Plaza de Bolívar
In the centre of the city, the main square is dominated by the vast Catedral de Manizales, made of reinforced concrete and featuring a virtigo-inducing, 106m-tall tower that you can ascend with a guide; tours start on the hour. In the centre of the plaza stands an obligatory statue of Simón Bolívar, but with a twist – Bolívar-Cóndor, the creation of Rodrigo Arenas Betancur, is half-man, half-condor.
Recinto del Pensamiento
Butterflies and birds are the main attraction at Recinto del Pensamiento, a nature park 11km from Manizales. As well as visiting the colourful butterfly enclosure, you can also wander through a medicinal herb garden, relax in the Japanese Zen garden, enjoy a stroll through the orchid forest and marvel at the gigantic guadua bamboo gazebo, used for conventions and wedding ceremonies. Guides are compulsory and included in the admission price.
Reserva Ecológica Río Blanco
Around 3km northeast of Manizales, the Reserva Ecológica Río Blanco is home to 362 bird species, 350 butterfly species and more than forty mammals. Tranquil orchid-lined uphill hikes through impressive cloudforest reveal dense jungle flora entwined in a battle for a place in the sun; if you are lucky, you may catch a glimpse of the reserve’s endangered spectacled bear. There is also a hummingbird farm.
Torre al Cielo
In the northwest suburb of Chipre, on a high bluff at the end of Avenida 12 de Octubre, the 45m-tall Torre al Cielo is the town’s best lookout. On a clear day you can see seven departamentos and three mountain ranges. Buses run to Chipre from the Cable Plaza along Avenida Santander every minute or so.