Side Trips in Manizales

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).