☰Parque Nacional Natural Los Nevados

The snow-peaks national park lies about 44 km south of Manizales and is one of the great natural attractions of the Colombian Andes. The landscape shifts from cloud forest through páramo grasslands to volcanic craters and permanent glaciers — Nevado del Ruiz, the active volcano that devastated the town of Armero in 1985, is the centrepiece. Access has varied over the years depending on volcanic activity, so check current conditions before going. Day tours from Manizales typically include thermal baths at the park edges. The views from the higher elevations, on a clear day, are extraordinary.