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La Dorada sits along the Magdalena River in the Caldas department of Colombia. It’s the second most important city in the department after Manizales.

 

Introduction to La Dorada

La Dorada, which typically has very hot weather, was originally settled as Conejo in 1886 by Antonio Acosta, Ricardo Mejía, and Luis Valdésas, who established a timber mill. It grew into a small village in the early 20th century after former railroad workers and their families settled there. The town of Victoria wanted to annex the village, but instead it was declared its own municipality on July 1, 1923. Since then, La Dorada has grown into one of the most important areas in Colombia for livestock production and fishing

In all honesty, based on our experiences in other less touristy towns in the Caldas Department, we had very low expectations when we decided to stop there for the night on our way to the department of Santander. We were expecting a dirty city with unpleasant people, but were proven wrong as we walked through the streets. We ended up finding it fairly pleasant.


 

Getting to La Dorada

La Dorada can easily be reached by direct bus from Manizales or Honda. It’s also on the road between Bogotá and Medellín. The bus terminal is located across from Parque Santander in the center of town.

 

Where to Stay in La Dorada

We have only stayed two nights in the town and at very different places.

 

Hotel Mall Santana del Río

On our first trip, we stayed at Hotel Mall Santana del Río, which is located in a shopping mall on Parque Jorge Eliecer Gaitán in the city center. It’s got two large swimming pools and is surrounded by a few restaurants. The pools were a great way to relax after a long day of driving.

Hotel Mall Santana del Río in La Dorada, Caldas, Colombia
Hotel Mall Santana del Río
Pools at Hotel Mall Santana del Río in La Dorada, Caldas, Colombia
Pools
Pool at Hotel Mall Santana del Río in La Dorada, Caldas, Colombia
Pool
Reception at Hotel Mall Santana del Río
Reception

Our room was spacious and clean although the bed was a bit small. Staff did a wonderful job making sure we were comfortable.

Our room at Hotel Mall Santana del Río
Our room
Bathroom at Hotel Mall Santana del Río
Bathroom

In addition to the pools, there’s also a game area with pool tables and a fun sitting area made out of a classic car. The mall, however, is disappointing.

Classic car turned into a sitting area at Hotel Mall Santana del Río in La Dorada, Caldas, Colombia
Classic car turned into a sitting area

 

Hotel Confort

On another trip, we broke up a long drive by spending the night at Hotel Confort. Other than a poorly designed shower, it turned out to be a quiet and comfortable place to stay. The price was reasonable and staff was excellent. We were able to order dinner from the fast food restaurant downstairs and park the car a couple blocks away.

Hotel Confort
Hotel Confort
Our room at Hotel Confort
Our room


 

Where to Eat in La Dorada

For dinner on our first visit, only one of the restaurants at the Hotel Mall Santana del Río was open. It was a barbecue restaurant, and we ordered wings and a steak which were delivered directly to our room. The food was better than we expected and reasonably priced. Unfortunately, I don’t remember the name of the restaurant. Sorry I can’t be more helpful on this issue.

Steak in La Dorada, Caldas, Colombia
Steak

 

Parque Jorge Eliecer Gaitán

We started at Parque Jorge Eliecer Gaitán. In the center is a statue of Jorge Eliecer Gaitán (1903-1948), a politician assassinated in 1948 in Bogotá. The rest of the park has tall trees and some flowers as well as benches to sit and enjoy the scenery. It was a little run down but, again, much cleaner than expected.

Parque Jorge Eliecer Gaitán in La Dorada, Caldas, Colombia
Parque Jorge Eliecer Gaitán
Statue of Jorge Eliecer Gaitán in Parque Jorge Eliecer Gaitán in La Dorada, Caldas, Colombia
Statue of Jorge Eliecer Gaitán

 

Parque Simón Bolívar

Next, we walked a couple blocks north to Parque Simón Bolívar, which is the main square in La Dorada. If you’re lucky, you’ll spot one of the huge iguanas that live in the park. If not, there’s an iguana sculpture you can pose with.

Iguana in La Dorada, Caldas, Colombia
Iguana
Iguana
Iguana
Sculpture of an iguana at Parque Simón Bolívar
Sculpture of an iguana

The center of the park has a bust of Simón Bolívar (1783-1830). There were several vendors surrounding it, selling cold drinks, ice cream, and handmade souvenirs.

Path through Parque Simón Bolívar in La Dorada, Caldas, Colombia
Path through Parque Simón Bolívar
Bust of Simón Bolívar in Parque Simón Bolívar
Bust of Simón Bolívar
Parque Simón Bolívar in La Dorada, Caldas, Colombia
Parque Simón Bolívar


Our Lady of Mount Carmel

On the west side of the square is Our Lady of Mount Carmel (Nuestra Señora del Carmen), which serves as the city’s cathedral. It was built between 1930 and 1960 with Romanesque and Neoclassical features. We weren’t able to walk inside but the doors were open allowing us to get a peek.

Our Lady of Mount Carmel in La Dorada, Caldas, Colombia
Our Lady of Mount Carmel
Nave of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in La Dorada, Caldas, Colombia
Nave

 

Parque Santander

Finally, we walked to Parque Santander, which features a monument dedicated to the city’s fishing industry. There are several vendors selling guarapo (sugar cane juice) and other snacks. Fast food booths are located across the street.

Parque Santander
Parque Santander
Fish monument at Parque Santander in La Dorada, Caldas, Colombia
Fish monument
Parque Santander in La Dorada, Caldas, Colombia
Parque Santander

 

Map of La Dorada, Caldas

Author

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

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