What is Manizales like?

caulfield2 says on Jan 27, 2006, 13:22:

Manizales is a little cold for me.

It is a more beautiful city (especially the architecture) than Armenia, where I live, which is about 2-3 hours to the south depending on your mode of transportation.

It is a good jumping off point for Los Nevados.

If you are looking to visit...definitely Manizales.

Tourism-partying, then Pereira and Quindio for the fincas.

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Crazy Eagle says on Jan 27, 2006, 14:34:

Is it sunny most of the time? What's the culture and racial mix? Gracias.

"Its the greatest breakthrough in labor relations since the cat-o'-nine tails!" Montgomery Burns

"The natural rhythm of life is routine punctuated by orgy" Aldous Huxley

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caulfield2 says on Jan 27, 2006, 14:49:

Well, the last four months, it has rained a ton in the afternoons and late evenings.

Supposedly, we are now getting to the drier season or summer, like it was when I first arrived in June and then again in late August.

It was still 65-85 degrees pretty consistently in Armenia during that time, just lots of overcast days and rain.

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litost says on Jan 28, 2006, 06:24:

Manizales weather is somewhere in the middle between the colder Bogota and the warmer Medellin. Not particularly sunny most of the time, but it is one of the cities with the most stunning natural settings nonetheless.

People are mostly of paisa descent, so predominantly white with some mestizos, very friendly and have the reputation of being some of the best educated people in Colombia. This probably has to do with the fact that it is a college town, lots of universities per capita, probably the highest in the country. This also brings some cultural and ethnic diversity to an otherwise homogeneous paisa population.

It is quieter, cleaner and better organized than most other similair cities. Girls have the mix of paisa beauty with Bogota sophistication. Some people criticize the manizalita society for being too conservative and closed. There is some truth in this, but overall people are friendly and most of the young people are easy going and open. It has a decent offer for nightlife, given its small size, and the Feria de Manizales in january is among the country's most famous.

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SPECTRASORT says on Jan 28, 2006, 12:43:

Manizales Its not a bad little city , safer then the other big cities , its in the Coffee rejoin the "Coffee Triangle" as they put it.

The best Hotel is Las Colinas but its nothing special for $100 per night , most of the other Hotels are just Normal little small town hotels. The Cathedral is nice , climate is Not Cali heat , but not as cool as Bogota.

Not all of the ammenities of a big city , but what do you expect.?.

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MacGringo says on Jan 29, 2006, 06:14:

I spent 1st - 10th January this year in Manizales and had a great time.
I lived in houses in Villa Maria and La Pradera and found that the scenery around these areas was really beautiful , if you like hilly countryside.
Also nearby, the area called Chipre is really nice, very high up, a lot of flying Parapente goes on here. Also Chipre is not to be missed at Christmas, the lights and decorations here are really nice.
I found that the people were really friendly and helpful, which was good for me as my Spanish is pretty non-existant, but the people couldn't do enough to help me, ex. in shops etc. they wouldn't see me struggle.
You wont find it hard to have a good night out either, across the road from El Cable Plaza and just follow the road down, plenty of bars and clubs.

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Colombiche says on Feb 1, 2006, 13:49:

Crazy Eagle... Litost's description was pretty dead on.

Manizales is a smaller city, with pleasant weather (not too hot, not too cold). The people are laid back and friendly. The racial mix is paisa, just like that of medellin. Manizalenas, tend to be more on the natural side, just as pretty as the girls from Medellin but without all the silicone.

Manizales is the Colombian city with the highest number of universities per capita. It is a city with a very young population, thousands of people from all over Colombia go to study in Manizales.

If you need any more info about Manizales PM me, I am from there.

As Zagarize would say

ciao!

No me den trago extranjero, que es caro y no sabe a bueno.... (Rafael Godoy)

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Wastelandlive says on Feb 1, 2006, 13:50:

You're from there? Do you remember any expat entrepreneurs?

Is there a need for any?

Wasteland

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Colombiche says on Feb 1, 2006, 13:55:

Wasteland... Manizales has tended not to grow as fast as neigboring Pereira and Armenia because it is so off the beaten trail. You really have to plan to go there, you just don't pass it on you way to other cities.

I have noticed Manizales is not growing at the pace as the rest of major Colombian cities. There is a mini construction boom, and a new mall with escalators (wow, escalators) and lots of nightclubs.

Given the sheer number of under 25's, I would say there is always room for a funky new American style fast food franchise (yes young chibchombianos tend to dig that), nightclub or bar.


I have a couple other ideas dancing around my head, if you want to elaborate PM me.

No me den trago extranjero, que es caro y no sabe a bueno.... (Rafael Godoy)

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Colombiche says on Feb 1, 2006, 13:59:

Oh and yes... There is a desperate need for entepreneurs, at least from mpOv.

No me den trago extranjero, que es caro y no sabe a bueno.... (Rafael Godoy)

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Colombiche says on Feb 1, 2006, 14:00:

oh And we also have a Juan Valdez coffeeshop.

Not bad for Manila.

No me den trago extranjero, que es caro y no sabe a bueno.... (Rafael Godoy)

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caulfield2 says on Feb 1, 2006, 14:25:

What is mpOv, pardon my ignorance?

I have seen Pizza Hut, Blockbuster, McDonald´s, Burger King, Dunkin Donuts and maybe a couple of other American franchises. Definitely not interested in doing the whole internet cafe thing.

We need a discoteca like Mango Biche here in Armenia! Just kidding. The discotecas here are popular for 3-4 months, then the trend or fad ends and another one rises. Seems like a difficult business to be in. Guitara y Rumba was very popular, but now the house band has split up and they are trying to help launch and publicize two competing places down the road. Maybe having one ¨niche¨ night like a Wednesday or Thursday would be a good idea.

They are building a Lenos y Carbon in the mall here in Armenia, so I am pretty excited about that, lol.

I would love to have a pizza restaurant like Enoteca or even Crepes y Waffles here.

Just don´t like the idea of building a Wal-Mart, Home Store or Carrefour and the further fast-food, Americanization of Colombia.

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Wastelandlive says on Feb 1, 2006, 14:28:

I'm guessing mpOv is "My point of view." Hey Colombiche...

You live in the US now, right? Have you ever eaten in a Rubio's Fish Taco franchise, or a Baja Grill? Do you think Colombian's would go for that style of food?

Wasteland

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caslug says on Feb 1, 2006, 16:20:

maybe i'm wrong, but.. COL(esp paisas) are the conservative eaters. They dont like spicy food and are not really adventurous eaters(lack of opp't to travel and taste). However they do like things american(because of the US marketing machine).

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webjacks says on Feb 7, 2006, 09:16:

Manizales I was in Manizales during the summer of 2004 for 8 weeks. I had a great time. I was very well received. I was able to see Once Caldas play against Boca Junior (very good game, nice finish). The weather was good, not too hot nor too cold. Driving was interesting with all the ups and downs, one-way streets and pica-placa. I liked the restaurants (bandeja pais?) and clubs. I took a trip up to see Nevado del Ruíz. It is spectacular. I am looking forward to going back.

-------------------------------------------------- www.webjacks.us/htmls/colombia.html --------------------------------------------------

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toneloc24 says on Feb 7, 2006, 11:16:

Manizales Hotels? Maybe somebody could help me decide which of these hotels are decently-located, economical, and in an otherwise safe area.

*HOTEL LAS COLINAS:CARRERA 22 #20_20,TELEFONO:8842009
*HOTEL CAMINO REAL:CARRERA 21 # 20_ 45 TELEFONO:8845588
*HOTEL ESCORIAL: CALLE 21 # 21_11 TELEFONO:8847696

I'm aware of Hotel El Carretero, but not trying to go crazy paying for a hotel alone.

Any help much appreciated.

"Don't tase me, bro!!!!"

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Colombiche says on Feb 7, 2006, 11:53:

Toneloc I have a little Manizales pamphlet at home with a list of hotels and prices. I will post some prices tonight when I take a look at it. I think most these hotels also include breakfast as well.

No me den trago extranjero, que es caro y no sabe a bueno.... (Rafael Godoy)

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crlmedia says on Feb 7, 2006, 12:23:

Las Colinas Hotel is a decent hotel, it's located in what you will call "downtown". However I preferr El Carretero, the view of the mountains and "El Nevado" is beautiful and as great extra, there's a chocolate factory next to the hotel, so the smell is amazing. I'm Colombian and I went to the university in Manizales. The most amazing 4 years of my life!!! I'm married to a gringo and live in Fla. Would love to take my husband there a show him the city. There's a great teather festival there around fall if I remember well. Sometimes too cold and with unexpected weather changes. When it's sunny remember to wear a high SPF lotion. The people there it's really nice and friendly and I still have some great friends there. They love to drink "aguardiente" even at AM hours.

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toneloc24 says on Feb 7, 2006, 14:42:

CRLMedia I will probably be drinking Aguardiente Cristal and Ron Caldas from the tap there in Manizales, in the wee hours of the morning with a bunch of new friends. It never fails with me, anywhere in Colombia.

Hotel-wise, I really just need a clean place with hot water, a clean, decent bed, some kind of security, walking distance to much (bars, discos, supermarket, restaurants, etc.), but not too noisy at 9:00 in the morning. Views and all that are cool too, but I think I'll be seeing those views and eating that chocolate, while out and about.

By any chance, is there a Ron Caldas factory near? And do they give tours (kinda like Bacardi)?

"Don't tase me, bro!!!!"

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Crazy Eagle says on Feb 7, 2006, 19:31:

paisas Are Manizaleans considered paisas? I thought Medellin was in a different department.

"Its the greatest breakthrough in labor relations since the cat-o'-nine tails!" Montgomery Burns

"The natural rhythm of life is routine punctuated by orgy" Aldous Huxley

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Colombiche says on Feb 8, 2006, 08:55:

Crazy Eagle The paisa culture comprises the following departments:

Antioquia (capital: Medellin)
Caldas (capital: Manizales)
Risaralda (capital: Pereira)
Quindio (capital: Armenia)

Actually, these departments together used to be Antioquia. Caldas broke off, and then Risaralda and Quindio separated. The reason why Risaralda separated from Caldas was because Pereira wanted to be the capital city of Caldas (as opposed to Manizales) and there was a great rivalry between the two cities.

Actually 3 of my grandparents are from Marinilla Antioquia, and most people in Manizales are probably on the same boat.

Manizales was founded by Antioqueno colonizers. That is why you will find the cultures, the food and the accent are identical. When I open my mouth, Colombians automatically assume I am from Medellin because of my accent.

No me den trago extranjero, que es caro y no sabe a bueno.... (Rafael Godoy)

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litost says on Feb 8, 2006, 09:33:

However, it is common for those from Antioquia and particularly those from the Medellin area to consider themselves the only paisas. This leaves us folk from the coffee region in somewhat of an identity crisis. Sure, most of us are direct descendants of paisas and we share most of the main cultural traits, but I think that over time we will aquire our own uniqueness. I think it will draw from our main geographic advantage, of being smack in the middle of the Medellin-Bogota-Cali triangle. We just gotta find a decent name!

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Colombiche says on Feb 8, 2006, 10:26:

We can call ourselves Paisas version 2.0 with enhancements.

No me den trago extranjero, que es caro y no sabe a bueno.... (Rafael Godoy)

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fugdis says on Feb 8, 2006, 16:19:

version 2.0 would that be silicone enhancements?

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utopiacowboy says on Feb 8, 2006, 22:45:

I've heard that the chicas from Manizales are really hot, one in particular.

Disclaimer: any comment I make is inane and is not to be taken seriously, and is so patently ridiculous that no one should take it seriously, even as an insult.

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BrujoMontez says on Feb 17, 2006, 16:34:

Manizales del Alma... Manizales is Beautiful. I am from neighboring Pereira and I have visited manizales many times. First of all, you will be impressed by the spectacular views. The city is built literally on top of the mountains! the streets are very steep and hilly, so riding a Taxi in Manizales is like getting on a roller-coaster. I love it! The weather is like that of Northern California. Temperate/sub-tropical, cool, rainy, misty, lush, Fog often envelopes the city, very romantic, almost spooky. The smell of burning fireplaces and bakeries fills the air. The views accross the valleys and towards El Nevado del Ruiz are amazing. The cool mountain climate helps a wine variety of plants and trees to grow in profusion, from Pine trees to palm trees and all kinds of flowers. The city itself is also pretty. It used to be one of the most beautiful cities in Colombia because of its traditional architecture and beautiful plazas, but two devastating fires and a big earthquake rocked the city and turned it into rubble. The New building code made constructions virtually fire- and eathquake-proof, but gave the city a more modern appearance. rows of "leggos" clinging to the hillsides, is charming in its own way and colombians are very meticulous with the appearance of their houses. Hanging flowers from the windows is very common. Manizales is typically a college town, with a very educated population, middle class families, very safe too. I think people have the wrong perception of Manizalitas. They are not all snooty and conservative. They are Paisas to the fullest, and that means they are unpretentious, warm, very friendly, straightforward, down to earth and liberal (yet conservative when it comes to religion). The biggest Rumba of the year is the Famous "Feria de Manizales", People come from all over Colombia to watch the famous "Corridas". The Party revovles around Bullfighting and Aguardiente Cristal, everyone is drinking, You have flamenco and the "Carrozas" full of flowers and then come the Horses, Beautiful Paso Finos all dressed up parading through the streets, and the "Arrieros" with their hats, carrieles, and of course.... drinking Aguardiente Cristal! This is what Manizales is all about!
.
.
.
.
"Ay Manizales.... ...del Alma!!!"
.
.
.
.
(I love that song )

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Miguel_Clavo says on Feb 18, 2006, 01:49:

toneloc24...hotels in MZL I have stayed at three of them and my vote goes to. (drumroll...)....
Hotel Escorial....great rooms, near the downtown area, lots of activity, but for nightclub action and Cable Plaza you need to take a taxi.....


*HOTEL LAS COLINAS: closer to the nightclubs but can be really noisy depending on which side your room is...
*HOTEL CAMINO REAL havent been there.
*HOTEL ESCORIAL: see above
*Hotel El Carretero nice and the most expensive....great business enviroment

just remember not to get anything near a church unless you like the hourly ringing of the churchbells!


Miguel_Clavo

"I would rather die living life, than to live a dying life."........ Oh, and my PM is always ON. Great Bumper Sticker: "Home of the Free, Because of the Brave"

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Monpirri says on Feb 18, 2006, 07:27:

Manizales has beautiful scenery and it is the home of the “Reinado Internacional del Café,�
Manizales hosts the most important international pageant in Colombia and South America, the annual International Queen of Coffee beauty pageant.

Annette Taddeo for US Congress 2008

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Lionheart says on Feb 18, 2006, 11:54:

Music Central Manizales seems to be the mecca for young musicians and bands. Aside from the big cities most bands have concerts there at least, many reside there. I am talking about rock and metal bands, not latin music. Various websites showing concert and club schedules in Colombia point to Manizales as most active town in general for Colombian and European bands.

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oanarusu says on Feb 18, 2006, 12:55:

Hi,

This poorbuthappy guide to Colombia is great!
I will be in Manizales for about one year, starting mid march and wondered if anyone could tell me how prices are like over there?!
For example, how much would I have to pay for a monthly rent of a flat (in $)?
I would be greatful for any other information you would want ro share about Manizales.
Anyway I am very mutch looking farward to my Manizales/Colombia experience.



Oana, Timisoara, RO

Oana, Timisoara, RO

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oanarusu says on Feb 18, 2006, 12:57:

Hi,

This poorbuthappy guide to Colombia is great!
I will be in Manizales for about one year, starting mid march and wondered if anyone could tell me how prices are like over there?!
For example, how much would I have to pay for a monthly rent of a flat (in $)?
I would be greatful for any other information you would want ro share about Manizales.
Anyway I am very mutch looking farward to my Manizales/Colombia experience.



Oana, Timisoara, RO

Oana, Timisoara, RO

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litost says on Feb 18, 2006, 16:37:

A flat just for yourself, of course this can vary a lot depending on the neighborhood and the appartment itself, but a good one in a nice neighborhood should be between US $150-$250 a month. Count on an additional $50 or so for utilities. Just an estimate off the top of my head, anyone feel free to correct me.

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poco says on Feb 18, 2006, 16:48:

Manizales is improving for Lesbians Maybe now the case allows connubial visits ?

Lesbian Inmate Finally Granted Visitation RightsMarta Alvarez is a lesbian who is in prison in Colombia. Since 1998, she has been fighting to obtain visitation rights for her partner - a right that heterosexual men and women enjoy in Colombian prisons. Her landmark case was brought to the Interamerican Human Rights Commission in 1999. It was the first time that the IHRC agreed to mediate a case involving discrimination based on sexual orientation.

Unfortunately, negotiations between Marta and the Colombian government were difficult and no advancements were ever made.
Marta Alvarez was defended by feminist lawyer Marta Tamayo, a member of the Colombian Women's Network who fought tirelessly--and, most of the time, pro bono--for this case, which she considered could set an important precedent for lesbian equality in the region.

As punishment for raising her voice, Marta Alvarez was transferred nine times from one jail to another during the last three years. She has also been held in solitary confinement and in men's pavilions.

Currently she is imprisoned in Caldas, and her partner in Manizales. Two months ago, Marta Tamayo managed to enlist the support of the Ombudsman Office in Manizales and submitted a joint appeal to the local judge, demanding visitation rights for Marta Alvarez and her partner. On November 21, 2002, the judge granted the petition, invoking both women's rights to equality, privacy and free development of their personalities.

Development?
Maybe a film will be produced? What should it be called? Hump back Mountain?

"Violence is the first refuge of the incompetent" - Isaac Asimov

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toneloc24 says on Feb 18, 2006, 19:19:

Manizales is.... great!!!!

I´m the only black dude from the USA in town, and I´m already making waves just walking down the street. From El Cable to Chiple and back to Cable Plaza, I´m doing good on the staredowns by women so far. IN centro, I feel like a piece of tantalizing meat. LOL!!!

To be honest, I haven´t acted on any of them yet. But, it´s really looking like that was my fault. (I´m here with a "friend." LOL!!!)

Anyway, I´m enjoying Manizales and I´ll contribute a post with pics (non-XXX) of my travels here. I will say this much fo those interested, Manizales is a small town, in every way. Approx. 400,000 people. Not much to do. I did all the tourist spots in about 6 hours, complete with pics and including El Centro.

People-wise, Elmo and Migs don´t hate me, but these folks here are very honest and friendly, including the taxis. Yo, they reset the taxi meter for EVERY journey, minimum ride is COP2.200. I´ve yet to encounter anything different in over 10 or so taxis. Beers are COP2.500-3.000, and cheaper. Girls, my God, too friendly!!! If I were a bad dude......

I co-sign on Manizales (but for the right reasons)!!!!

"Don't tase me, bro!!!!"

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litost says on Feb 19, 2006, 06:35:

Yes Manizales is obviously a small city (though here in France 400,000 would make it one of the most populated cities in the country) and there is not tons of touristy things to do. The main spots to visit are the Cable and its surrounding neighborhood for good bars and cafes, walking down the Santander Avenue, several nice views of the city from there, than in the center there is the Cathedral, the Bolivar Condor and several nice historical buildings, not far up is Chipre with its awesome views of the mountains and valleys surrounding the city. For a feel of the student life in the city you could go to the Universidad de Caldas or any of the other ones scattered around the city. And what about theater in the Fundadores? Another not so obvious place to visit, but well worth it, is the park which is in the Enea, really nice for a walk, sports or picnic with towering mountains with all shades of green surrounding it. And then of course there are many places to visit nearby like the different hot water springs (termales del otoño, termales del ruiz) and the incredible Parque de los Nevados with its snow capped mountains, varying ecosystems and lagoons (especially the Laguna del Otún). On the warmer side, there is Santágueda which is not more than an hour away from the city, area full of fincas, clubs and recreational areas for fun in the sun.

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webjacks says on Feb 28, 2006, 07:32:

Los Yarumos Saludos Toneloc24, You might also try el parque Los Yarumos. I was there about 2 weeks ago with friends to go ice skating. In 2004 we were there to go rapelling down some waterfalls. It was a great way to spend the afternoon.

I like Villa Maria tambien. My friends took me over there for chorizos.

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