The Cable Aéreo de Manizales helps you get around the city: this public passenger transport system connects several strategic points using cabins that run continuously along suspended cables. The first line connects the city centre with the Terminal de Transportes de Manizales. The third runs from the terminal towards Zona Rosa. Routes may change; check the latest information if you plan to rely on one of the lines.
Historic Centre and Architecture
The Centro Histórico extends between Calle 17 and Calle 25 and between Carreras 19 and 25. It includes 134 buildings of republican architecture whose façades or uses have been preserved. The centre was declared a National Monument in 1996. This gives Manizales a clearly defined focal point for visitors who want to explore architecture and urban history during their stay.
Another architectural experience is the Catedral Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Rosario de Manizales. You can climb to a height of 113 metres, enjoy a 360° panoramic view and learn about the building’s history. If you plan to visit, check the visiting hours in advance.
Chipre: Views and a Walk
Chipre is one of Manizales’s traditional neighbourhoods. During the day, you can stroll around the viewpoint area. From there, you can see Manizales, the Cordillera, the snow-capped peaks of Ruiz and Santa Isabel, and the valleys of the Cauca and Risaralda rivers. A visit combines city views with a sweeping outlook over the landscape.
The viewpoint area has obleas, ice cream, cholaos and cotton candy. Chipre is also home to the Monumento a los Colonizadores, a 25-tonne work. From the monument, you can see the mountains surrounding Manizales; specialist guides provide historical commentary. If you plan to take a guided tour, check in advance when it is available.
Experiences at Ecoparque Los Yarumos
Ecoparque Los Yarumos is located in the northeastern part of the city. Ecoparque Los Yarumos has five canopy zip lines at heights of 30 to 70 metres and a 105-metre-long Tibetan bridge. There is also a four-hour route through the forest. The zip lines offer a high-altitude ride, while the Tibetan bridge provides a crossing; the four-hour forest route focuses on the experience of nature in the forest. Check in advance whether these activities are currently operating if you want to include one of them in your plans.
Natural Areas in the Municipality
In the Los Alcázares neighbourhood of the municipality of Manizales, Ecoparques Alcázares-Arenillo covers 34 hectares and lies at an altitude of 1,900 to 2,000 metres. The area is home to 167 bird species. In the municipality of Manizales, the Río Blanco reserve covers 4,900 hectares at elevations of 2,250 to 3,800 metres. It contains high-Andean forests and subpáramo ecosystems.
Río Blanco is home to white-tailed deer, coatis, tayras and other wildlife; 350 bird species have also been recorded there. Ecoparques Alcázares-Arenillo covers 34 hectares and lies in the Los Alcázares neighbourhood of the municipality of Manizales at an altitude of 1,900 to 2,000 metres; Río Blanco is in the municipality of Manizales at elevations of 2,250 to 3,800 metres. Río Blanco extends over a larger area of the municipality of Manizales and across a broader range of elevations, and includes several ecosystems as well as wildlife. These differences can help you choose which nature-related attractions to explore during your stay.
Discover more destinations: La Dorada, Riosucio, Termales, Viterbo, Gallinazo, GUARINOCITO, Chinchiná, MARAPRA.
For the regional travel overview: Caldas.
