Things To Do
in Cali
Cali, officially Santiago de Cali, sits in the Valle del Cauca region of western Colombia, cradled by green hills and the Cauca River. It is widely regarded as Colombia’s salsa capital, pulsing with music, dance, and a warm, welcoming vibe. The city blends colonial charm with vibrant barrios, offering colorful markets, street food, and lush parks.
With year-round warm weather and a lively festival calendar, Cali is a dynamic base for exploring southwestern Colombia.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day at the iconic Plaza de Cayzedo, where you can enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and observe local life. Visit the ornate La Ermita Church, famous for its neo-Gothic architecture, and take a moment to appreciate its stunning stained-glass windows. Grab a traditional Colombian breakfast at a nearby café, indulging in arepas and fresh juice.
Stroll through the historic streets of El Peñón, where colorful murals and art galleries dot the landscape. Stop for lunch at a local restaurant, trying sancocho, a hearty Colombian stew. Afterward, visit the Museo de Oro to marvel at the impressive collection of pre-Columbian gold artifacts.
As night falls, head to the vibrant San Antonio neighborhood, known for its bohemian charm and lively atmosphere. Enjoy dinner at a rooftop restaurant, savoring traditional dishes while taking in panoramic views of the city. Cap off your evening with a salsa dance lesson at a local dance studio, immersing yourself in Cali's rich musical culture.
Start your day with a visit to the famous salsa dance schools in the city, where you can take an introductory lesson. These schools often offer a glimpse into the history and significance of salsa in Cali's culture. After your lesson, energize with a breakfast of pandebono, a delicious cheese bread.
Following your morning dance experience, explore the vibrant neighborhood of Juanchito, known for its salsa clubs and lively street performances. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a local eatery famous for its empanadas and fresh juices. In the afternoon, visit the Museo de la Salsa to learn about the evolution of salsa music in Cali.
In the evening, immerse yourself in the local nightlife by visiting one of the famous salsa clubs like Zaperoco. Enjoy live music and dance the night away with locals and fellow travelers, all while soaking in the electric atmosphere. Don't forget to try a refreshing cocktail, such as a mojito or a tropical fruit drink, as you enjoy the rhythm of the night.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $4-8 |
| 🚕1 km taxi ride | $1.50-2.50 |
| ☕Coffee | $1-3 |
| 🏨Hostel per night | $10-25 |
| 🎟️Museum ticket | $2-7 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Vibrant salsa culture and friendly locals
- Year-round warm weather and diverse outdoor activities
- Strong food scene with fresh produce and street snacks
- Walkable historic core with colorful neighborhoods
- Traffic can be heavy in peak hours
- Some areas can be noisy at night; petty crime in crowded spots
- Limited high-end nightlife compared to bigger cities
- Humidity and sun can be intense; sunscreen is essential
- "Hola" - Hello
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "¿Dónde está el baño?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Habla inglés?" - Do you speak English?
- "La cuenta, por favor" - The check, please
- "¡Salud!" - Cheers!
Places to Visit in Cali
Visit one of these nice places.
A hilltop statue offering sweeping views of Cali and the valley at sunset.
Golden-hued church facade and cobblestone streets ideal for architectural photography.
Colorful hillside houses and winding stairways with city views.
Vibrant street life and river reflections—great for candid shots.
Lush gorge and turquoise water—nature photography and long-exposure opportunities.
Food in Cali
Cali Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A hearty platter featuring beans, rice, plantain, chicharrón, ground meat, pork belly, fried egg, arepa, and avocado.
Must-Try!
A refreshing lulo fruit drink often enjoyed with a side of fresh fruit; a quintessential Cali refreshment.
Boiled chontaduro palm fruit served with honey or salt—popular street snack.
A comforting soup with chicken or beef, plantains, yuca, corn, and cilantro.
Sweet corn arepa, often served as a side or snack.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Traditional market offering fresh produce, cheeses, meats, and street bites.
Arepas, empanadas, chontaduro, and fresh fruit juices from casual vendors.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A handshake or warm greeting is common; use polite 'por favor' and 'gracias'.
Dress modestly in churches and sacred sites; casual but neat attire is fine in most urban areas.
Colombians are generally relaxed about time; be patient in queues and social settings; avoid sensitive political topics in initial meetings.
Safety
Tipping in Cali
Ensure a smooth experience
Restaurants typically include service; if not, leave 5-10% for good service. Street vendors rarely expect tips.
Cash and debit/credit cards are widely accepted; ATMs are common. Some places may add a service charge for large groups.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Dry season with plenty of sunshine and warm days; ideal for outdoor activities and city exploring, but stay hydrated and use sunscreen.
Afternoons can bring brief showers; carries a light rain jacket; mornings are often clearer for outdoor pursuits and photography.
Cali at Night
Hiking in Cali
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Forested slopes offering panoramic city views and wildlife encounters.
Relaxed day-hikes along the river with cascades and picnic spots.
Airports
How to reach Cali by plane.
Located in Palmira, about 20-30 kilometers from Cali; serves international and domestic flights; connected by taxis, shuttles, and buses.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A diverse cultural mix contributing to the city ’s music, cuisine, and traditions.
Universities and a growing service sector attract a young, urban population.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport; expect street games and local clubs throughout the city.
Popular for city rides and weekend tours; diverse terrain offers scenic routes.
Common in urban centers; local courts and informal games are frequent.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Cali.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many places offer vegetarian options; ask for plantains, beans, yuca, salads, and veggie-friendly dishes; look for menus labeled vegetariano.