Known because the world capital of salsa, the thrilling metropolis of Santiago de Cali, positioned within the Valle del Cauca division, is a must-see throughout your holidays in Colombia.
Apart from salsa dancing, which continues to be an awesome cause to go there, there are numerous issues to do in Cali to maintain you entertained: vacationer points of interest, out of doors actions, events and golf equipment, scrumptious meals, fascinating museums, and way more!
Since I’ve just lately been there, I made a decision to save lots of you some valuable time researching, and accumulate all one of the best Cali points of interest for vacationers, additionally together with some sensible information about the place to remain within the metropolis.
Are you able to discover all one of the best Cali’s points of interest and actions with me?
Let’s go!
If you’re in a rush
If you don’t have the time to learn the entire article, try this fast record of one of the best issues to do in Cali, Colombia, plus some lodging recommendations:
Here are the primary issues to e-book upfront in Cali:
And listed here are one of the best resorts in Cali: Alko Hotel (luxurious), Rossa Palma (mid-range), Moonshine Boutique Hostal (funds)
1. Join a metropolis tour
In my opinion, one of the best factor to do while you first arrive at a brand new place is to go on a metropolis tour so that you get to know completely different areas and historic details, and to get a basic feeling of it… and Cali isn’t any exception!
If you agree with me, try this 3-hour small group tour with a native information throughout which you’ll get an orienting introduction to Cali whereas being pushed by way of vital websites of town, resembling Cristo Rey (study extra about it in part 8), the Mirador Sebastian Belalcazar, Gato de Tejada and plenty of extra for under $39.
Alternatively (or along with town tour), you’ll be able to be a part of this free strolling tour by way of Cali’s historic metropolis heart, theaters and church buildings. The tour is tremendous fascinating and, as a cherry on high of the cake, it’s free!
In reality, in the course of the tour, you’ll study all the things about Cali’s historical past, attempt some native gastronomy, and obtain helpful suggestions concerning the City.
PRICE: $39
2. Dance salsa!
Salsa dancers should already know that Cali is the salsa capital, and I guess they’re wanting ahead to hitting the dance flooring of the numerous golf equipment and bars… I get you, I went to Cali particularly for the Feria de Cali, and it was simply unbelievable!
For those that don’t know, the Feria de Cali is an important occasion within the metropolis, occurring yearly from the twenty fifth to the thirtieth of December, and fully devoted to the celebration of Salsa!
But in the event you’re in Cali every other time of the yr, you’ll have numerous alternatives to dive deep into salsa dancing. Let’s test them out one after the other:
2.1 Take a salsa class
Are you an entire newbie to salsa? Well, in Cali, this isn’t an excuse! The metropolis hosts so many good salsa colleges providing salsa classes, so you’ll be able to study the fundamentals after which apply your strikes the identical night time.
NOTE: Salsa in Cali has its personal conventional type, which is sort of completely different from different salsa kinds like Cuban or New York’s – you’ll have to make use of your ft far more and at a sooner tempo!
Some of essentially the most well-known dance colleges in Cali are Salsa Pura, Swing Latino, or Son de Luz, costing round $20 for a 1h personal class or $5 for a bunch class. Otherwise, you’ll be able to e-book this 4h salsa class on-line upfront, together with a theoretical introduction and a sensible half for $72.
And if you’re on a funds, you’ll be able to be a part of a free salsa class hosted by Salsa Al Parque Cali (NGO), occurring each first Saturday of the month at completely different areas (try the Instagram web page to search out out the placement)!
PRICE: $72
2.2 Learn about salsa on a salsa tour
Another nice strategy to get near Cali’s salsa tradition is by studying some details about its origin, historical past, and business, and what higher approach to try this than by becoming a member of a tour?
During this 4h salsa tour, a native information will deliver you to go to genuine, real-life locations that present the completely different types of Salsa in Cali (music, devices, costumes, exhibits, occasions, books and so on.).
You will go to the Salsa Museum, some salsa bars, kinds of vinyl coleccionista, and finish your tour at La Topa Tolondra, a very fashionable salsa bar the place they do salsa lessons and occasions afterward (the tour consists of the admission ticket!)… all this for $47.
PRICE: $47
2.3 Dance salsa on the golf equipment
As I stated, in Cali you’ll be able to dance salsa at actually any nook, however there are some superb golf equipment/ bars you can’t miss within the metropolis. Here’s an inventory of one of the best locations the place you’ll be able to go salsa dancing in Cali:
- La Topa Tolondra: that is the hottest salsa bar in Cali, Colombia, and hosts salsa nights daily of the week, typically with reside music and bands. Once every week, often on Monday (however this may change), they do salsa lessons: you pay $15 for the category, and you may keep for the occasion afterward.
NOTE: because the place is all the time full of individuals, and there are often lengthy traces to enter, be sure you arrive round 8 PM to keep away from them! - SabakiNight (Salsa Pura): This is definitely a dance faculty, throwing weekly social dance nights (try the Instagram Page to remain updated!). During these nights, they do Salsa/Bachata/Kizomba dance classes (I took one, and it was nice) and social dances proper after, the place they often combine the three dances. It’s the proper place to satisfy different foreigners!
- Zaperoco Bar – if you wish to hearken to or dance to some good true salsa music at a comfy place, that is the membership to go to! Here the environment is tremendous pleasant and welcoming, and the drinks are superb… What higher combo to begin dancing?
NOTE: The place is barely open from Thursday to Saturday.
3. Explore the San Antonio neighborhood
Cali typically isn’t some of the stunning cities in Colombia, however its neighborhood San Antonio is for certain some of the charming areas I’ve ever seen on my travels (actually, you don’t even really feel like you’re in Cali, however I nonetheless find it irresistible!).
In reality, that is the “historical zone” of Cali, the place you’ll discover historical homes with conventional structure, artistry cafès, an exquisite park with panoramic views of town, salsa dancing colleges, memento outlets, and completely different sorts of artistic bars and eating places, serving each native and worldwide delicacies.
Located to the north of town centre, round 10 minutes driving from it, San Antonio can be one of many most secure areas on the town, stuffed with resorts, hostels, and Airbnbs, and is the place many of the vacationers and expats keep (it’s fairly harmful to remain within the metropolis heart!) so I recommend you do the identical.
TIP: try some nice resorts in San Antonio in our part about the place to remain in Cali, on the finish of the put up!
This implies that the realm is simply good if you’re a digital nomad like me, as a result of it hosts many good and comfortable cafès with quick Wi-Fi, like Corinne, and Tostaky, each nice to get some work carried out!
4. Attend a tremendous present at Delirio
If you need to see the last word salsa present in Cali, Delirio, positioned half-hour driving from Cali, is the place to be hosted by the most well-known salsa circus within the metropolis!
Here the salsa present is simply breathtaking, combining music, dancing, and a contact of cabaret, with phenomenal dancers acting at a loopy excessive degree, it’s often known as the Cirque du Soleil of Salsa.
Just think about that there are only one,000 seats obtainable within the circus-like tent and exhibits are held solely each final weekend of every month, so be sure you e-book your tickets far upfront as they’re all the time offered out!
Tickets for the exhibits are somewhat expensive (from $20 to $60 relying in your seat), nevertheless it’s positively price it… that is one thing you’ll always remember!
PRICE: US$20 to US$60
Getting there:
- By automotive: if in case you have your individual or rented automotive, the journey from Cali (metropolis heart/San Antonio) to Delirio will take you round half-hour.
- By taxi: a taxi journey from Cali (metropolis heart/San Antonio) will price you round US$15 and take half an hour
- By bus: take the bus traces E21, P27D or P47B from Cali to Delirio: a bus journey will take you round 45 minutes and value you $2, however there gained’t be a bus obtainable late at night time to return!
5. Stroll the Cali river and El Gato del Rio
Located north of town, very near the San Antonio neighborhood, you will see the Río Cali. All alongside its banks, there are pedestrian areas, bike lanes, foods and drinks distributors, and statues… so it’s the good place to simply take pleasure in a leisurely stroll!
The most well-known a part of the strolling path is Cali’s Cat Park (additionally referred to as El Parque del Gato de Tejada), residence to a enormous bronze cat donated by Hernando Tejada – some of the necessary Colombian artists.
If you comply with the strolling path after the primary cat, you’ll undergo 15 smaller cat statues, representing his girlfriends, each along with her personal character and colours, all painted by native artists. Read the descriptions near the statues, they’re so cool!
6. Chill at Parque Artesanal Loma de La Cruz
If, whereas leaping from one attraction to the opposite, you simply need to chill and take up the native vibe, then Parque Artesanal Loma de La Cruz is the fitting place, a favourite amongst each locals and vacationers (myself included!).
The park is filled with meals distributors and handicrafts stands from Cali artisans, supreme if you wish to do some memento purchasing, and at night time there may be all the time one thing occurring, from salsa dancing to reside music and storytelling… the entire household will likely be glad right here!
Another plus? In the park environment, you will see many inexpensive eating places and bars the place to have a chew or a drink in a comfy environment!
7. Try the native meals
Even if Colombia isn’t actually recognized for meals, there are some scrumptious dishes (particularly if we discuss road meals, which is tremendous common in the entire nation) that it’s essential attempt in the event you go to Cali. Let’s test them out collectively:
- Cholado: this can be a very typical factor from Cali, consisting of an enormous cup of shaved ice with contemporary fruits, sugary flavorings, and ice cream (elective). The finest place for cholados and fruit salads (additional on on this record) is at Las Canchas Panamericanas, the place you’ll see numerous meals stalls promoting them, you’ll actually be spoiled for alternative!
- Sancocho de Gallina: This is a scrumptious, wealthy soup manufactured from hen broth and accompanied by rice, corn cob, yucca, rooster, beans, plantains, and avocado.
- Fruit salads: overlook concerning the typical, wholesome fruit salads! In Cali they’re manufactured from unique fruits, ice cream, condensed milk, shredded cheese, honey, and so on. They are mainly desserts however they’re so scrumptious, you should give them a attempt!
- Aborrajado: I’m not a fan of fried meals, however this one is simply unbelievable. It is mainly a fried ball manufactured from plantain with cheese inside, you will see it at mainly any road vendor!
- Pan de Bono: that is actually my favourite factor to eat in Colombia – a candy and salty cheese bread often served scorching. You will discover it at each bakery on the town, which is sort of harmful as a result of it’s addictive!
As I stated, Colombia is legendary for road meals, and Cali isn’t any exception. If you need to be sure you attempt all of it, be a part of this yummy 4-hour road meals tour throughout which you’ll discover Cali’s streets, parks, historical past, and road tradition for $18.
The tour ends in a neighborhood Colombian market, the place you’ll attempt no less than 15 samples of various meals and drinks, just like the ‘Chontaduro’ tropical fruit, the ‘Lulada’ drink, the standard ‘Ceviche Colombiano’, fried empanadas, and plenty of extra.
PRICE: $18
8. Enjoy town views from El Cristo Rey
On the Cerro de Los Cristales mountain, you will see the El Cristo Rey nationwide monument, a really tall statue, 85 ft (26 meters) excessive, resembling the statue of Christ the Redeemer in Brazil. It’s the proper place to take pleasure in a beautiful panorama of Cali, so don’t overlook your digital camera!
Right in entrance of the statue, additionally, you will discover many road distributors promoting all the things from souvenirs, snacks, or contemporary drinks, good if you wish to chill somewhat bit whereas having fun with the views.
You can get there by your self (by automotive or taxi) or discover it as part of this half-day metropolis tour, combining Cristo Rey with different necessary points of interest in Cali just like the Tertulia Museum (try part 13 to study extra about it), and downtown Cali with an professional information, for $90.
I positively advocate it if you’re on a brief go to to Cali and also you need to make one of the best out of your time!
How to get there:
- By taxi: you’ll be able to cease yellow taxis on the road from wherever in Cali and the journey will price you round $10 – $15.
- By bus: take the MIO A04 Bellavista bus line from Manzana del Saber station (try information about costs and routes on the official web site) and get off at Cai Bella Vista. From there, you’ll be able to take a Jeep (they cross each 45 minutes and canopy about $1 for the journey), which is able to depart you the closest doable to the Cristo, at round 20 minutes strolling from the attraction.
- Car: if in case you have your individual or rented automotive, the journey from Cali metropolis heart to Cristo will take you round half-hour.
9. Enjoy the Cali nightlife
Cali is tremendous well-known for its loopy nightlife. Apart from the numerous salsa golf equipment, you will see venues to hit the dance flooring for each sort of music and style, despite the fact that most of them play reggaeton.
The hottest areas for spending an evening out are La Sexta, stuffed with bars, nightclubs, and salsa dancing venues, or San Antonio and its environment (internet hosting principally cool bars for pre-drinks), whereas Parque del Perro (the canine park) is the place all of the locals and college students meet up earlier than going to the membership.
If you hand around in these areas, you’ll discover a good membership for you for certain, however right here under you’ll discover 3 foremost locations in Cali to benefit from the night time:
- Café de Mi Tierra: this can be a 24h membership the place you’ll discover crossover music, which mainly means any sort of music: salsa, electro, and business – good if you wish to dance the night time out!
- Sonido Central: in the event you love digital and home music, that is the place to be in Cali, open from Thursday to Sunday. Just be sure you take a taxi to and from it as a result of the realm is sort of sketchy at night time.
- Son Caribe: open Friday by way of Sunday, this membership is ideal to take pleasure in a great mixture of Cuban rumba and Cali salsa. This place is for true music lovers, so that you gained’t discover very younger crowds simply seeking to get drunk.
And if you wish to actually expertise the rumbera tradition of Cali, be a part of this night time tour by way of 3 completely different bars as in the event you have been from Cali, good if you’re touring alone and also you need to make new pals!
P.S.: Another nice metropolis in Colombia by way of nightlife and points of interest is Medellin. Check out our put up concerning the TOP issues to do in Medellin!
10. Hike on Cerro de las Tres Cruces
If you need to escape the hustle and bustle of town and revel in some contemporary air, go for a 1-hour hike on the Cerro de las Tres Cruces (Three Cross Hill), ranging from wherever throughout the metropolis and heading to a stunning viewpoint.
The hike is really stunning, however there are some precautions you’ll have to take.
First of all, it’s higher to keep away from mountain climbing there in the course of the week and after noon, since it will possibly get fairly lonely and unsafe, so I like to recommend climbing the Cerro throughout weekends as the best choice, or very early within the morning (from 5:30 to 7 AM), when it’s the busiest.
Also, be sure you don’t go alone! If you’re touring solo, there are mountain climbing teams leaving from the Pacific Mall at 7 PM. Joining the group prices solely $1 and you may try their Facebook web page for updates (in the event that they shut the web page, ask somebody on the Mall for data)!
11. Do some people-watching in Plaza de Cayzedo
If you’re in search of a spot to absorb some native vibes and genuine environment, the palm tree-filled Plaza de Cayzedo (Cali’s foremost sq.) is the place to be!
Located within the coronary heart of town, right here you will see some stunning buildings and nationwide monuments just like the Palacio Nacional and San Pedro Cathedral, in addition to road meals distributors, memento stands, road artists, and essentially the most random issues like shoe shiners, guinea pig playing, and so on.
The power right here is vibrant and chaotic, which makes it the proper place to simply sit on a bench or in a restaurant and do some people-watching when you take pleasure in your tinto (black espresso) or road meals snack.
12. See the animals at Cali Zoo
Located on the west aspect of Cali, the Cali Zoo hosts greater than 233 completely different species of animals, most of that are native to Colombia, and plenty of are from throughout South America. Get able to see lions, tigers, bears, zebras, and kangaroos!
The good factor is that a lot of animals can roam round free, so that you don’t get the unhappy feeling you often have when visiting a zoo.
If you stroll alongside the Cali River for round half-hour from the San Antonio neighborhood, you’ll actually run straight by way of the zoo, so it is usually tremendous straightforward to achieve!
The zoo is open daily from 9 AM to 4.30 PM … good to spend a day with the household.
PRICE: $5 for adults, $4 for teenagers
13. Check out fashionable artwork items at La Tertulia Museum
The Tertulia Museum is a cultural level of reference each for town of Cali and the visible arts in Colombia, and it’s positively a should if you’re enthusiastic about fashionable artwork!
Here you will see a set of greater than 1,500 American artworks (exhibited within the Collection Rooms), some thematic and monographic exhibits, and a movie library projecting motion pictures frequently.
The museum is open daily aside from Mondays, and a go to to the museum will take you round 2-3h and value you $4 (you’ll be able to e-book your tickets straight on-site or on the official web site), until you go on Saturday afternoon, when it’s free!
PRICE: $4
14. Gaze at La Ermita Church structure
Even in the event you’re not a spiritual individual, the Ermita church positioned within the heart of city is a must-see in Cali for its extraordinarily stunning structure and neo-Gothic type decorations.
Its design, which was impressed by a German Cathedral, is really distinctive – combining Dutch home windows with French church bells and Italian marble. You can stare upon it from the skin, or enterprise inside if you need, despite the fact that it’s fairly small.
And in the event you stroll across the close by space, you will note different buildings with well-preserved colonial structure and the charming Plaza de Los Poetas (the Poets’ Square) with statues of well-known writers.
15. Go on a trekking tour to Pico de Loro
If you’re up for a difficult hike fully nestled in nature, then you’ll love Pico de Loro – a mountain positioned 1h from Cali. It will certainly make you sweat however, as soon as on the high, you’ll have some of the breathtaking viewpoints ever.
Get able to take pleasure in panoramas on the entire Valle del Cauca, Western, and Central Cordilleras… and don’t overlook your digital camera!
Since it’s fairly laborious to prepare as you’re solely allowed to go there with a information from the village of Pance, between 6 AM and eight AM, I recommend you be a part of this full-day trekking tour from Cali. It consists of spherical journey transportation, lunch, and snacks for $120, so that you gained’t have to consider something!
During the tour, additionally, you will find out about historical past, flora, and conservation of ecosystems in Colombia, so will probably be each a cultural and bodily exercise!
PRICE: $120
16. Join a day journey to the Farallones Natural Reserve
Cali isn’t solely about dance and historical past. In its close by environment you will see numerous superb pure landscapes to discover, and among the finest ones is the Farallones Natural Reserve, positioned 1h from town.
Spend a day fully nestled in nature on this superb day journey to the Farallones National Reserve, throughout which you’ll go to varied waterfalls and rivers, do hen watching (significantly common within the space) and uncover the native wildlife.
Your professional information will deliver you to hike by way of magical ecological trails and rural hills, exhibiting you one of the best that this space has to supply for $73. I guess that nature lovers will go loopy for this expertise!
PRICE: $73
Join a Day Trip to Fallarones Natural Reserve
Where to remain in Cali
The finest space to remain in Cali is certainly San Antonio, an exquisite and secure neighborhood with charming outdated homes, many bars and eating places, and a pleasing environment. Let’s try 3 nice resort choices for any funds:
- Luxury (US$120 and up): Alko Hotel – Check out this beautiful resort providing lodging with an out of doors swimming pool, a backyard, and a restaurant. It even has a automotive rental service obtainable, good for visiting Cali and its environment!
- Mid Range (US$40 – US$80): Rossa Palma – This stunning property is conveniently positioned in San Antonio and provides spacious rooms with breakfast included, a quiet backyard and terrace to take pleasure in some rest, and a tour desk for company!
- Budget (as much as US$30): Moonshine Boutique Hostal – If you’re touring on a funds, this cool hostel is for you, that includes very inexpensive suites with a personal lavatory, a terrace, and even some beautiful metropolis views!
FAQs about Things to Do in Cali, Colombia
👀 What are one of the best issues to do in Santiago de Cali, Colombia?
The finest issues to do in Cali, Colombia are: dance salsa on the many golf equipment like La Topa Tolondra, take pleasure in panoramic views from the Cristo El Rey monument, or browse the memento outlets on the Loma de La Cruz park.
💃 What is Cali Colombia most recognized for?
The metropolis of Cali, Colombia, is especially recognized for its huge salsa tradition (the truth is, it’s the world’s salsa capital), internet hosting the massive Feria de Cali salsa pageant yearly.
🗓️ How a lot time do you want in Cali Colombia?
3 days in Cali is the proper period of time to discover its foremost points of interest, dance salsa at night time, and discover the pure landscapes in its environment.
🟡 Is Cali, Colombia, secure for vacationers?
In Colombia, Cali is thought for being fairly unsafe, however in the event you take the fitting precautions, journey by taxi at night time, and keep within the San Antonio neighborhood, you’ll be able to have a fully secure expertise.
Conclusion
Here we’re on the finish of this intensive journey information about one of the best issues to do in Santiago de Cali, a Colombian metropolis positioned within the Valle del Cauca.
We noticed Cali issues to do for each style, from salsa dance lessons, metropolis excursions, difficult hikes to museums, I believe that everybody will likely be glad!
I hope you discovered my information helpful, and if in case you have any questions for me otherwise you need to share your expertise in Cali, please achieve this within the feedback under. I’m wanting ahead to realizing what you suppose!
Have a tremendous vacation!
Elena
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