For those making a stop in Manizales, it'll be your first taste of Colombia's esteemed Zona Cafetera – also known as the coffee triangle.

Sitting in the Andean mountains at 7,000 feet, Manizales is the capital of Colombia's Caldas region. The city is home to half a million people. If arriving from Medellín, Manizales will feel tranquil compared to the hustle and bustle of Colombia's second-largest city.

With several universities based in the city, Manizales is a hub for Colombia's youth and has a progressive feel.

It's still a little sleepy, with not much to do if you're looking to pass a couple of days. The real allure is outside the city, in the countryside, littered with coffee fincas and thermal springs.

For some, Manizales may be a jumping-off point for the Los Nevados National Park. Though we'd recommend exploring Los Nevados via Salento, which is home to more tour agencies, and the famous Cocora Valley.

Really then, whether Manizales makes for an appealing destination will depend on how much you love a caffeine hit. If like us, you drink coffee by the gallon, it'll be a highlight of your journey in Colombia. 

You're likely to be heading to Manizales from Medellín. This is a well-traveled route with many transport options available. Buses from Medellín to Manizales depart hourly, costing around 40,000 COP for a five-hour journey. Aim to get the direct bus from Medellín rather than the one that sees you transfer at Pereira.

Disclaimer: This article may contain affiliate links, and we may earn a small commission should you use them, for which we are incredibly grateful. However, the recommendations are still our own and intended to advise on the very best experiences Manizales has to offer.

Relax in Thermal Springs

The thermal springs outside Manizales are very popular with travelers and locals alike. If you're planning on taking a dip in the thermal springs, we recommend one of two options.

Tierra Viva Thermal Springs

Found 12 kilometers from the center of Manizales, Tierra Viva is the cheaper way to explore the thermal springs. A visit will cost 15,000 COP. The best way to reach the springs is via taxi, which will cost 25,000 COP.

The springs are surrounded by mountainous countryside. There is also a freshwater stream nearby, making for a calming backdrop. The water at Tierra Viva is a toasty 35-41ºC.

The springs are open throughout the day before closing at 11:30 PM on weekdays and 1 AM on weekends.

Termales El Otoño

Termales El Otoño is slightly further afield than Tierra Viva, located 14.5 kilometers from the center of Manizales.

Although a little further from town, a taxi to El Otoño should only cost 25,000 COP. Entrance to the hot springs is 15,000 COP Tuesday to Thursday and 30,000 COP Friday to Monday.

Surrounded by towering peaks and atmospheric cloud forests, the hot springs here differ from those at Tierra Viva. The site is split into three pools of varying temperatures. The average temperature of the hottest pool is 41ºC. A massage room, steam room, and jacuzzi are available should you wish to mix things up.

Climb to the top of Catedral Basilica de Manizales

At Manizales' main square, a customary Parque Bolivar, you'll be greeted by the towering Catedral Basilica de Manizales.

At 113 meters tall, the cathedral is the third-largest in South America, offering an incredible panorama of the city and countryside should you be brave enough to venture to the top.

To get to the top, you'll need to pay 10,000 COP for an hour and a half tour, where you'll learn more about the cathedral's history en route to the summit.

Be mindful that English-speaking tours are available though they aren't nearly as frequent as Spanish-speaking tours. Ask when the next English-speaking tour is before booking.

Hike to El Chipre

For the best view in town, head to the Chipre neighborhood. Here, you'll find it hard to miss the 'Tower to the Sky.'

There is a small 10,000 COP fee to ascend the tower, though it's trivial for what your pesos get you. At the top, you'll be greeted by sweeping views of the city below and the rolling hills filled with coffee fincas beyond.

Hacienda Venecia

The highlight of a visit to Manizales is a chance to visit a coffee Finca. Of the Finca's based in the countryside just beyond Manizales, Hacienda Venecia is one of the best.

If you're staying in Manizales for this leg of your trip, the Finca will happily arrange transport for you to make the 17-kilometer journey from town. Once at the Finca, several activities await.

Coffee Farm Tour

The coffee tour is the most popular past-time at Hacienda Venecia. Though at 55,000 COP, it is a reasonably pricey one.

Tours last three hours and start from 9:30 AM. The tour begins with a fresh cup of coffee grown, roasted, ground, and brewed on the farm.

Afterward, you'll walk through the grounds of the Finca, seeing where the beans are grown, cultivated, and harvested; learning about the process along the way. This leg of the tour concludes with you picking a selection of beans for yourself before moving on to the wet mill.

At the wet mill, you'll learn about the processing and marketing of coffee.

After visiting the wet mill, you'll see and taste beans roasted to different grades and learn about the different aromas that roasts yield.

Coffee Cupping and Barista Workshop

If you're something of a coffee connoisseur, the coffee cupping and barista workshop will delight you.

In this workshop, you'll learn about the factors affecting the taste and aroma of coffee, identifying flavor profiles as you go. You'll also walk away with an insight into the complex flavors within coffee and an understanding of various brewing methods. After completing this exercise, you'll be able to identify different coffee profiles wherever in the world you find yourself sipping a brew.

Following the cupping and flavor profiling, it'll be time to try your hand at crafting the perfect cup of coffee. During this part of the workshop, you'll discuss the different factors contributing to the final taste of your coffee. From the roasting and grinding of beans to water temperature and pressure. Not to mention the altitude and climate at which the beans are cultivated.

The cupping and barista workshop is available upon request, lasting two and a half hours and costing 110,000 COP for a minimum of two people.

Cacao Tour

Coffee isn't the only produce grown on Hacienda Venecia. They also produce chocolate, from bean to bar.

The cacao tour begins with picking your own cacao pods fresh from the tree before tasting the raw cacao bean.

After this, you'll learn about the journey raw cacao takes as it is transformed into a bar of chocolate. You'll even get the chance to roast and grind your own beans.

It's a great experience filled with aroma and flavor. By the time the tour concludes after an hour and a half, you'll be the proud owner and creator of a homemade chocolate bar, all for 55,000 COP.

There are other tours on the grounds of Hacienda Venecia. However, they tend to be more popular with those who take the coffee farm up on their offer of on-site accommodation (more on that shortly!)

Hacienda Venecia

As we've said, Hacienda Venecia is just 20-minutes from Manizales, nestled in the tranquil, rolling hills of the Colombian countryside.

Hacienda Venecia offers several accommodation options across three main buildings; the main house, coffee lodge, and hostel. There is also a camping site with accommodation coming in the form of converted old Land Rovers.

The main house and coffee lodge are made up of private quarters. Meanwhile, the hostel mixes in some dormitory rooms at a significantly lower price.

Whatever you opt for, complimentary breakfast to kick start the day is included in the price of your stay.

It's also worth noting that if booking via HostelWorld et al., you'll only find the options available in the hostel building. For anything else, you'll have to book direct at the Hacienda Venecia website.

The Main House

Comprised of six private rooms and surrounded by beautiful views, the main house is the premium accommodation at Hacienda Venecia. Prices vary from 234,000 to 472,000 COP, depending on which room you opt for and the time of year. 

Each room is different, though you can expect a wardrobe, bedside tables, and a safe box. At the pricier end of the scale, you also get a private balcony and a private bathroom rather than a shared one.

The facilities in the main house are excellent. There's a 360-degree balcony area covering the entire perimeter of the house, a private pool, hammocks, and a bar-come-coffee station.

The Coffee Lodge

Like the main house, the coffee lodge is comprised of private rooms. There are 11 rooms on the property, designed for double or triple occupancy. Prices sit between 234,000 and 292,000 COP.

Twin and double rooms feature a private balcony, bathroom, a safe box, and access to the bar and pool. These rooms are perfect for couples or two friends traveling together.

The triple room features three single beds or a double and a single, making it perfect for those traveling with a group of friends or a couple traveling with an unfortunate third wheel. The triple room offers the same facilities as the twin and double rooms. It's the additional bed that sets you back the extra 93,000 COP.

The Hostel

Once upon a time, the building that hosts Hacienda Venecia's hostel was living quarters for the Finca's coffee pickers. Today, it houses 11 rooms, two of which are dorms and the rest privates.

Just outside the building, fresh oranges and mandarins grow, and you're more than welcome to help yourself to them. There are also several hammocks dotted around the hostel's exterior and a common space for socializing.

As for the dorms, there are two eight-bed rooms in the building. These rooms are basic but comfortable, offering luggage storage and a safe box for valuables. You also get access to the garden, the self-catering kitchen, free WiFi, social areas, a mini market to stock up on food, and a book exchange. The dorm rooms are priced at 32,000 COP per night, though if you stay longer than two nights, your third night is half price.

The rest of the hostel rooms are private quarters, of which three varieties are available.

The twin/double room is similar to the coffee lodge but for a fraction of the price. These rooms are priced between 80,000 and 90,000 COP. They feature two single beds, access to a shared bathroom, a bedside table, and storage for your valuables.

Next up is the double room, priced at 80,000 COP. The double room features a double bed, a shared bathroom, a bedside table, and storage for valuables.

Finally, there is the bungalow. Costing 90,000 COP per night, the bungalow features a double bed, a shared bathroom, and storage for your valuables.

Overlanders Site

The overlanders site is the camping zone at Hacienda Venecia, with accommodation in the form of Land Rovers with sleeping arrangements bolted to the back. The Land Rovers at the Overlanders site accommodate just one person.

As with the rest of the hostel, you get access to a shared bathroom, the garden, free WiFi, the self-catering kitchen, social areas, a mini-market, and a book exchange.

The price of staying at the Overland site is just 22,000 COP per night, making it the cheapest option available at Hacienda Venecia.

Hacienda Venecia runs several tours geared more towards those staying at the Finca.

Hiking enthusiasts will be delighted to find several trails sprawling throughout the farm. Paths wind through the mountains and other coffee farms, offering vistas of the tropical Andean forest and the chance to venture outside the farm.

Seven trails start from Hacienda Venecia. Round trips of the trails come in between 0.5 and 14 kilometers in length. The longest of the seven trails takes around four hours to complete. While some of the hikes are more challenging than others, you shouldn't require a guide for any of them. Just ask reception for a map and further instructions before departing.

Nature lovers will be aware that Colombia boasts greater avian diversity than anywhere else on the planet, with 1876 different bird species. The countryside around Hacienda Venecia is home to 158 different bird species, making birdwatching a rewarding activity. Birdwatching is free to guests. Ask at reception for the self-guided bird watching material – featuring a guidebook, binoculars, and a checklist. The reception will recommend doing this activity between 6-9 AM or 4-6 PM.

Finally, there is also a plantain cooking class. This activity lasts 90 minutes and costs 30,000 COP. By the time you've reached Manizales, you'll likely have realized that Plantain is a staple of Colombian cuisine. During this class, you'll learn how to cook Plantain properly and in several variations before enjoying the fruits of your labor.

Golden Frog Mountain Hostel

Located near the center of Manizales, the Golden Frog Mountain hostel resides in a cozy 100-year-old building.

The hostel has a laidback tropical feel, adorned with jungle murals on the walls, colorful doors, and hammocks galore.

In terms of facilities, the hostel offers guests a self-catering kitchen, a games room, a small café, an outdoor terrace, a book exchange, and laundry facilities.

Private rooms and dorms are available at the hostel.

Private rooms are priced between 70,000 and 90,000 COP.

For the entry-level price, you'll rest your head on a basic double bed and get access to a shared bathroom, luggage storage, and security lockers.

The standard double private is a step up from this at 80,000 COP. This room features a king-size bed, shared bathroom, luggage storage, and security lockers.

Finally, for 90,000 COP, you get a king-size bed, ensuite private bathroom, luggage storage, and a security locker.

Dorms are priced at 35,000 COP and are built to occupy four. The limited capacity may be a blessing if you value a semblance of privacy.

Both mixed and female-only dorms are available for the same price. For your money, you'll sleep in a bunk bed with access to a shared bathroom, luggage storage, and security lockers.

Biohaus Eco Hostel and Café

Located in the countryside, a ten-minute drive from Manizales' center, the Biohaus eco-hostel is made from recycled shipping containers and other locally sourced materials.

The hostel offers all the necessary facilities, including an on-site café-come-bar, an outdoor terrace, common rooms, a self-catering kitchen, and a book exchange.

Dorms and private rooms are available. For 99,000 COP, privates offer mountain views from windows, a private bathroom, luggage storage, and security lockers.

Meanwhile, dorm rooms are available for 25,000 COP, with access to a shared bathroom, luggage storage, and security lockers.

Finally, there is a family-themed room to occupy six, perfect if traveling alongside a large-ish group of friends. For 155,000 COP, this room offers a bathroom, a shower room, luggage storage, and security lockers.

Regardless of which room you opt for, you'll also benefit from the on-site laundry facilities and free WiFi.

Hacienda Venecia

We've included Hacienda Venecia on this list to account for the fact that, if staying at the coffee lodge, it's your only real option.

Yes, the Finca does offer a self-catering kitchen and mini-market to buy ingredients. However, meals are available if you want to spare yourself the hassle of cooking.

Lunch and dinner are distinctly Colombian affairs. As such, expect corn, beans, avocado, arepa, chicken, and rice.

All meals served at Hacienda Venecia are lovingly prepared by local staff. Meals can be adapted to suit dietary requirements.

Lunch will cost 25,000 COP, with dinner slightly more at 30,000 COP.

Restaurant L’Angevin

Sitting on Manizales' outskirts, L'Angevin serves incredible French cuisine – if the name wasn't enough of a giveaway.

If disillusioned with Colombian staples of meat, rice, avocado, and arepas, L'Angevin will be a breath of fresh air.

L'Angevin does its best to source ingredients locally wherever it can.

The food quality is excellent – albeit with a price tag to match.

Starters are priced at 16,500-24,500 COP. Salads are 25,000-29,500 COP. Mains can cost anything from 19,000 to 42,000 COP. Desserts between 12,500 and 16,000 COP. Vegetarians and vegans fear not; there are meals suited to you, often at a cheaper price-point than meat-based dishes.

L'Angevin is closed on Mondays. The restaurant is open between 12-2:30 PM and 7-10 PM on Tuesday-Thursday. On Fridays and Saturdays, the restaurant closes an hour later. On Sundays, the restaurant is only open between 3 and 11 PM.

El Jardin De Las Delicias

This popular establishment is found minutes from the center of Manizales.

Inside, the restaurant is warm and welcoming. Outside, there is garden seating, making it an excellent spot for some al fresco style dining.

Many who visit complement the outstanding service and food quality for what they pay.

Speaking of food, the menu is seasonal, with changes being made every three months. However, there are some constants. The ceviche, in particular, is superb.

The seasonality of the menu makes it difficult to give you an idea of prices. Expect starters to be priced around 15,000 COP. Mains will cost around 25,000 COP (expect lots of chicken, steak, pork, and fish served with veggies). Side dishes are mostly fresh bread, priced between 7,000  and 10,000 COP. Meanwhile, dessert will cost around 9,000 COP.

The restaurant also offers set menus, priced at 30,000 COP and comprising a starter, main, and dessert.

The climate in Manizales is pretty consistent year-round. Though still chillier than much of Colombia, the average temperature is between 21 and 22ºC.

Here, the rainy season stretches between June-August, while the driest months are between December and February.

In terms of international tourism, Manizales is pretty quiet throughout the year. The city is still unknown to travelers, many of whom make a beeline for nearby Salento.

Domestically, tourism in Manizales is a little busier. But with the city being a student hub, that should be no surprise. Because Manizales is filled with students for most of the year, the city will become eerily quiet during public holidays as many resident students head home to see family.

Overall, we recommend aiming to visit Manizales between January and February; if you're keen to have the city to yourself, so to speak, aim to visit during national holidays.

Our Map Of Manizales, Colombia