Before you go

Your trip to Manizales.

Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.

Manizales – Caldas Destination Eixo Cafeeiro Capital

How to get there

Aeropuerto La Nubia (MZL) 8 km
Aeropuerto Internacional Matecaña (PEI) Pereira · 55 km
Terminal de Transportes de Manizales 2 km

Approximate road distances. Check flights and bus schedules before you travel.

Check before buying. La Nubia airport, about 8 km from the center, receives domestic flights, usually from Bogotá; Matecaña, in Pereira, about 55 km away, has more flights. From Pereira, buses take about an hour and a half; from Medellín, about five hours. The Cable Aéreo links the bus terminal to the city center.

How many days

One day is enough for the center with the cathedral, the Corredor Polaco, Chipre at sunset and the Recinto del Pensamiento in the morning. With two days you can add a coffee farm in the surroundings.

When to go

The climate is cool, around 17 °C, with frequent rain—especially from April to May and from October to November. In January the Feria de Manizales takes place, with parades, music and the city crowded.

The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.

Do you need a car?

No. The center, the cathedral and Chipre are close to each other; there are taxis and city buses, and the Cable Aéreo links the bus terminal to the center. For farms and the Recinto del Pensamiento, take a taxi or an organized tour.

Suggested itinerary

An order that works

Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.

One day in Manizales

Morning
Recinto del Pensamiento
By taxi to the Recinto del Pensamiento for the guided visit, with orchids, butterflies, a guadua forest and the chairlift.
Afternoon
Cathedral and Corredor Polaco
Return to the center for lunch and to visit the cathedral, climbing the tower via the Corredor Polaco; see the Bolívar Cóndor in the square.
Late afternoon
Chipre
Head to Chipre and the Monumento a los Colonizadores to watch the sunset over the mountains.
Evening
Avenida Santander
Have dinner in the Avenida Santander area, where restaurants and bars are located.

Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.

Before you go

Frequently asked questions

How to get from Pereira to Manizales?

By bus or van, about an hour and a half on the mountain road. By car, about 55 km.

What is the Cable Aéreo of Manizales?

The urban cable car that links the bus terminal to the center and other neighborhoods; it is part of the city's public transport.

Is Manizales very cold?

It's cool, around 17 °C, with cold nights and frequent rain. Bring a jacket and a raincoat.

When is the Feria de Manizales?

In January, with parades, music, contests and the city full. Book accommodation in advance.

Back to Manizales