Set in the cloud forest 11km from Manizales, this nature park has a fine mariposario, several short walks through an impressive orchid-populated forest, and a medicinal herb garden. You'll also see plantations of guadua and chusqué (two kinds of Colombian bamboo). There's even a telesilla – a kind of chair lift to take you up the mountain slope on which the park sits.
Admission includes 2½ hours of mandatory guide service; a couple of the guides speak some English. There's impressive birdlife here – book in advance for bird-watching tours (COP$8000) from 6am to 9am. Wear brown or green clothes and bring binoculars.
To get here, take the bus marked Sera Maltería from Cable Plaza in Manizales (COP$1550, 30 minutes, every 10 minutes), or take a taxi (COP$8000).
