Manizales, Colombia
Region: Caldas
Geographic Coordinates: 5.100000, -75.550000
Temperature Range: 15.0°C to 25.0°C (59°F to 77°F)
Climate: Manizales has a subtropical highland climate with relatively consistent temperatures throughout the year, typically ranging from 13°C to 23°C. The city experiences two rainy seasons, from March to May and from October to December, and two dry seasons in between.
Population: 434403
Language: Spanish
Manizales is a vibrant city located in the heart of Colombia’s coffee region. It is situated at an altitude of 2, 150 meters above sea level and surrounded by the majestic Andes mountains. With a population of over 400, 000 people, Manizales is the capital city of the Caldas department and one of the most important economic centers in central Colombia. The city has a rich cultural heritage that dates back to its foundation in 1849 by settlers from Antioquia. Manizales is known for its beautiful colonial architecture, Which can be seen throughout the city center.
Some notable buildings include the Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Rosary, Which features stunning stained glass windows and intricate stone carvings. Manizales also has a thriving arts scene with numerous galleries and museums showcasing local artists and their works. The Museum of Art de Caldas houses an impressive collection of contemporary art from both Colombian and international artists. For those interested in outdoor activities, Manizales offers plenty to do as well. The nearby Los Nevados National Park boasts breathtaking landscapes with snow-capped peaks, Hot springs, Waterfalls, And lush forests filled with exotic wildlife such as spectacled bears and condors.
One unique feature that sets Manizales apart from other cities in Colombia is its cable car system known as Cable Aéreo. This system connects different neighborhoods across steep hillsides providing residents with easy access to public transportation while offering tourists spectacular views over the city. Another must-visit attraction in Manizales is El Recinto del Pensamiento, An ecological park located on the outskirts of town that showcases some rare species like orchids while also having hiking trails where visitors can enjoy nature walks through dense forests or take part in birdwatching tours.
no visit to Manizales would be complete without trying some traditional Colombian coffee -the region’s most famous export – at one of the many coffee shops scattered throughout the city. Manizales is home to several coffee plantations, And visitors can take tours to learn about the cultivation and roasting processes. All in all, Manizales offers a unique blend of history, Culture, Nature, And adventure that makes it an excellent destination for anyone looking to explore Colombia’s beautiful coffee region.
- Los Nevados National Natural Park
- Cable Aéreo de Manizales
- Palacio de Bellas Artes
- Catedral Basílica Nuestra Señora del Rosario de Manizales
- Parque Nacional Natural Tatamá
- Monumento a los Colonizadores
- Plaza de Bolivar
- Museo del Oro Quimbaya
- Cerro de Oro Ecological Park
- Mirador el Alto del Guamo
- Coffee production and processing
- Textile manufacturing
- Agriculture and agro-industry
- Tourism and hospitality
- Education and research institutions such as Universidad de Caldas.
- Health services, including medical tourism.
- Construction and real estate development.
- Information technology (IT) services.
- Mining of gold, silver, copper, lead, zinc.
- Transportation and logistics.
- Other important sectors include banking and finance, retail trade, food processing industry etc..
- The founding of the city in 1849 by a group of Antioquian settlers led by Colonel José María Gutiérrez.
- The construction of the Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Rosary, which is one of the most important religious structures in Colombia.
- The coffee boom in the region during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, which helped to establish Manizales as an important commercial center.
- The development of a strong cultural scene in Manizales during the mid-20th century, with notable artists such as Luis Fernando Valencia and Hernando Valencia Goelkel emerging from the city.
- The tragedy at Armero in 1985, when a volcanic eruption caused massive mudslides that killed thousands of people throughout central Colombia, including many residents of Manizales.
- Notable people from Manizales include poets Eduardo Carranza and Gonzalo Arango, musician Juanes, soccer player Falcao Garcia, and politician Carlos Holmes Trujillo.
- Palacio de Bellas Artes: This beautiful building hosts various art exhibitions and cultural events.
- Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary: This stunning cathedral is one of Manizales’ most iconic landmarks.
- Museum of Natural History: Visitors can learn about the region’s flora, fauna, and geology through interactive exhibits and displays here.
- Los Yarumos Ecological Park: This park offers hiking trails, birdwatching opportunities, and stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
- Cable Aéreo de Manizales: Take a ride on this cable car for breathtaking views over the city and surrounding countryside.
- Monument to Los Colonizadores: This impressive monument honors the pioneers who settled in this region during the early 20th century.
- Catedral Nuestra Señora del Carmen: Another beautiful cathedral with intricate stained glass windows and a striking facade.
- Casa Museo Luis Eduardo Nieto Arteta: This museum is dedicated to one of Colombia’s most renowned artists and features many examples of his work.
- Plaza de Bolívar: The central square in Manizales is surrounded by historic buildings and offers plenty of opportunities for people-watching or enjoying a coffee at one of its many cafes.
- Nevado del Ruiz National Park: Just outside Manizales lies this national park with incredible natural beauty including glaciers, hot springs, waterfalls, and diverse wildlife habitats perfect for hiking or camping trips!
- Once Caldas Football Club: Founded in 1961, Once Caldas is one of the most successful football clubs in Colombia. The team has won several national and international titles, including the Copa Libertadores in 2004.
- Manizales Rugby Club: Established in 2010, Manizales Rugby Club is a relatively new team that competes in the Colombian Rugby League.
- Deportivo Pereira Football Club: Based in Pereira but with a strong following in Manizales, Deportivo Pereira was founded in 1944 and has played at various levels of Colombian football over the years.
- Caciques de Caldas Basketball Team: The Caciques de Caldas are a professional basketball team that plays its home games at Coliseo Mayor Jorge Arango Uribe. The team was founded in 1999 and has competed at various levels of Colombian basketball.
- Manizales Futsal Team: Manizales Futsal is a futsal (indoor soccer) club that competes at both national and international levels. The club was founded relatively recently but has already established itself as one of the top futsal teams in Colombia.
- Titanes de Manizales Volleyball Team: Titanes de Manizales is a professional volleyball team that competes at both national and international levels. The team was founded relatively recently but has already established itself as one of the top volleyball teams not only in Colombia but also across South America.
- BMX Club Escuela Bicicross Manizales: This BMX racing club provides training for young riders who want to compete locally or nationally within Colombia’s BMX circuit or even internationally representing their country on an Olympic level stage.
- Búfalos FC Fútbol Sala: A fustsal (indoor soccer) club based out of Manizales that competes in the Colombian Professional Futsal League.
- Feria de Manizales is a week-long festival held in January that features bullfighting, parades, concerts, and cultural events.
- Festival Internacional de Teatro de Manizales is an international theater festival held in September that showcases performances from around the world.
- Festival Nacional del Pasillo is a music festival celebrating traditional Colombian music held in June.
- Semana Santa includes processions and religious events leading up to Easter Sunday.
- Fiesta de las Colonias celebrates the city’s diverse cultural heritage with food, music, and dance performances held in October.
- Festival Internacional del Café is an annual coffee festival highlighting Colombia’s rich coffee culture held in October.
- Feria Artesanal y Cultural del Oriente Colombiano is an arts and crafts fair showcasing traditional Colombian handicrafts held in August.
- Carnavalito Infantil is a children’s carnival parade featuring costumes, music, and dance held during the Feria de Manizales festivities in January.
- Bandeja Paisa is a traditional dish from the Antioquia region, which includes Manizales. It consists of beans, rice, beef or pork, plantains, avocado and arepa.
- Tamal Tolimense is a tamale made with corn dough and stuffed with chicken or pork meat and vegetables.
- Calentado is a breakfast dish made from leftover beans and rice mixed together with eggs and sometimes meat.
- Chorizo Santarrosano is a sausage made from a mixture of pork meat and various spices.
- Empanadas de Pipián are fried empanadas filled with a mixture of mashed potatoes, peanuts and sugar.
- La Cabaña del Bosque offers traditional Colombian dishes such as bandeja paisa as well as international cuisine in a cozy atmosphere surrounded by nature.
- El Solar de la Plaza Café & Restaurante is known for its delicious coffee drinks as well as its menu featuring local specialties like tamales tolimeses and chorizo santarrosano.
- La Guadalupe Parrilla Barbecue Restaurant offers grilled meats including chorizo santarrosano along with other Colombian specialties like arepas con queso (corn cakes stuffed with cheese).
- Café San Alberto Manizales specializes in high-quality coffee grown on their own farms in the nearby mountains along with pastries and sandwiches for breakfast or lunch.
- El Rincon del Gaucho Parrilla Argentina Restaurant & Barbecue Grillhouse serves Argentinean style grilled meats along with salads, side dishes etc.
- Los Yarumos Ecological Park offers hiking trails, birdwatching, camping, and picnic areas.
- Recinto del Pensamiento is a botanical garden with walking trails and a butterfly house.
- Parque Nacional Natural de los Nevados is a nature reserve that provides hiking trails and mountain climbing opportunities.
- Bosque Popular El Prado is a park with a lake, playgrounds, sports fields, and picnic areas.
- Parque Fundadores is the central park in the city center with a fountain, sculptures, and outdoor events.
- Termales del Otoño is a natural hot springs resort that provides pools and spa services.
- Club Campestre de Manizales offers golf courses and country club amenities such as tennis courts, swimming pool facilities, and restaurant services.
- Parapente en Manizales provides paragliding tours over the city’s scenic landscapes.
