Manizales, Administrative municipality in Caldas Department, Colombia.
Manizales is a city in the Andean highlands of central Colombia, sitting on steep slopes at 2200 meters elevation. Narrow streets wind between tightly built neighborhoods, while coffee plantations cover the surrounding mountains.
In October 1849, settlers from Antioquia founded the city to open new agricultural areas in the central mountains. Several fires over the following decades led to reconstruction with brick and stone instead of wood.
A cable car connects different neighborhoods and offers glimpses into daily routines as residents commute to work or return home. The early morning markets display freshly harvested coffee and tropical fruit from the surrounding slopes.
Dress in layers, as mornings often bring fog and the temperature rises during the day. The city spreads across many hills, so prepare for steep climbs and staircases.
The constant cloud cover and elevation create a steady climate without sharp heat or cold throughout the year. Visitors often notice the thinner air and find themselves needing extra breaks while walking.
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