Whether it's misty or sunny, you'll love the unusual landscape in the Cocora Valley. The enchanting ambiance and the sheer number of wax palms, a national symbol, are impressive, to say the least!

The lofty heights of the Corcora Valley.

 Bogotá, a high-altitude capital sitting squeezed in between two mountains, is a verdant, bustling, thrilling and emotionally rewarding city,

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Bogotá

Situated on the border with Brazil and Peru, Leticia is the departure point for trips into the Colombian Amazon. If you love an adventure, the jungle awaits!

Leticia

The Columbian Amazon, a beautiful and isolated adventure in Columbia.

The Amazon

The Los Nevados National Natural Park crosses four of Colombia's departments: Caldas, Risaralda, Quindío and Tolima.

Los Nevados NP

 The capital of the Department of Caldas, Manizales is part of the Colombian coffee region.

Manizales

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I stayed in Manizales for a few days. It certainly isn't the most beautiful city in Colombia, but it deserves credit for being surrounded by many points of interest, such as the Los Nevados National Park and the Nevado del Ruiz volcano. Actually, this city that's perched at an altitude of approximately 6600 feet was built according to strict standards in accordance with the region's earthquake risks. Manizales is also famous for the quality of its coffee, since it's located in the heart of "eje cafetero" or the Colombian coffee growing axis, a region not to be missed during your stay in Colombia. A few places however remain to be discovered in this city with rather steep streets, like the famous statue, the Bolivar Condor, as well as the panoramic tower of Chipre. For those who love nature, it’s possible to get some fresh air at the Recinto del Pensamiento, where you can observe butterflies and orchids. In January, the streets fill up and become home to street vendors, parades, BMX tournaments, bullfighting and of course, the crowning of the Coffee Queen!

The capital of the Department of Caldas, Manizales is part of the Colombian coffee region.

Situated to the north of the Coffee Triangle, in central Colombia, Manizales is the capital of the Caldas department. The town has a population of around 400,000. The Nevado del Ruiz Volcano forms the town's backdrop, which still has some colonial-style buildings in the centre of town. Sadly, many have been destroyed by eruptions and fires over the past couple of centuries. Along with Armenia and Pereira, Manizales forms part of the Coffee Triangle.
In Colombia, Manizales is known for its welcoming people and has earned the nickname 'Capital del Afecto' (the friendly capital), thanks to this reputation! The small, urban centre is often a base for conferences and there's a huge hotel network. Among the things to see and do in town, there are hot thermal springs, its cathedral, the cable car and, last but not least, sampling its coffee! Manizales wasn't one of my favourite places, but I do have fond memories of its residents.

Manizales is a town in central Colombia, at the foot of the the Nevado del Ruiz Volcano, in the Coffee Triangle.

The best local travel agencies in Colombia for family tours with kids

Family tour ideas in Colombia

Colombia’s culture is so unlike that of any other continent that it is certainly a must-see <a href="https://www.evaneos.co.uk/where-to-go/family-adventure-holidays/" target="_blank" data-mce-href="https://www.evaneos.co.uk/where-to-go/family-adventure-holidays/">family destination</a> for any families looking to immerse themselves in a culture other than their own. Colombia with kids can be a hugely rewarding experience both for children and parents and there are so many fascinating places to visit and experience that you’re sure to be spoilt for choice. Whether you’re after a historical <a data-destination-id="92" data-internal-link="destination">holiday in Colombia</a>, cultural tour, action-packed adventure or relaxing family getaway, our local travel agents are there to create your tailor-made tour.<h3>Best things&nbsp;to see and do in&nbsp;Colombia&nbsp;with kids</h3>With so much to see and do, you won’t know where to start your family adventure in Colombia. Why not begin by exploring the city of <a data-place-id="15524" data-internal-link="place">La Candelaria</a> after landing? Here, you’ll be able to get a healthy dose of culture while exploring winding streets and amazing interactive museum exhibits together. Once you’ve had your fill of city life, head out to visit an Ostrich farm, which always goes down a treat with every visitor, no matter their age. For jungle exploration and beach relaxation in equal measure, <a data-place-id="29897" data-internal-link="place">Tayrona National Park</a> is home to tropical waters, white sand and a jungle brimming with native animals and wildlife. Go sea kayaking, swimming, snorkelling or simply take time to relax as a family and enjoy this incredible adventure. To take this tropical relaxation one step further, you can head off to <a data-place-id="32910" data-internal-link="place">Mucura Island</a>&nbsp;by boat and feel like pirates as you escape the real world and experience a truly laid back atmosphere. In the Barichara area, you can bring yourselves back to reality with a bit of adrenaline on a thrilling river rafting adventure. Older kids can even try paragliding - the ultimate Colombian thrill that none of you will ever forget. With adventure, relaxation, culture, history and welcoming people, its no wonder that Colombia is such an incredible family destination. <h3>Best time to visit&nbsp;Colombia as a family</h3>Since Colombia is so close to the equator, temperatures are generally stable throughout the year. Rain does vary however, with the Amazon (it isn’t called a rainforest for nothing) remaining showery throughout the year. The driest periods fall between December and March and then July and August and so these are often considered the <a data-document-id="2975" data-internal-link="article">best times to visit</a>. Rain during the wet season is by no means constant though and can mean that prices of accommodation and attractions are lower. The busiest time is from December to February and during the week before Easter, Semana Santa and so, whilst there is a lot to do during these periods, it can become stressful to travel with children, with crowds of tourists flocking to the more popular destinations. Bear in mind that temperatures can vary a lot between inland areas and the coast and so its worth planning a little in advance to make sure you pack the right kind of clothing for the locations you and your family plan to visit. <h3>Family holiday tips for travelling to&nbsp;Colombia</h3>With a little research and knowledge you can ensure that you are as prepared as possible for your family trip to Colombia, here a few tips and tricks to ensure that everything runs smoothly on your holiday. <ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" data-mce-style="font-weight: 400;">Check in with your GP before leaving to see what vaccinations and medications you will need before and during your trip. Its also worth packing some anti-nausea medications for children who get travel sick since some roads here can be winding and exacerbate travel sickness. </li><li style="font-weight: 400;" data-mce-style="font-weight: 400;">Insect repellent is a god send and will save you the annoyance of itchy mosquito bites further down the line. </li><li style="font-weight: 400;" data-mce-style="font-weight: 400;">Colombia has a huge range in altitude and visiting to places such as Bogota can result in altitude sickness if you don’t take it easy. </li><li style="font-weight: 400;" data-mce-style="font-weight: 400;">Consider flying where possible since long drives here don’t always go down well with younger children and a quick and easy flight leaves more time for adventure and exploration. </li><li style="font-weight: 400;" data-mce-style="font-weight: 400;">If you don’t already know some Spanish, learning a few key phrases can be incredibly useful and save time and hassle during your trip should you encounter someone who isn’t getting the gist of your flailing hand gestures. Plus, it’s always nice to put in the effort and greet or thank people in their own language.</li></ul>

Start planning your family tour in Colombia

The best tailor-made Colombia tours for families with children, created by a local travel agency. Request a local expert to create your perfect trip.

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Family holidays in Colombia

Family Tours

Family Holidays in Colombia | Child-Friendly Tours

The best local travel agencies in Colombia for two week tours

Two week tour ideas in Colombia

The best two week tours to explore Colombia, created by a local travel agency. Request a local expert to create your perfect trip.

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Two weeks in Colombia

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Two Weeks in Colombia | 14 Day Tailor-Made Tours

The best local travel agencies in Colombia for one week tours

One week tour ideas in Colombia

The best one week tours to explore Colombia, created by a local travel agency. Request a local expert to create your perfect trip.

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One week in Colombia

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The best local travel agencies in Colombia for wildlife tours and safaris

Wildlife tour ideas in Colombia

The best safaris and wildlife tours in Colombia, created by a local travel agency. Request a local expert to create your perfect trip.

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The best local travel agencies in Colombia for hiking and trekking tours

Tour ideas for trekking and hiking in Colombia

The best hiking and trekking tours and excursions in Colombia, created by a local travel agency. Request a local expert to create your perfect trip.

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Hiking & Trekking Tours in Colombia | Tailor-Made Tours

The best local travel agencies in Colombia for island tours

Tour ideas for exploring Colombia's islands

The best island holidays and island-hopping tours in Colombia, created by a local travel agency. Request a local expert to create your perfect trip.

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Islands in Colombia

Islands

Island Holidays in Colombia | Explore Colombia's Islands

The best local travel agencies in Colombia for cycling tours

Tour ideas for exploring Colombia by bike

The best cycling holidays and bike excursions in Colombia, created by a local travel agency. Request a local expert to create your perfect trip.

Design your perfect cycling tour with a local expert in Colombia

Colombia cycling tours

Cycling Tours

Cycling Holidays in Colombia | Explore Colombia By Bike

The best local travel agencies in Colombia for nature holidays

Tour ideas for exploring Colombia's nature

The best tours and excursions for exploring Colombia's nature, created by a local travel agency. Request a local expert to create your perfect trip.

Design your perfect nature holiday with a local expert in Colombia

Nature in Colombia

Nature & National Parks

Nature Holidays in Colombia | Explore Colombia's Nature

The best local travel agencies in Colombia for desert tours

Desert tour ideas in Colombia

The best desert tours and excursions in Colombia, created by a local travel agency. Request a local expert to create your perfect trip.

Manizales Holidays

Manizales: How to get there?

Manizales: See when to go?

Manizales: For how long?

Manizales: What to see nearby?

Colombia: our articles for your holidays