Bamboo forest
Giant guadua.
Camilo Ramírez Castaño — CC BY-SA 3.0 · HJCUBILLOS — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Mateo.m.Bernal — CC BY-SA 4.0
A quiet nature park in the cloud-forest hills above Manizales, run by the region's coffee growers' federation, blending nature and coffee culture. Its best-known feature is a building made entirely of giant «guadua» bamboo, an architectural gem built by local hands from this strong natural material. Visits are guided, passing through a forest of giant bamboo, an orchid garden with many species of this national flower, a butterfly house and a trail of medicinal and aromatic plants. One of the most enjoyable parts is a chairlift that climbs over the trees to the top of the hill, with views of forest and mountains. Hummingbirds are everywhere in the gardens. It is often cold and damp, so bring a jacket. Tours run at set times, so check before going.
Giant guadua.
The national flower.
Over the trees.
Manizales-Magdalena road, about 11 km east of central Manizales
No: visits are guided tours at set times, so check the schedule first, and bring a jacket as it is often cold.