The Caldas capital, better known as "My Manizales of my Heart" is located in Mid-western Colombia, on the Andean cordillera. Along with the Departments of Quindio and Risaralda, it makes up the Colombian coffee exporting area. 

Manizales is privileged due to its geography, its economy and its people. Thanks to its cultural and academic activity, it is highlighted as a university city, with more than 8 higher education institutions. In the international arena, Manizales is a model city with the Iberian-American Prize for Digital Cities, and it’s considered by the Iberian-American Association of Research Centers and Telecommunication Enterprises as the best Latin American city in business development.

Historical data:
Established: October 12, 1849

History:
The best known Manizales history begins in mid 19th century, following the Antioquia colonization process and the civil wars between Liberals and Conservatives. The city’s foundation is attributed to the so-called “The 20 Group” led by Fermin Lopez, Manuel Grisales, Jose Maria Osorio, Joaquin Antonio Victoriano, Gabriel Arango, Antonio Ceballos, Eduardo Hoyos and Marcelino Palacio, among others.

The 20th century was marked by the development of the coffee crop, the industrialization processes and the rise of service providers, such as higher education and sales.

Events: The International Coffee Beauty Pageant; the International Theater Festival which is now Cultural Heritage of the Nation; the Manizales Fair, reaching its 53rd version; the Jazz Festival, among others.