Cali Travel Guide
Experience Cali's vibrancy: Salsa, cuisine, and cultural immersion
Things to do in Cali
Historic centre of Cali.
The colonial quarter of San Antonio allows you to take the temperature of the city.
The inescapable Plaza de Caicedo, originally called “Plaza de la Constitución”, is the meeting place of the Caleños, inhabitants of Cali.
To see: the Palacio Nacional, the Municipal Theater, the Cathedral “San Pedro”, the religious complex San Francisco (including the convent San Joaquin, the Chapel of the Inmmaculda and the church of San Francisco).
For a beautiful panoramic view of the city, go to the Parc del Acueducto Municipal.
Or, even more spectacular, take a taxi to the site of the “Cristo Rey” (Redeemer Christ similar to that of Rio in Brazil), which also offers a breathtaking view of the two mountain ranges and even the Tolima volcano (5,600 m above sea level).
The El Gato and El Cachorro parks are restful stopovers.
A stop at the belvedere of Sebastian de Belalcazar (founder of Cali), at the Chipechape shopping centre, or in the Granada district (with its trendy bars and restaurants) can be considered.
Salsa classes
During the day, visit a multiple dance school that is a world champion Salsa dancer and in the evening, take part in an introductory course in Salsa Caleña, a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the warm atmosphere of the city.
The level is relatively high, but it is also possible to have fun for beginners.
In December, the Cali Fair offers a variety of events: beauty contests, music and dance shows and bull runs.
Valle del Cauca
On the way to Popayán, you can observe the charming landscapes of this very cultivated valley: coffee, sugar cane, vines…
Follow the sinuous tracks up and down to immerse yourself in the rural atmosphere of the region.
Stop in the indigenous villages (Guambía, la Campana, Caciques) where the Guambianos live, one of the most original and traditional communities in the country.
Note: some routes can be dangerous depending on the time of year.
We will advise and guide you in real time.
Other sites
- Religious and Colonial Museum of San Francisco
- Museum of Modern Art la Tertulia
- Natural History Museum
- Departmental Museum of Natural Sciences Federico Carlos Lehmann Valencia
- Cristo Rey Monument
- Tower of Cali
- Caycedo Square
- Cathedral of San Pedro will also attract visitors
Official website of the city of Cali (in Spanish).
How to get around in Cali ?
The city of Cali offers various modes of transport, Bus, Bicycle, Taxi and Car Rental.
Get around in Cali Renting a Car
If you want to take a road trip from Cali, and have the freedom to visit the are at your own pace, a good idea is to rent a car. Here you can compare the available offers and rent a car at the best price.
By Bus
The public transport network MIO (Masivo Integrado de Occidente) is in charge of the bus network in Cali.
A very large number of buses serve the city on a regular basis.
Cycling
Bicycle traffic is easy thanks to the numerous bicycle paths.
Taxis: You will easily find taxis in the city centre.
Car rental: You will have the possibility to rent a car upon arrival at the airport or directly in the city centre.
What to bring back from Cali ?
Don’t leave Cali without bringing back with you some typical souvenirs of the city such as
- Hammock
- Baskets
- Necklace
- Belts
- Bracelets
- Typical musical instruments (cuatro, charengo, zampona)
Gastronomy and local recipe(s) in Cali
The dishes
- Ajiaco (a kind of potato soup, the national dish)
- Tamal (grilled pork or chicken, rice, vegetables cooked in a banana leaf)
- Arepas (corn cakes)
- Empanadas (beef, pork, chicken or cheese).
Desserts
- Mantecada (cake, corn flour, vanilla)
- cujada con melao (fresh cheese, sugar syrup, banana leaf).
Beverages
- Fruit juice
- Colombian coffee
- local beer
- rum
Health?
Before departure it is strongly advised to consult your doctor and to subscribe to an insurance covering medical expenses and medical repatriation.
For any emergency call 123.
Hospitals in the city :
Clinica de Ocidente
- Calle 18 nro 534 – Cali, Colombia
- +57 2 660 3000.
Clinica fundacion valle de Lili
- Carrera 98 N.18-49 Cali, Colombia
- + 57 2 331 7474.
Cali Wiki
Cali is the capital of the department of the Cauca Valley.
Modern, cultural, touristic, it is also the third most populated city in Colombia.
Cali is known to be the capital of salsa.
Number of Inhabitants
The city of Cali has about 2,319,700 inhabitants (2013 estimate).
History of Cali
The city of Cali was built in 1536.
The “plaza de mercado” or market square was built in 1890.
Less than a century later, in 1971, Cali hosted the Pan-American Games, the Olympic Games bringing together the countries of South America.
The year 1982 is marked by the official opening ceremony of the most famous building in the city.
Geography
Located in the southwest of Colombia, the city of Cali is the third largest city in the country.
Crossed from east to west by the Cauca River, the city’s area is 564 square kilometers.
It is located at an altitude of 995 meters.
