Ecoparque Arenillo Alcazares

The Los Alcázares Arenillo Ecopark is an area of ​​environmental interest, considered one of the green lungs of Manizales and one of the best places for birdwatching in the country. Its objective is environmental protection through raising awareness among local and international visitors.

Its focus is on the conservation of biodiversity that moves through the municipality’s natural corridors and the representative flora of the high Andean cloud forest of the central mountain range of the Colombian Andes.

The Ecopark has taken on the challenge of contributing to the restoration of the city’s ecological capital. Its mission is based on the management and care of this small, 34-hectare area, ranging from 1,900 to 2,000 meters above sea level, but which is nonetheless significant due to the number of species found there: more than 176 birds, a number that could increase to approximately 230 during migration; 40 mammals; reptiles, herpetofauna, fauna, and insects.

The vegetation is characterized by trees of great importance to the fauna, such as the Black and White Yarumo; Arrayán, Balso, Colombian Pine, Camargo, Arboloco, Espadadero, Manzanillo, Wax Olive, Wild Coffee, Siete Cueros, Guava, Palms, Bamboo Groves, Guaduilla, Chusque, Bromeliads, and Orchids, among others.

The Ecopark features easy-to-navigate paths and access routes, providing an ideal setting for encountering nature and observing the species that inhabit it, such as the Guatemalan Antpitta, the Yellow-headed Tanager, the Red-headed Antpitta, and the Laughing Antpitta, among others.

It is located in the southwest part of the city, eight minutes from the city center, in the lower part of the Alcázares neighborhood.