Just a couple of miles northeast of town (3km) the Reserva Ecológica Río Blanco (Vereda Las Palomas; tel. 6/870-3810; call 2 days in advance for a permit; 11am–4pm; guided tour: COP$20,000, taxi COP$25,000) is an essential stop for budding ornithologists. Trails lead through this magical and incredibly biodiverse cloud-forest reserve, where an estimated 350 species of bird find sanctuary along with more than 50 mammals (including a spectacled bear that was rescued from captivity), kaleidoscopic butterflies, and stunning orchids. There is also a hummingbird farm and cabins to rent (meals can be provided) within the reserve.
Some 11km (7 miles) southeast from Manizales, the cloud forest of Recinto del Pensamiento (Vía al Magdalena; www.recintodelpensamiento.com; tel. 6/889-7073; Tues–Sun 9am–4pm; COP$13,000; bird-watching tours COP$10,000) has an excellent butterfly garden, guadua plantations, short forest trails lined with thousands of orchids, a medicinal herb garden, a modern gondola “ride,” and omnipresent birdlife. Buses (around COP$1,600, direction “Sera Maltería”) leave every 10 minutes from Cable Plaza, or take a taxi: COP$14,000.
The dense cloud forest of Yarumos Ecological Park (Calle 61B no. 15A–01; tel. 6/872-0420; Tues–Sun 9am–6pm; entry COP$3,200; adventure activities cost extra) is another botanist’s wonderland within easy reach of Manizales. Named after the yarumo blanco tree, which is not white but green, it’s a lush place to wander scenic trails alive with around 40 bird species and a spectacle of endemic flora. You can also make your heart valves squeak with a menu of adrenaline-fueled sports, including rock climbing and ziplining. There’s a small but quite interesting natural history museum (information in Spanish only).
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
