Manizales

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A man picks cherries at a farm in the rural highlands of Colombias coffee axis.

©Modoc Stories/Getty Images

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Overview

The northern point of the Eje Cafetero (Coffee Axis), Manizales is a pleasantly cool, midsized university town with steep, hilly streets, surrounded on all sides by green mountain scenery. The capital of the Caldas department, Manizales was founded in 1849 by a group of Antioquian colonists looking to escape the civil wars of that time. The town's early development was hindered by two earthquakes in 1875 and 1878 and a fire in 1925, and for this reason there's not a lot of historical interest left – the real attractions are the surrounding nature activities and the town's vibrant nightlife.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

Catedral de Manizales

Manizales

Plaza de Bolívar’s south side is dominated by the odd but impressive Catedral de Manizales. Begun in 1929 and built of reinforced concrete, it is among…

Monumento a Los Colonizadores

Manizales

Located atop a hill in the neighborhood of Chipre, this massive monument to the city's founders was crafted from 50 tonnes of bronze (including keys and…

Los Yarumos

Manizales

This 53-hectare municipal park offers panoramic views of the city and adventure activities. Popular with locals, free activities include a short guided…

Torre de Chipre

Manizales

The 30m-high spaceship-like lookout point has 360-degree views of the dramatic mountainous terrain surrounding the city. If you're brave you can walk…

Plaza de Bolívar

Manizales

The city's main square has the mandatory statue of Bolívar, by Rodrigo Arenas Betancur, here known as Bolívar-Cóndor since the sculptor endows Colombia's…