Manizales vs. Armenia

[rivardco]

I have not been to either of these two smaller towns. If I asked those that have been to both places to compare, what would be the highlights?

[Sailover]

I loved Armenia. The surrounding area is stunning and the trip to the trout farm in Salento is fantastic. I have not seen Manizales but I hear it is also pretty but quite a bit cooler than Armenia or Pereira. More like Bogota, but full of students and the University culture.

[LuckyGirl]

Rivardco:
I was born and raised in Armenia and Medellin, Armenia is a small city but is located in central Colombia, which makes it near Cali, Bogota and Medellin. The weather is perfect! whole year is 22 to 24 degrees centigrade, after the earthquake in 1999, Armenia became reborn in the turistic town of choice for many people, there's El parque de Cafe , Panaca, coffee farms for rent for vacations, country hotels in the mountains, beautiful landscape Many outdoor activities to do like "rafting" in el rio La vieja. canopy over bamboo trees and coffee plantations. you can see more here
www.turismoquindio.com

About Manizales, It is a nice City, but is cold and less things to do.

Hope this can help!
LG

[rivardco]

Well, I definitely want to get off the gringo trial. I am thinking of visiting a couple of weeks in Maniz and Med. I am looking for safety (as much as possible) a good night life. ease of meeting people - and nice women, of course.

[rpcv]

Originally Posted by rivardco

Well, I definitely want to get off the gringo trial. I am thinking of visiting a couple of weeks in Maniz and Med. I am looking for safety (as much as possible) a good night life. ease of meeting people - and nice women, of course.

You will not encounter many gringos in Manizales; that I can assure you. Most do not go because it is an extra flight from any of the major cities, or an additional bus trip. I have been there several times though and think it's a great city, especially during the Feria in January. Two places to check out are 1) Recinto del Pensamiento which is a eco park that has a nice tour of the grounds and there is a chair lift (like u see at ski places) that takes you over part of the park. I do not recall the price, but it is open from 9am to 4 pm mon-sat.

2) Is Los Yarumos, which is another eco park that has a canopy ride, horse back ride overlooking most of Manizales, and other things. Both are great places for dates. I will try to post a link about the city on here.

[rpcv]

Here's a link....http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iNSQBmowVzQ

[RXD]

Armenia is the best place to visit. There are lots of landscape, museums and sightseeing. There are number of activities to do.It has several shops selling modern fashions.