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Recinto del Pensamiento is one of the best attractions in Manizales. It’s a peaceful nature park with a very relaxed and easy guided walk that can be done by people of all ages. Recinto del Pensamiento is located within the UNESCO World Heritage listed Coffee Cultural Landscape of Colombia.

 

Visiting

Recinto del Pensamiento doesn’t lie inside the city, but instead is on the outskirts. It’s located about 10 minutes from the city. A taxi is the quickest way to get there. The bus can take up to an hour but is much cheaper. For those who want to stay longer, there’s a hotel on the grounds.

When you reach the gates, the security guard can point you in the right direction to get to the gift shop. Guided tours are required and last two hours. They’re done in Spanish. Adult admission is COP$29,000 (as of July 2024). Recinto del Pensamiento is open daily except Mondays and tours run from 9am to 3pm. Tickets are sold in the gift shop.

 

Herb Garden

The tour begins in an herb garden where the guide talks about several local medicinal plants, including coca, stevia, and more. We were able to pick the leaves off some of them to smell or taste.

Herb Garden at Recinto del Pensamiento in Manizales, Caldas, Colombia
Herb Garden

 

Telesilla

We were then led to the telesilla for an exciting 12 minute ride over the tree tops and up a steep hill. Others in the group chose to walk the path and we met them at the top.

Telesilla at Recinto del Pensamiento in Manizales, Caldas, Colombia
Telesilla
Looking down from the Telesilla at Recinto del Pensamiento in Manizales, Caldas, Colombia
Looking down from the Telesilla

 

Hummingbirds

Next, we were served fresh coffee and sat quietly to watch local hummingbirds feed. The guide talked about the life of the hummingbirds and their importance to the balance of nature.

Hummingbirds at Recinto del Pensamiento in Manizales, Caldas, Colombia
Hummingbirds

 

Bonsai Garden

From there we visited a beautiful bonsai garden. There was a small bridge with a pond full of fish and a rock garden. The guide explained the significance of each element of the gardens.

Bonsai Garden at Recinto del Pensamiento in Manizales, Caldas, Colombia
Bonsai Garden
Bonsai Garden at Recinto del Pensamiento in Manizales, Caldas, Colombia
Bonsai Garden
Flower in the Bonsai Garden at Recinto del Pensamiento in Manizales, Caldas, Colombia
Flower

 

Butterfly House

The Butterfly House (Mariposario), was just up the hill. There were several species of butterflies living inside, including a few interesting ones with transparent wings. Again, the guide did a wonderful job explaining the life cycle of butterflies and some myths about them.

Butterfly house at Recinto del Pensamiento in Manizales, Caldas, Colombia
Butterfly house
Butterfly house at Recinto del Pensamiento in Manizales, Caldas, Colombia
Butterfly house
Butterflies in the butterfly house at Recinto del Pensamiento in Manizales, Caldas, Colombia
Butterflies
Butterflies in the butterfly house at Recinto del Pensamiento in Manizales, Caldas, Colombia
Butterflies

 

End of the Tour

The tour ended with a 30 minute walk through the forest, ending back at the gift shop where our tickets were first purchased. We really enjoyed the tour and were very relaxed the whole time.  Other attractions include pens that hold deer, ostrich, sheep, and other animals.

Author

Owner of Paisadventure. World traveler. Chicago sports lover. Living in Colombia.

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