Manizales was founded by a group of twenty Antioquians October 12, 1849, in the middle of a civil war. Even though it is the capital city of the department of Caldas and the most important city in the nation’s coffee region, Manizales is still physically a part of Antioquia, the region where Medellín reigns supreme. There is a strong Spanish influence in the city’s culture and, despite having a rather homogenous population, other races and ethnic groups migrated to the city to attend its outstanding universities. Tango or the rumba is the dance of choice here, and jazz is widely enjoyed here as well.

Because of the climate, culture, and physical landscape, Manizales resembles San Francisco (California) in its trendy eateries, unique pace of city life, and closeness to the outdoors. At 2,150 meters, the city has a freshness and cool factor all its own. Its 500,000 residents revel in the several outdoor activity options and hip nightlife that Manizales has to offer. While the city’s commercial center around Plaza Bolívar pays homage to what’s old and historical, the newer University district and Zona Rosa absolutely show how it can keep up with the times. Manizales really does a nice job blending old with new, which makes for a nice place for visitors to spend a few days.