Manizales is a city in the Cordillera Central, which lies between Medellin, Bogota and Armenia. This region called “Eje Cafetero” is best known for its mild climate and wonderful coffee, advertised worldwide by the famous icon Juan Valdez.
A small and beautiful Colombian city, it’s not a common international tourist destination, although it’s the most convenient access point for the Parque de los Nevados. It has 7 universities and institutes.
The cathedral in the central square has a tower with a sweeping view of the city that can be visited for a small fee.
Accommodations range from deluxe to rustic, as does the food. Manizales lies 110 mi/180 km west of Bogota.
PNN Los Nevados are a range of mountain peaks in Colombia’s Coffee Region. Accessible from Manizales, the rugged, dramatic landscape is made of volcanoes, mountains, lakes and hotsprings.
The area is made up of three large (2 of them active) volcanoes. The other volcanoes are called Nevado de Santa Isabel and Nevado del Tolima. All three have hiking routes to suit various levels of ability (although it’s recommended to have some experience and good equipment as the altitudes are very high) and are well worth visiting.
