center, where many Festival events will take place.
Hotel Varuna
Website: https://www.hotelvarunamanizales.com
Address: Calle 62 #23C-18, Manizales, Caldas
Phone: (57) 314 8144182
Located in Manizales’ Zona Rosa, near the central campus of Universidad de Caldas.
Hotel Estelar El Cable
Website: https://www.estelarelcable.com
Address: Cra. 23C #64a-60, Manizales, Caldas
Phone: (606) 8879690
Located in the El Cable district, near restaurants, cafés, shopping centers, and cultural sites.
QUO Quality Hotel
Website: https://quo.com.co
Address: Calle 66a No. 26 A 28, Manizales, Caldas
Phone: (606) 8930320
Situated in a quiet, traditional neighborhood near the Rogelio Salmona University Cultural Center, where some Festival activities will be held.
Hotel Termales El Otoño
Website: https://www.termaleselotono.com
Address: Kilómetro 5, Antigua Vía al Nevado, Caldas
Phone: (601) 5875220
A unique hotel offering thermal spring experiences, located in a rural setting just outside Manizales—ideal for visitors seeking relaxation and nature.
MID-RANGE HOTELS
Hotel Benidorm
Website: https://www.hotelbenidorm.co/es/
Address: Calle 44 #20-20, Manizales, Caldas
Phone: (606) 8905040
Close to Universidad Autónoma de Manizales, Teatro Los Fundadores, and downtown.
Hotel Portal del Milán
Website: https://hotelportaldemilan.com/es
Address: Av. Santander #70a-76, Manizales, Caldas
Phone: 315 9272561
Located in a quiet residential area, offering a cozy and comfortable stay in a local environment.
Hotel Escorial
Website: https://escorial.hotelesejecafetero.net/es/
Address: Cl. 21 #21 – 11, Manizales, Caldas
Phone: 304 1421807
A centrally located classic hotel known for its personalized service.
BUDGET ACCOMMODATIONS & HOSTELS
Mountain Hostel
Website: https://mountainhostels.com.co
Address: Cl. 66 #23 B 91, Manizales, Caldas
Phone: 300 4397387
An adventure-oriented hostel with a focus on outdoor activities such as hiking and paragliding. Offers shared rooms and access to hiking routes.
Hostal Piedras de Mani
Website: https://piedrasdemani.com
Address: Calle 66 # 23b – 98, Manizales, Caldas
Phone: 313 5081018
Located in a quiet area with easy access to Manizales’ main attractions, featuring an artistic design and eco-friendly focus. Offers private and shared rooms.
Hostal Kaleidoscopio
Address: Cl. 20 #21-15, Manizales, Caldas
Phone: 68901702
A cozy hostel with artistic decor, providing an affordable and authentic experience with private and shared rooms and a communal kitchen.
Hostal Mirador Andino
Website: https://www.miradorandino-hostel.com
Address: Cra. 23 #32 20, Manizales, Caldas
Phone: 310 6098141
Located in front of Parque Fundadores, this hostel offers a peaceful stay with panoramic views, ideal for budget travelers seeking tranquility.
Tourism
NATURE AND ECOTOURISM
Los Nevados National Natural Park
One of the main natural attractions in Manizales, this park is famous for its biodiversity and breathtaking high-mountain landscapes, including Nevado del Ruiz and other snow-capped peaks. Visitors can enjoy guided hikes, wildlife observation, and natural hot springs.
Recinto del Pensamiento
A natural reserve just minutes from the city, perfect for exploring ecological trails, orchid and butterfly gardens, and bird watching routes. This sanctuary promotes environmental conservation and offers a relaxing outdoor experience in an educational setting.
Hot Springs
Several hot spring resorts, such as Termales El Otoño and Termales Tierra Viva, are located near Manizales. These destinations provide a relaxing atmosphere with mineral-rich waters, stunning views, and wellness experiences.
CULTURAL AND HISTORICAL TOURISM
Catedral Basílica de Manizales
The tallest church in Colombia, featuring a 106-meter-high tower and neo-Gothic architecture. Guided tours allow visitors to explore the interior and climb the “Polish Corridor” for a breathtaking view of the city.
Historic Center
Manizales preserves many heritage buildings from the Republican and Art Deco periods. Walking tours offer insights into the city’s history and architecture, with stops at cultural landmarks like Teatro Fundadores and the Caldas Government Building.
Museums
The Caldas Museum of Art and the Caldas Gold Museum are excellent options for exploring the region’s artistic and historical heritage. The former showcases modern and contemporary art, while the latter exhibits pre-Columbian artifacts from indigenous cultures.
COFFEE CULTURE
Coffee Farms
As part of the Coffee Axis, Manizales offers tours of coffee farms where visitors can learn about coffee cultivation, harvesting, and roasting processes while enjoying tastings. Hacienda Venecia is a popular choice, providing immersive coffee experiences.
Coffee Route
Manizales is part of the “Coffee Route,” a cultural and sensory journey where travelers can explore different stages of coffee production and understand the historical and cultural significance of coffee in the region.
ADVENTURE ACTIVITIES
Hiking and Trekking
With its mountainous terrain, Manizales is an ideal destination for hiking. Guided trails are available in Ecoparque Los Alcázares and other natural areas surrounding the city.