Where to Stay in Manizales – A Guide to the Capital of Caldas
Manizales is the capital of the department of Caldas. It is located in the western region of Colombia, in the Central Andes, and is famous for its large student population, its tourist attractions and for being one of the main entry points to explore the Coffee Triangle tourist route and Nevado del Ruiz National Park. In this post, we will explore the best areas to stay in Manizales, Colombia.
The main tourist attractions in Manizales include the Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary, Plaza de Bolívar, Torre Chipre, the Government of Caldas palace, Parque de los Fundadores, or the old Cable station. See accommodation in Manizales.
This Paisa city is considered one of the main gateways to the Colombian Coffee Region. Similarly, Manizales has ecoparks and green areas such as the Recinto del Pensamiento, Los Yarumos Ecopark, and the Río Blanco Ecological Reserve. For adventure lovers, Manizales is the ideal starting point to explore some of the most impressive landscapes in Colombia in the nearby Los Nevados National Natural Park.
Additionally, Manizales hosts several important cultural events such as the Feria de Manizales, the Manizales International Theater Festival and the Grita Rock Festival.
Due to its location in the Central Colombian Andes, Manizales has a tropical climate. The city experiences mild temperatures that usually remain between 13 and 23 ºC throughout the year, and frequent rains. Its constant pleasant temperature makes Manizales an ideal tourist destination throughout the year. However, the best time to visit Manizales is from December to February, since these months are the driest in the Eje Cafetero region..
To reach Manizales by air, the city is served by the Aeropuerto La Nubia. Located 10 km west of downtown Manizales, this small airport offers daily domestic connections to Medellín and Bogotá.
Additionally, the city is connected by long-distance buses with many cities in the Eje Cafetero region and central Colombia. See long distance bus routes, schedules & fares.
To move around the city, Manizales’s public transport system offers an aerial cable car network called Cable Aéreo de Manizales. This system connects the city center with the low-laying districts. Additionally, Manizales has urban buses, taxis and mobile applications like Uber.
The best area to stay in Manizales is the Zona Rosa in the east of the city. This exclusive district has shopping centers, nightlife areas, restaurants, and some of the best hotels in town. In addition, Zona Rosa is the safest area to stay in Manizales. See accommodation in East Manizales.
Another excellent area to consider when choosing the best location for tourists in Manizales is the Historic City Center.
Keep reading to find out more about the best areas to stay in Manizales, Colombia.
The Best Areas to Stay in Manizales, Colombia
1. Recommended area: Zona Rosa & East Manizales
The eastern part of Manizales includes some of the most upscale neighborhoods in the city.
Among the sites of interest in this area is the old aerial tramway station and the tower of Herveo, an emblem of the economic power that brought coffee to this region at the beginning of the 20th century.
In the surroundings of the old station, which currently functions as a university, is the Zona Rosa de Manizales, which is, as in other cities of Colombia, an area full of shopping, gastronomy, and nightlife.
The Zona Rosa and east of Manizales concentrate a good part of the hotel offer in the capital of Caldas, especially in the high category.
This area is connected to the rest of the city through its bus and taxi systems.
Its excellent nightlife, animated largely by the student population of the city, its shopping centers and its wide range of accommodation, make the east of the city one of the best areas to stay in Manizales.
In addition, the area east of the city is the closest area to La Nubia airport, which is convenient for travelers who are moving by plane through Colombia.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in Manizales:
- Exclusive area
- Near the airport
- Great nightlife
- Old tramway station
- Shopping area
- Luxury hotels
Accommodation in this area
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Top Choice
Hotel Lindsay
Hotel Lindsay offers rooms in Manizales. It also has a 24-hour reception and a terrace. The property has a restaurant and is 4 km from the Manziales cable tramway station.
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Budget
Motmot House Hostel
Featuring a garden and a shared lounge, Motmot House Hostel in Manizales is located 4.3 km from the Manziales cable tramway station. The accommodation has a 24-hour reception and a shared kitchen.
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Luxury
Hotel Varuna
Hotel Varuna is located in Zona Rosa, in Manizales, and offers rooms with free Wi-Fi and elegant décor. Breakfast and parking are offered free of charge. The Torre del Cable monument is 300 meters away.
2. City Center
The center of the city, although busy, is the hub for cultural, commercial and administrative activities in Manizales.
In the city center, the architectural assets linked to the past of the city can be found. Among the most outstanding monuments, the Plaza de Bolívar and the sculpture of Bolívar Cóndor, both symbols of the city, are standouts.
The Government Palace is the most representative building of the Republican architecture of Manizales and is also located in this area.
Also, the Cathedral of Manizales, an imposing religious monument that is the largest in Latin America, is another mandatory stop in the center of the city.
The center is very pedestrian-friendly, but it can also be covered by the aerial tramway system that connects with other neighborhoods, and the bus terminal.
The city center is the best area to stay in Manizales due to its proximity to the places of interest.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in Manizales:
- Heart of the city
- Best area for sightseeing
- Connected by cablecar
Accommodation in this area
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Top Choice
Hotel Las Colinas
Hotel Las Colinas is located in Manizales and offers spacious accommodation with free Wi-Fi, free parking and a bar specializing in exotic cafes. Las Colinas Hotel is a 4-star hotel that offers rooms with seating and dining areas.
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Budget
Golden Frog Mountain Hostel
Golden Frog Mountain Hostel offers accommodation in Manizales. It is within walking distance of places of interest such as the Manziales cable tramway station. The accommodation has a shared kitchen and organizes excursions for guests.
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Luxury
Hotel Carretero
El Carretero is a great hotel located in the center of Manizales, 6 km from La Nubia airport. It offers modern rooms and facilities such as a gym, restaurant and 2 bars.
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