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Park · Manizales, Caldas
Recinto del Pensamiento
Park and convention center in the mountains east of Manizales, with a guadua grove, orchid garden, butterfly house, medicinal plant garden and a chairlift over the forest.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Recinto del Pensamiento
Recinto del Pensamiento is about 11 km east of downtown Manizales, on the road that climbs to the Gallinazo area, at over 2,000 meters altitude. It’s a park maintained by the Comitê de Cafeicultores de Caldas, with trails through the Andean forest, gardens and a convention center whose pavilion was built with guadua, the region’s giant bamboo, by architect Simón Vélez.
The visit is guided and includes orchid collections, a butterfly house with local species, a guadua grove, a garden of medicinal and aromatic plants, and an Andean oak wood. Part of the route is done on a chairlift that rises above the treetops to the upper part of the park, with views of the city and the mountains.
The guide explains the use of guadua in the traditional architecture of the Eixo Cafeeiro and the region’s relationship with coffee. At the end of the visit there is usually a coffee tasting. There is also a restaurant and a shop.
The park is outside the city, amid forest, and the climate is colder and more humid than in the center.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 2 to 3 hours with the guided tour.
Best time
In the morning, with a better chance of clear weather. The visit is conducted in guided groups at set times; confirm before going.
How to get there
It’s about 11 km from downtown Manizales, on the road to Gallinazo and the Magdalena. Go by taxi (about 20 minutes) or by the city bus that runs along that road.
Tip
Bring a coat and rain poncho: the park is colder and more humid than the city. Notice the guadua pavilion, an example of the region’s bamboo architecture.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Recinto del Pensamiento
What is guadua?
A giant bamboo native to the region, traditionally used in the constructions of the Eixo Cafeeiro. In the park there is a guadua grove and a pavilion built with it.
Is the visit to Recinto del Pensamiento guided?
Yes, in guided groups at set times. Confirm before going.
Is it far from downtown Manizales?
About 11 km, 20 minutes by taxi.