Cali
South America · Colombia
Did you know?
- La Ermita is a Gothic-style church.
- Salsa venues cluster in Menga and Juanchito.
- Local specialties include pandebono, cholados and arroz atollado.
See also
Popayán
Colombia2.45°N 76.62°W · 1,760 m
Buenaventura
Colombia3.88°N 77.03°W · 7 m
Neiva
Colombia3.00°N 75.30°W · 442 m
Overview
Cali is a warm city in southwestern Colombia. Salsa dancing and historic places are central reasons to visit.
Languages: Spanish
Why go?
Cali is a city in southwestern Colombia, capital of Valle del Cauca. It is famous for salsa dancing, historical places, and as the sports capital of America. The weather is warm year-round, averaging 26°C.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Understand
Cali is known as the world's capital of salsa dancing. It has a hedonistic culture and is a major economic and industrial center. The city hosted the 1971 Pan American Games and the 2013 World Games. Weather is warm with temperatures between 19°C and 34°C.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
See
Historic Catholic churches, Museo del Oro (free), Museo Arqueologico La Merced, Cristo Rey statue (great view, caution), Cerro de las Tres Cruces (Sunday hike), Iglesia de San Antonio, Barrio de San Antonio (colonial architecture), Estatua de Belalcazar (safe viewpoint), Zoologico de Cali (excellent), La Ermita (Gothic church), La Tertulia (modern art).
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Do
Soccer matches at Estadio Olimpico Pascual Guerrero (tourists sit Occidental), mountain biking, wind/kite surfing (best in South America), salsa dancing in Menga and Juanchito districts.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Eat
Local specialties: Cholados, Pandebono, Buñuelos, Sancocho de gallina, Manjar blanco, Empanadas, Champus, Jugo de lulo, Guarapo, Arroz atollado. Budget eateries: My Thai (curries from COP$11,500), Sr. Wok (Asian buffet from COP$15,500).
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Stay safe
Cali is more dangerous than most other major Colombian cities. Avoid backstreets in downtown and Sucre. Avenida Sexta unsafe at night. Don't wear jewelry or display valuables. Exercise high degree of caution per Australian advisory.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Cope
Fundación Valle del Lili is a high-tech hospital with bilingual doctors.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Go next
San Cipriano (day trip), Calima Lake (wind/kite surfing, 1.5hr, windsurf COP$55,000-70,000/2hr, kitesurf COP$60,000/hr, camp COP$20,000/night), Buga (1hr, pilgrimage), Jamundi (30min, cholados), Popayan (3hr), Isla Gorgona (scuba diving, via Buenaventura or Guapi), humpback whales June-July.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Field guide adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0. Text has been adapted and organized for this guide. About our sources.
Places to know
A few starting points from the guide. Check current hours and prices before you go.
- sleep
Apartahotel Colombia
Internet cafe, Wi-Fi, security surveillance cameras, hot water, restaurant, steam room, elevator, cable TV, room service.
Recorded price: COP$55,000
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Cali Plaza Hotel
American-owned hotel with apartments and 24-hour security in the heart of Cali.
Recorded price: US$63
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Casa Agua Canela
Beautiful views over Cali from the lovely balcony if you stay on the top floor, a good location in the Miraflores area, and bright, clean, spacious rooms all come standard at Casa Agua Canela, as does friendly staff and good prices. You can cook for yourself using the equipped kitchen or ask them to prepare something tasty. Spacious, peaceful hostel with a relaxing vibe and not too many people around. You could always sleep outside on the communal balcony as there's a single bed there on the top floor if you stay up there. Big supermarket and cash point a short walk away as well as plenty of pastry shops.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Casa Blanca Hostel
Run by Danish/Colombian couple (Mike & Diana) Casa Blanca Hostel opened in August 2008 in the safe and convenient location one block of the famous La Sexta avenue. The hostel offers big well equipped self-catering kitchen and dining area. There's a large living room with 42" flat screen, cable TV package and lots of DVD's, reading section and magazines, free WiFi and guest computers, hot water showers, 24 hour reception, laundry service, airport pick-up, mini market, free parking for cars and motorcycles (indoor) and an outdoor patio. Dorms beds range from COP$15,000-20,000. Double bed private from COP$35,000-50,000 and twin bed privates from COP$35,000-55,000 (with possible 3rd bed on sofa bed).
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Casa Santa Monica
A three-house complex with 23 rooms total near by Granada, Chipichape and 20 minutes away from international airport.
Recorded price: US$75 US
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Hotel Astoria Real
A historic hotel overlooking Caicedo Square. Most rooms have a balcony. Aging, but affordable and safe. Centrally located. Hot water, cable TV.
Recorded price: Single rooms for COP$45,000
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Hotel Dann Carlton
Excellent too.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Hotel Four Points by Sheraton
Member of the Sheraton Hotels. Five-star.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
Before you go
Connectivity
Free WiFi available at Chipichape mall.
Food
Street food is abundant: try cholados, empanadas, and guarapo from vendors.
Money
Colombian peso (COP) is the currency. ATMs available but use caution. Cash preferred for street food.
Safety
More dangerous than other Colombian cities. Avoid downtown backstreets, Sucre, and Avenida Sexta at night.
Weather
Warm year-round, average 26°C. Rainy seasons may affect plans.