
Eco-Tourism & Sustainable Travel Destinations in Manizales, Caldas, Colombia
1. Cerro Montañita
A natural reserve with a unique cloud forest ecosystem, offering hiking trails and stunning views of Manizales.
- Biodiversity: Home to diverse flora and fauna, including the Andean condor and resplendent quetzal.
- Sustainable Hiking Trails: Trails are maintained by the local community and eco-friendly practices are followed.
- Community-Based Tourism: Supporting local families who live in and around the reserve, fostering economic sustainability.
2. La Montañita Adventure Park
An eco-adventure park offering zip-lining, horseback riding, and birdwatching in a pristine environment.
- Wildlife Encounters: Opportunities to observe toucans, tanagers, and other colorful birds up close.
- Sustainable Activities: Promotes eco-friendly activities that minimize impact on the natural surroundings.
- Educational Programs: Offers educational programs about the local ecosystem and conservation efforts.
3. El Parque Nacional Natural Los Nevados
A national park home to the Nevado del Ruiz volcano and several other glaciers, offering hiking and mountain climbing opportunities.
- Glacier Exploration: Unique chance to witness Colombia's glacial landscapes.
- Volcanic Ecosystem: Home to diverse flora and fauna adapted to the harsh volcanic conditions.
- Conservation Efforts: Supports conservation projects aimed at preserving the fragile ecosystem.
4. Eco-Hostel El Chocó
An eco-hostel offering accommodation in a sustainable manner, with organic food and activities such as coffee tours.
- Sustainable Accommodation: Built using recycled materials and powered by renewable energy sources.
- Organic Cuisine: Serves locally-sourced, organic meals to reduce environmental impact.
- Community Engagement: Promotes cultural exchange and supports local communities by employing locals.
5. Finca El Obraje
An organic coffee farm offering tours and homestays, promoting sustainable farming practices.
- Organic Coffee Production: Practices organic farming methods to promote biodiversity.
- Coffee Tours and Tastings: Offers educational tours and tastings of its award-winning coffee.
- Eco-Friendly Accommodation: Provides eco-friendly accommodation options for guests.
6. Parque Arví
A natural reserve offering hiking trails, horseback riding, and zip-lining, with a focus on conservation and education.
- Biodiversity Conservation: Protects the unique ecosystem of the Páramo de Manizales.
- Educational Programs: Offers educational programs about local ecosystems and conservation efforts.
- Community-Based Tourism: Promotes responsible tourism that benefits local communities.
7. La Serrana
An eco-lodge located in the cloud forest, offering birdwatching tours and sustainable accommodation.
- Birdwatching Opportunities: Offers guided birdwatching tours to observe diverse bird species.
- Sustainable Accommodation: Built using locally-sourced materials and powered by renewable energy sources.
- Community Engagement: Works with local communities to promote sustainable development.
8. El Parque de los Poetas
A park dedicated to Colombian poets, featuring a museum and stunning views of the city.
- Cultural Attraction: Honors Colombia's literary heritage by showcasing the works of its most renowned poets.
- Sustainable Design: Designed using eco-friendly materials and strategies to minimize environmental impact.
- Educational Programs: Offers educational programs about the history of poetry in Colombia.
9. La Reserva Natural Cienaga La Pintada
A wetland reserve offering birdwatching tours and hiking trails, with a focus on conservation.
- Birdwatching Opportunities: Provides chances to observe diverse bird species, including the Andean condor.
- Wetland Conservation: Protects an important wetland ecosystem and its biodiversity.
- Community Engagement: Works with local communities to promote responsible tourism and conservation efforts.
10. Finca El Rosario
An organic farm offering tours, accommodation, and workshops in sustainable farming practices.
- Organic Farming Methods: Promotes organic farming methods to preserve soil health and biodiversity.
- Workshops and Tours: Offers workshops and tours to educate visitors about sustainable agriculture.
- Eco-Friendly Accommodation: Provides eco-friendly accommodation options for guests.
11. Parque Samaria
A nature reserve offering hiking trails, waterfalls, and opportunities to observe wildlife.
- Wildlife Encounters: Offers chances to observe diverse wildlife such as the Spectacled Bear.
- Sustainable Hiking Trails: Trails are maintained by the local community and eco-friendly practices are followed.
- Community-Based Tourism: Promotes responsible tourism that benefits local communities.
12. Eco-Camping El Silencio
An eco-campground offering camping experiences in a pristine environment, with opportunities for hiking and birdwatching.
- Sustainable Camping: Promotes camping practices that minimize environmental impact.
- Birdwatching Opportunities: Offers chances to observe diverse bird species in their natural habitat.
- Community Engagement: Works with local communities to promote sustainable development and conservation efforts.
13. La Reserva Natural El Viejo Soacha
A nature reserve offering hiking trails, waterfalls, and opportunities to observe wildlife, with a focus on conservation.
- Wildlife Encounters: Offers chances to observe diverse wildlife such as the Spectacled Bear.
- Sustainable Hiking Trails: Trails are maintained by the local community and eco-friendly practices are followed.
- Community Engagement: Promotes responsible tourism that benefits local communities and supports conservation efforts.
14. La Reserva Natural El Cocuy
A nature reserve offering hiking trails, glacier exploration, and opportunities to observe wildlife, with a focus on conservation.
- Glacier Exploration: Unique chance to witness Colombia's glacial landscapes.
- Wildlife Encounters: Offers chances to observe diverse wildlife such as the Spectacled Bear.
- Conservation Efforts: Supports conservation projects aimed at preserving the fragile ecosystem.
15. Parque Nacional Natural Los Yariguies
A national park offering hiking trails, rock climbing, and opportunities to observe wildlife, with a focus on conservation.
- Rock Climbing Opportunities: Offers chances for experienced climbers to explore unique rock formations.
- Wildlife Encounters: Offers chances to observe diverse wildlife such as the Spectacled Bear.
- Conservation Efforts: Supports conservation projects aimed at preserving the fragile ecosystem.