Things to do & places to visit in Caldas Department, Colombia

Caldas Department #12 destination in Colombia 2023. The average rating score is 4.51 based on 4.105 traveler reviews, of 89 attractions. Timezone: America/Bogota, current date and time: Thursday, May 02, 2024, 7:52.

Top things to do (39)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Cafe Tio Conejo (139 reviews)
- A paradise.
Spent More than 3 hours Lessons & Workshops • Farms

Visits by schedule only!! Come visit us! We are creators of memorable experiences expressed with coffee. Everything you want to know about Colombian coffee is here. We want you to have a great time, either walking along the trails, eating our famous food or drinking delicious coffees. Sharing our life, our culture and what we do, opens spaces to also get to know you and to become friends. We provide a tailored experience, that is why, an appointment must be made before getting to the farm!! See more..
5.0 Hacienda Guayabal (93 reviews)
- A magical day full of coffee and joy
Farms

We did spend one day here on our travel from Pereira to Medellin. We have been welcomed in this beautiful and peaceful place and then startet the tour in English, walking around all over the area. The guide showed us every step from seed to plant, we could pick some coffee beans on our own and got to know about their selection, the process of drying, how it gets exported… and later we could see how the beans get roasted and how to brew the coffee in different ways. We will never forget this interesting day and are happy that we’d choose Hacienda Guyabal to do a coffee tour. The owner Jorge and all the people who work there are really nice and friendly and love what they do. I really recommend spending time at this unique place! And think about having lunch there! It is delicious and you even might get a little sweet coffee plant as a desert. :) See more..
5.0 Brisas del Cauca (61 reviews)
- Half a day out of time to visit a cocoa plantation
Thursday: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM City Tours • Eco Tours

Luis and Lucia warmly welcomed us to their finca lost in the middle of nature. 30 minutes from Marsella, Luis passionately visits his garden of fruits and plants, his hives. He participates in the realization of chocolate delicacies from the bean this cocoa. And finally Lucia prepared us an excellent organic meal typical of her garden See more..
5.0 Bosque De Palma De Cera La Samaria (57 reviews)
- Great visit
Forests

It is a fenomenal oportunity to see a fantastic scenery. one hour drive from Salamina, pass by san Felix cool town colorful houses, delicius cheese See more..
5.0 Orchids & Birds Finca Romelia (41 reviews)
- A must
Thursday: 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM Farms

Finca Romelia,The visitors will enjoy more than 6000 orchid plants, an interesting variety of carnivorous plants and around 160 species of wild birds. On top of this, you will find small forests, fresh water bodies that cross between the mountains, and avocado, yuca and citrus crops. All of this is accompanied by spectacular views of the mountains. All our visitors must make their reservation in advance. Minimum tours with 2 people. We do not remain open to the public. Contact Us See more..
5.0 LA JUANA COLOMBIA (18 reviews)
- The best way to experience the Colombian scenery
Horseback Riding Tours

Mules Nature . Culture I am Pamela, I love nature, animals and art. I love to host the people who come to my destination and show them the beautiful landscapes around on the back of a mule. See more..
5.0 Hacienda La Mesa (16 reviews)
- Experiencia única, memorable y especial
Thursday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Farms

We are a family coffee farm founded in 1930, offering rural accommodation, ecological trails and coffee tours, the best experience in ecotourism in the coffee region of Colombia. Located less than 20 minutes from Chinchiná and Palestina in Caldas, and just 50 minutes from La Nubia de Manizales airport and Matecaña de Pereira airport. At Hacienda La Mesa, we are in one of the six areas that conform the Coffee Cultural Landscape declared World Heritage by UNESCO. We are a coffee producing farm that opened its doors to the public to get closer to the experience of Colombian coffee. Due to pandemic reasons, we receive groups between 4 and 8 people to stay at our farm. If you want to plan a special visit to our crops, write to us to create a special plan for you and your group. Only open by appointment. See more..
5.0 Hacienda El Sinai (13 reviews)
- One of the Best experiences on our whole trip so far...
Farms

Hacienda el sinai is a Centenary coffee farm since 1854. today his owner show you how the coffee was discovered and how the coffee is processed. you can also enjoy a great coffee cup in a special cafe museo coffee shop located in the first floor of the hacienda. See more..
5.0 Parque Nacional Natural Los Nevados (11 reviews)
- A great area to visit
National Parks

If you have the opportunity try and visit this incredible National Park which covers the highest areas of the Andes in Columbia. However you will need to be patient and plan to spend a full day as entrance is very controlled and limited by Park personnel. The drive just to the entrance is magical but once inside it is like you are on the lunar service. Go as high as you can (we wne to the mandatory turn around point which was close to 15,000 ft. elevation. See more..
5.0 Ingruma Experiencia & Aventura (4 reviews)
- Gran manera de pasar el día en Riosucio
Canyoning & Rappelling Tours • Zipline & Aerial Adventure Parks

Jonathan es un conocedor guía! Él está feliz de compartir la historia y la cultura de la ciudad. Disfrutamos de nuestro día con él! See more..
4.5 Manizales Cathedral (782 reviews)
- Best city in Colombia
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Churches & Cathedrals

Under visited gem of a city, climate is perfect, 75 day and 55 mornings. Great safe, clean city that never ceases to amaze. Easily reached from Medellin, Bogota or Cali vía a short, inexpensive pleasant flight. See more..
4.5 Nevado del Ruiz (421 reviews)
- Nevado del Ruiz by milk truck.
Thursday: 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM Volcanos

OK . . . before I go any further, let me clarify . . . You CAN go here on your own via your own transportation. There ARE locations along the way to purchase food & souvenirs & bathrooms as well as once you get to the actual volcano. WE opted for an All-Inclusive tour . . . so you can either pay for a tour, or go on your own. OK . . . that being said . . . BE SURE TO BRING LOTS OF WATER & WARM CLOTHING. AND . . . BE SURE TO VERIFY THAT THEY ARE ALLOWING VISITORS - sometimes, if the volcano is active, they close it. Our tour stopped every so many meters/feet in order for us to acclimate to the elevations. This also provided many opportunities to see the different vegetations & climate changes. I could be FREEZING (or felt like it anyway) at one altitude & then higher up? You wouldn't even need a jacket. No matter . . . everything was absolutely beautiful & a true once in a lifetime experience, NOT to be missed if possible. The provided meals were GREAT & the tour that we booked also provided a nice stop at one of the local volcanic spas . . . that very warm water felt SOOOOO good. We were not allowed to actually SEE the volcano, but once at the limit we were allowed to go, you could SEE the blue hued steam coming from just the other side of the hillside. There was zero vegetation & there was security that would ensure that you did NOT go anywhere you shouldn't or that was unsafe. Be sure to keep hydrated . . . this is CRUCIAL to helping you NOT get headaches, feel nauseous or dizzy. See more..
4.5 Recinto del Pensamiento (418 reviews)
- One of the best activities in Manizales!
Gardens

We had the best time here. We took a tour with Leonardo and it was fun and fascinating. Everyone, including the young kids, loved the tour. We even saw a Quetzal! I would definitely recommend this place and ask for Leonardo for your tour guide! See more..
4.5 Coffee Tour Hacienda Venecia (263 reviews)
- Outstanding coffee tour
Thursday: 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Farms

Betwen Medellin and Salento Located 20 minutes away from manizales, Hacienda Venecia is a working coffee farm with the intention of providing an educational and informative experience of both the coffee making process as well as coffee farm life. Whilst sharing our coffee knowledge it is important and valuable for the local community to be inspired by the worldwide experiences your visit brings. Also we offer accomodation in a Hostel, Guest House and in Main House fiting all bugets, with meals and open kitchen, swimming pool, Coffee book library, WIFI, hammocks, games, honesty bar, perfect place for hiking in coffee plantations. See more..
4.5 Monumento a los Colonizadores (261 reviews)
- Great viewpoint!
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Monuments & Statues

Exercise your leg muscles with walk to this viewpoint and you will be glad you put the effort in. An opportunity also to explore the pleasant Chipre neighbourhood of Manizales. See more..
4.5 Cable Aereo Manizales (212 reviews)
- The easies way to go from Manizales to Villamaria.
Spent < 1 hour Trams

Took a ride from Manizales to Villamaria Caldas Colombia. By far the easiest if the curvy roads make you dizzy. Above all it will give you a bird view of the City of Villamaria. I felt safe and enjoyed traveling in it. See more..
4.5 Torre de El Cable (149 reviews)
- Great stuff
Points of Interest & Landmarks

A visit to Manizales isn't complete without this scenic ride. Only 1600 cup an absolute steal. If I had known about the cable car then I would stay in Villa Maria and sight see from there, much more laid back than Centre Manizales. See more..
4.5 Reserva Ecologica Rio Blanco (93 reviews)
- How to organize it!
Nature & Wildlife Areas

Visited this beautiful reserve in December 2018. I took a half day tour which consisted of a guided walk along the Rio Blanco and up the hill to a Mirador. We admired many flowers, trees, orchids, bromelias. We saw different species of hummingbirds and many other birds. We stopped for tea at a guesthouse on the way. Very friendly staff, we also had a great guide. The reserva is under the management of “aquas de Manizales”. You get the information about the different programs they offer through them and you book through them. They use WhatsApp both to send the information and for the booking. There WhatsApp number is: +57 312 2261116. See more..
4.5 Nevados Santa Isabel (69 reviews)
- Amazing day trip to almost 5000 metres
Thursday: 6:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours National Parks • Nature & Wildlife Areas • Parks

We were staying at Hacienda Venecia and were looking to get out for a trip into the Andes. Nevado de Ruiz has been off limits for some time due to increased activity - but Santa Isabel is just next door and almost as high (you can see Nevado de Ruiz on the trip). We contacted http://ecosistemastravel.com.co/ at the last minute and they were very good to accomodate just the two of us. The very friendly James picked us up first thing and drove us up the bouncy track to the National Park. Windows are wound down early to make sure you are getting as much air as possible. The round trip walk is 5 hours and on the face of it pretty undemanding - but the altitude definitely takes it out of you - but James encouraged us every step of the way and was amazing. The walk ended at the glacier ar around 4900 m. On the way James points out all the flora and fauna. Lunch and dinner are at a hostel halfway up. Overall its a very memorable day out and very recommended See more..
4.5 Torre de Chipre (69 reviews)
- What a view!!!
Observation Decks & Towers

This place is temporarily closed See more..
4.5 Edificio Gobernacion de Caldas, Manizales (61 reviews)
- Very nice colonial place
Points of Interest & Landmarks

we were there for a short time, because we got access only to the first floor but it was very nice and the security people was very friendly See more..
4.5 Iglesia de la Inmaculada Concepcion (60 reviews)
- Unique carved-wood arches and beams
Churches & Cathedrals

The interior of this church was unlike anything I've ever seen. Loved the arches, all made of cedar wood. The same material is found in all the beams and walls; it conveyed a special warmth to the sanctuary. See more..
4.5 Iglesia la Inmaculada Concepcion (52 reviews)
- An Icon not to be missed
Churches & Cathedrals

it is considered a Minor Basilica and it is a pride of town, lovely archictecture pilarless roof and much more art. See more..
4.5 Estadio Palogrande (40 reviews)
- Soccer.... a nice stadium
Arenas & Stadiums

This soccer stadium where the Once Caldas Football Club plays is a great place in the city and the center of the sport activities of Manizales. See more..
4.5 Monumento El Bolivar Condor (39 reviews)
- Beautiful
Spent < 1 hour Monuments & Statues

Unusual figures including a surreal face in bronze. Manizales has some beautiful art and great plazas, and this one in front of the Cathedral is possibly the most spectacular. See more..
4.5 Templo Del Sagrado Corazon Los Agustinos (39 reviews)
- Tradition
Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks

Beautiful architecture - regardless of religious beliefs this is a must stop and visit. Not in an easy location lots of traffic around but the interior is breathtaking. Worth the visit and taking pics. See more..
4.5 Centro Comercial Fundadores (32 reviews)
- Great mall.
Thursday: 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Shopping Malls

Somos un centro comercial que reúne todo lo que las familias caldenses buscan, contamos con espacios para compartir y divertirse, pero sobre todo con una gran alternativa comercial, que incluye: cine, plazoleta de comidas, servicios y almacenes. Contamos con: 230 locales comerciales, 2 accesos comerciales, 4 niveles comerciales, 1 auditorio, 3 accesos para peatones, 6 niveles de parqueaderos. See more..
4.5 Bosque Popular El Prado (32 reviews)
- Beautiful Day in the park
Parks • Forests

Spent the day as part of a Gourmet Food fair. Very nice park with plenty of space for a day out of the city. Food stand and restaurant there as well. Plenty for kids, rides , playground. Very popular with pet owners. See more..
4.5 Centro Historico (31 reviews)
- beautiful architecture
Spent More than 3 hours Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Historic Walking Areas

Salamina is relatively unspoiled although not quite as impressive as Jardin or Jerico. There are some highlights not to miss. For example artesanias - Las maderas de Ruben in the main square and Arteclavos. There is an interesting museum of antiques and I think it was our first computer museum. See more..
4.5 Antigua Estacion Del Ferrocarril (30 reviews)
- Nice Architecture
Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks

If you like architecture, this old rail station is really well maintained. There is also eating options inside restored authentic train car. Nice outing for a couple of hours See more..