
Cali
Cali
The world capital of salsa, Cali pulses between colonial heritage, panoramic Christ the King and electrifying nights in the Cauca valley.
Ready to experience Colombia's festive atmosphere? Plan a getaway to Cali, where celebration culture runs deep. Exploring the city's museums, parks and iconic landmarks will be part of your itinerary. Without further ado, let's discover the thrilling adventures awaiting you in Cali.
A touch of history
Located in western Colombie, Cali is short for Santiago de Cali. The city was founded by Spanish conquistador Sebastián de Belalcázar on July 25, 1536. It is the capital of the Valle del Cauca department. Ranking among Colombie's most populous cities, Cali is home to approximately 2.5 million inhabitants. Cali is also recognized as the economic and cultural capital of southwestern Colombie.
Discovering Cali
During your stay in Cali, boredom won't be on the agenda. Take in the views along the Boulevard del Rio and stroll through the river area via the famous Ortiz bridge. Spend time exploring every corner of the city to admire the authenticity of colonial architecture, theaters and churches. The beauty of the "La Ermita" church is truly worth the visit. Even with the passage of time, traces of this region's colonial past remain vivid, particularly in downtown Cali.
Don't miss the chance to see with your own eyes the iconic statue of Christ the King of Cali, similar to Rio de Janeiro's Christ the Redeemer. You'll also find numerous renowned museums throughout the city: the Museum of Modern Art La Tertulia, the Calima Gold Museum, the Sugarcane Museum and the Archaeological Museum La Merced.
To spice up your day, indulge in various traditional dishes. Be sure to taste valluna empanadas, arroz atollado, tortilla soup, chuleta valluna or tamales… But your adventure is far from over. To end your evening in style, salsa is undoubtedly the best choice. Put on your finest clothes and hit the dance floors in the Juanchito zone. Party until the break of dawn—the atmosphere will always be vibrant in the city of salsa.
Practical information
The fastest way to reach Cali is by plane. Domestic and international flights arrive directly at Alfonso Bonilla Aragón Airport. It's located near the city of Palmira. You can also reach Cali by bus or rental car.
Once there, getting around shouldn't be a problem. You can use the Integrated Transport System or MIO. With eight lines in its network, most of the city is well-served. If you plan to use this system, we recommend carefully reviewing the city map. This will also help you pinpoint exactly where you'd like to stay.
If you'd rather not worry about logistics, you can use a taxi service. Caution is always advised. It's recommended to contact only recognized companies or alternatively use their mobile apps.
You'll enjoy a private vehicle through your travel agency.
When to visit Cali?
Located in a hot and humid tropical region, Cali generally enjoys pleasant weather. Typically, temperatures don't exceed 24.1°C. Avoid planning your trip during rainy seasons, particularly between March and May or from September through November.
What to do in Cali?
- Learn to dance salsa
- Enjoy live music at Parque del Peñon
- Play Tejo
- Visit the Andoke Foundation, a butterfly paradise
- Hike to Las 3 Cruces
- Visit Farallones de Cali National Natural Park
- Taste the local gastronomy
Want to discover this destination?
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