Manizales

About

Established in 1849 by settlers from Neira and Salamina, Manizales lost most of its historic sights when it was ravaged by two major earthquakes and a fire. But as one of the main hubs of Colombia’s Coffee Triangle, coffee is of course the main attraction. The best place to look for some local brew is on Carrera 23, which is lined with shops, restaurants, cafes, and squares. The cathedral, while relatively modern, is well worth a visit for its list of accolades - it’s the tallest in Colombia, is one of only two churches in Colombia with a canopy, and offers the opportunity to climb to the top of its tower on a guided tour. Situated at over 2,000 meters, Manizales has some great views, and none beat the El Chipre Viewpoint. The 360 skywalk will get your heart pumping even more than the strong coffee.