Travel Guide: Cali
Cali(Cali), officially known as Santiago de Cali(Santiago de Cali), is the salsa capital not only of Colombia but, if you ask caleños(Cali locals), of the entire world! Located in the Valle del Cauca(Cauca Valley), this city is a must-stop for anyone looking to get to know Colombia. Here’s our guide to the top 10 things to do in Cali. Let’s explore!
Questions This Article Answers
What are the must-visit attractions in Cali?
Where can I experience authentic salsa dancing in Cali?
What are some unique cultural spots in Cali?
Where to find the best local cuisine in Cali?
When is the best time to go to Cali?
Cali is Colombia’s third-largest city, behind Bogotá(Bogota) and Medellín(Medellin). The city is famous for its salsa scene, its sports culture, and for how welcoming the locals are. If you’re looking to visit Cali, here are some of the top things to see or do while you’re there!
1. Cali Is Salsa!
Bogotá might be Colombia’s official capital, but Cali proudly holds the title of capital de la salsa(salsa capital). Now, it’s easy to take this a bit too far. Not everyone in Cali is into salsa, and not everyone is necessarily a great dancer! But salsa is a core part of the city’s identity. So, no visit to Cali is complete without experiencing its world-famous salsa scene.
The roots of salsa in Cali can be traced back to the 1940s and 1950s when the city began to be exposed to a variety of Caribbean rhythms. Then, in the 1960s and 1970s, a salsa boom that originated in New York, Cuba, and Puerto Rico spread throughout the continent and eventually reached Cali, where it truly found its home.
The city adopted salsa as its own, infusing it with local styles and flavors. What emerged was a unique, faster-paced salsa caleña(Cali-style salsa), characterized by rapid footwork and acrobatic moves.
Today, Cali-style salsa is considered part of the city’s cultural heritage. The city’s salsa schools are institutions in their own right, with many of them garnering international recognition. Schools like Swing Latino(literally, Latin Swing) and Sondeluz(Sondeluz) have produced world-class salsa dancers and champions. Legendary bands like Grupo Niche(Grupo Niche) and the Orquesta Guayacán(literally, Guayacan Orchestra) have made Cali their home.
Where Can I Learn Cali-Style Salsa?
Everywhere! There are many salsa clubs throughout the city, where locals and tourists of all ages get together to dance, socialize, and celebrate their love for salsa! La Topa Tolondra(La Topa Tolondra) nightclub, in particular, is legendary. Also, Cali nightlife is just generally a lot of fun! Caleños are warm and lovely people, so even if you’re not looking to learn new dance moves, go out, meet people, and join in the fun!
2. The Cali Fair
Now, if you really want to experience salsa, you should consider visiting Cali in December, specifically between December 25th and 30th when the Feria de Cali(Cali Fair) takes place.
One of the most significant cultural events in Colombia, this festival is a celebration of salsa music, dance, and Colombian culture. It has been celebrated annually since the 1950s and attracts thousands. Highlights include the Salsódromo(Salsadrome), a grand parade showcasing salsa dancers from Cali and around the world, and the Superconcierto(Superconcert), featuring famous music artists. Other events include beauty pageants, cultural exhibitions and, be aware, bullfights.
3. Cali Zoo
Arguably Cali’s most famous non-salsa-related attraction, the Zoológico de Cali(Cali Zoo) is considered one of the best zoos in South America. It's home to hundreds of species from Colombia and around the world, set in naturalistic habitats. The zoo offers interactive experiences for kids and adults alike and has various programs and workshops for students and visitors. It’s also actively involved in wildlife conservation programs.
Some of the many animals you’ll find in the zoo are:
4. Christ the King
Situated atop the Cerro de los Cristales(Crystal Hill), this 26-meter-tall statue of Cristo Rey(Christ the King) is similar to Rio de Janeiro's Christ the Redeemer. The statue was inaugurated in 1953 to commemorate the 50-year anniversary of the end of the bloody Guerra de los Mil Días(the Thousand Days' War).
5. San Antonio Neighborhood
Barrio San Antonio(San Antonio Neighborhood) is Cali’s historic neighborhood. It’s a very charming area with a lot of colonial architecture. The Iglesia de San Antonio(San Antonio Church), a quaint little chapel atop a hill, is a local landmark, and the Iglesia La Merced(La Merced Church) is a short walk away. You can get great views of the city from here as well. The neighborhood has a lot of great restaurants, bars, and cafés too.
6. Food Scene
Speaking of restaurants and cafés, Cali is a great destination for foodies. Here are some of the things you should definitely try when you’re in the city:
7. The Dog Park
The Parque del Perro (Dog Park), a small park located in the San Fernando neighborhood, is a popular spot among locals for its restaurants, bars, and lively nightlife. Originally named after a statue of a dog located within the park, the area has grown beyond its namesake to become a focal point for both locals and tourists. It's a great place to enjoy local dishes and socialize.
8. The Cat Park
In Cali, cats get their own park too. El Parque de los Gatos (Cat Park) is a small neighborhood park with a large bronze cat sculpture at its center. The statue, named El Gato del Río(The River Cat) by artist Hernando Tejada(Hernando Tejada), is a favorite among locals and tourists alike. The area around the main sculpture features a collection of smaller cat sculptures, las novias del gato(the cat’s girlfriends), each uniquely decorated by different Colombian artists. It’s a really fun way to explore local art!
9. Calima Gold Museum
The Museo del Oro Calima(Calima Gold Museum) is part of the network of gold museums built by the Banco de la República de Colombia(Bank of the Republic of Colombia) throughout Colombia. This museum, however, focuses specifically on the artifacts and the history of the Calima culture, an umbrella term for a group of pre-Columbian cultures that once thrived in the region of the Valle del Cauca.
10. La Tertulia Museum
Art enthusiasts should not miss El Museo De La Tertulia(The Tertulia Museum, literally, The Get-Together Museum), a museum that focuses on modern and contemporary art. A highlight of the museum is the Cinemateca(Cinematheque), a small movie theater showing both modern and historic films.
From hiking up the Cerro de las Tres Cruces(Hill of the Three Crosses) to exploring the beautiful Iglesia la Ermita(The Hermitage Church) to going to a Clásico Vallecaucano(Cauca Valley Derby), there is so much more to do in Cali than we can put on a top-10 list! That said, we hope you found these tips on what to see and do in Cali to be useful and hope you have a great time in this fascinating city!
¡Buen viaje!(Have a great trip!)
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