Region Andean Capital: Manizales

Caldas

“Coffee, bahareque architecture and the Central Andes”

Local identity

Manizales, Salamina and Aguadas reveal the links between coffee landscapes, bahareque architecture and Caldas’s traditional crafts.

Manizales is the capital, spread across the slopes of the Central Andes. Salamina preserves traditional balconies and woodwork; visits to La Samaria’s wax palms are arranged from San Félix. Aguadas is known for iraca-palm hats. Part of the territory belongs to the UNESCO-listed Coffee Cultural Landscape.

Culture & traditions

Coffee culture, traditional woodwork and Aguadas hat weaving. Salamina’s traditional foods include macana and steam-cooked eggs.

Areas to explore in Caldas

South-central Caldas

5 reference towns

Manizales, volcanic hot springs and cloud-forest parks.

ManizalesVillamaríaChinchináNeiraPalestina

Travel notes & tips

Best time to visit

Check the forecast and destination conditions before leaving. Weather varies with altitude and area; confirm opening hours, capacity and protected-area closures.

What to pack

Traditional Aguadas hat
Umbrella for sudden mountain rain
Warm jacket

Local flavours

•Steam-cooked eggs
•Sweetcorn arepa
•Salamina macana drink

Towns & destinations

Featured towns and attractions in Caldas

Salamina

19°C

“Traditional woodwork and heritage architecture”

A Caldas town in Colombia’s heritage towns network, with traditional balconies and woodwork. La Samaria’s wax palm landscape is visited from San Félix, requiring a separate journey from the town centre.

Don't miss: Salamina historic centre

Destination collection