Colombian city Manizales has always had its head in the clouds, and not just because of the misty mountains that surround it. More than a century ago, the city made history with the Manizales–Mariquita cable line, an engineering marvel of 1915 that stretched nearly 72 kilometers and was considered the longest aerial cableway in the world at the time, according to Radio Nacional de Colombia. Now Manizales opens cable aereo line three with free rides for users.
Built to connect the coffee region with the Magdalena River, it turned the rugged geography of Caldas into a gateway for trade and progress, proving that cable transport was not only possible but essential in a city perched on steep Andean slopes.
Although that original line eventually disappeared, the spirit of innovation never left, and in 2009 Manizales became the first Colombian city to bring back the cable as part of its urban transport system.
Since then, the cable aereo has grown into a symbol of identity and pride, carrying thousands of passengers every day while reducing traffic and pollution. The story of the cable is not just about moving people from one point to another, it is about how a city embraced the sky as part of its daily life, turning a bold idea from the past into a modern solution for the future.
Colombia’s Manizales opens cable aereo line
Building a cable line in a city such as Manizales is no small task, and line three is proof of how ambitious projects often come with both excitement and financial challenges.
When the idea of an aerial tramway was first announced, the budget was set at around 151 billion pesos (US$39.1 million), but as construction advanced and delays piled up, the final cost climbed to more than 221 billion pesos (US$57.3 million), according to reports from La Patria and other local outlets.
Unlike some infrastructure projects that rely heavily on national funds, this one was financed almost entirely with municipal resources through Infimanizales, showing the city’s determination to invest in its own future. The extra spending sparked debate, as many residents questioned whether the cost was justified, but city officials defended the project as a long‑term investment in mobility, sustainability, and urban growth.
In the end, the numbers tell a story of a community willing to stretch its budget to make daily life easier for thousands of passengers, proving that the price of progress is not just measured in pesos but in the opportunities it creates for the people who use the system every day.
Why the cable aereo matters: mobility, sustainability, and social impact
Colombia’s Manizales cable aereo line opening is more than just a convenient way to get across the city, it has become a lifeline that connects communities, reduces travel times, and helps the city breathe a little easier.
For many residents, especially students and workers, the system means cutting daily commutes by up to 40% compared to traditional road transport, which is a big deal in a city built on steep hills and winding streets.
Beyond saving time, the cable also plays a key role in sustainability, since it reduces traffic congestion and lowers carbon emissions by thousands of tons each year, according to local transport studies. This makes it not only an efficient option but also an environmentally responsible one, aligning with global efforts to create greener cities.
On the social side, the cable aereo has helped integrate neighborhoods that were once harder to reach, giving people better access to universities, hospitals, and commercial areas. It is a reminder that public transport is not just about moving people from point A to point B, it is about creating opportunities, improving quality of life, and building a city where mobility is a right shared by everyone.
Line three takes off: a new era for Manizales
The long wait finally came to an end with the official launch of Manizales’ cable aereo line three, a project that has been years in the making and is now ready to change the way people move across the city.
Opened on Sept. 29, 2025, the new line connects four key stations: El Cable, Universidades, Fatima, and Los Cambulos, creating a direct link between educational hubs, residential neighborhoods, and the city’s main transport terminal. With 53 modern gondolas in operation, the system can carry up to 8,000 passengers per day, offering a fast, safe, and scenic alternative to crowded buses and congested roads.
To celebrate the launch, the city opened the line with three days of free rides, inviting residents to experience firsthand how this addition will ease daily commutes and strengthen the city’s integrated transport network.
For many, stepping into the cabins was more than just trying out a new ride, it was witnessing the beginning of a new chapter in urban mobility, one that blends innovation, sustainability, and the unique character of a city that has always looked to the skies for solutions.
Looking ahead: the promise of line four and beyond
With line three now in full operation, the conversation in Manizales has already shifted toward the future, and all eyes are on the proposed line four. According to announcements from city officials, this new line would connect the Fundadores sector with Ciudadela del Norte, extending the reach of the cable system into areas that are currently underserved by public transport.
The project is still in the planning stage, but it reflects a clear vision: To make the cable aereo the backbone of urban mobility in Manizales. If completed, line four would not only improve connectivity but also strengthen the integration of the city’s transport network, linking more neighborhoods to universities, hospitals, and commercial zones.
Beyond line Four, there is growing interest in expanding the system even further, positioning Manizales as a national leader in sustainable mobility. For a city that once built the world’s longest cableway in 1915, the idea of continuing to innovate in aerial transport feels less like a dream and more like a natural continuation of its history.
The promise of what comes next is not just about new stations or gondolas, it is about shaping a city where mobility is smarter, greener, and more inclusive for generations to come.