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Conference Venue

Venue information, directions, hotel reservation details, and useful links for your stay in Manizales, Colombia.

Estelar Recinto del Pensamiento Hotel & Convention Center

The Estelar Recinto del Pensamiento Hotel & Convention Center opens its doors to modernity and innovation in Manizales, Colombia; it offers the pleasure of experiencing something truly unique, with comforts and services that exceed expectations.

Located within the Recinto del Pensamiento Park in Manizales (at kilometer 11 on the road to Magdalena), the hotel brings you even closer to nature and biodiversity; it is conveniently situated just 5.8 km from La Nubia Airport and approximately 2.5 km from the city center.

The Estelar Recinto del Pensamiento Hotel & Convention Center is fully equipped to host corporate, cultural, academic, scientific, and social events of all sizes, from small meetings and presentations to large conferences. The venue offers conference rooms, private meeting spaces, and areas for celebrations; this first-class facility is designed to meet the needs of all guests, providing an environment that motivates and inspires delegates.

Its combination of a tranquil, colonial-style setting and excellent amenities ensures a memorable and productive event. Our highly professional conference staff is available to assist guests with every aspect of event planning and organization, offering exceptional service and invaluable support.

For more information, please visit the official website of the Estelar Recinto del Pensamiento Hotel & Convention Center: Hotel website.

Hotel reservation or inquiries

The VII WMSSE organizing committee has arranged special rates for participants. The conference hotel rate for a double‑occupancy room is approximately COP 370,000 (breakfast included).

Eduardo José Julio
Email: eduardoj.julio@hotelesestelar.com
WhatsApp: +57 316 832 1222

Conference venue map

Directions

The transportation options are the following.

By Airplane

  • La Nubia Airport (Manizales): Offers direct connections with several Colombian cities. Airlines frequently operating flights to Manizales include Avianca and Clic Air.
  • Matecaña International Airport (Pereira): Provides direct connections with most major Colombian cities. Airlines serving Pereira include Avianca, LATAM Airlines, Clic Air, JetSMART, and Copa Airlines.

From Matecaña International Airport to the Estelar Recinto del Pensamiento Hotel & Convention Center, the most comfortable and direct option is to book an Uber; the trip takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes and costs around 70 USD.

By Bus

Manizales’ bus terminals offer direct connections to most Colombian towns, providing an accessible and convenient option for travelers arriving from different regions.

Note: If you are in another city of the Paisaje Cultural Cafetero, such as Pereira or Armenia, the easiest way to reach Manizales is by car, in a journey of no more than 2 hours; if you are in major cities such as Bogotá, Medellín, or Cartagena, you can take a direct flight to La Nubia National Airport in Manizales.

Manizales, Colombia

Manizales is a city shaped by the Gods, blessed with natural beauty and designed for people to enjoy; each day feels vibrant, dynamic, and full of imagination, offering endless possibilities for exploration. Everything is close by; you simply need to choose your adventure.

Known as the City of Open Doors, Manizales was founded in 1849 by settlers from Antioquia; today, it is a vibrant destination filled with activities for every type of traveler.

The city’s traditional architecture, natural attractions, and rich coffee culture create the perfect setting for an unforgettable visit. Coffee, introduced in the early 20th century and cultivated across its mountainous terrain, is a symbol of Manizales and a source of deep local pride.

Discovering “the city of open doors” means experiencing the hospitality of its people, warm, welcoming, and always ready to make your stay unforgettable.

What can you do in Manizales?

Manizales geography invites exploration. Its steep streets offer views of the Nevado del Ruiz volcano. In the city center, you can visit iconic places such as Plaza de Bolívar, home to the Catedral Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Rosario; from there, enjoy panoramic views of the city by taking the well-known Polish Corridor tour to the top of the cathedral.

The city also offers a vibrant cultural scene, including the Gold Museum, and is an ideal destination for exploring natural reserves, enjoying rural landscapes, and relaxing in nearby hot springs; you can also visit the Los Nevados National Natural Park or explore the misty forests of the Río Blanco Nature Reserve.

The climate in Manizales is temperate and pleasant year-round; the city’s average temperature is 17°C, thanks to its altitude of 2,153 meters above sea level.

What to eat?

Manizales offers a rich and diverse culinary tradition, influenced by Spanish and African heritage and based on regional ingredients; typical dishes include:

  • Grilled meats, chuzos, chorizos, empanadas, mondongo, obleas, gelatina de pata, sancocho de uña.
  • The iconic bandeja paisa (beans, rice, pork cracklings, chorizo, fried egg, plantain, salad, and avocado).
  • Manizales tamale, made with corn dough filled with meat, hard-boiled egg, and vegetables, wrapped in banana leaves and steamed.
  • Tongue in Creole sauce, served with rice, plantain chips, salad, and extra sauce.
  • Arepas, made from cooked and milled corn.
  • Traditional breakfasts with pandebono, buñuelos, cheese bread, pastries, and hot chocolate—often enjoyed with a slice of cheese dipped into the drink.

When to visit?

Manizales can be enjoyed all 365 days of the year.

How to travel?

You can reach Manizales by plane or bus from different Colombian cities; within the city, getting around is easy and affordable using Uber, inDrive, taxis, or rental cars, or simply exploring on foot.

Hope to see you in Manizales, Colombia!

Useful links