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The best Cali city tour with a local guide

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On our last trip, we finally went to Cali, and it’s fair to say that the city surprised us, and in a good way! During our stay we were lucky enough to meet Natalia, a Caleña who offers guided tours of Cali like no other!

It was the perfect opportunity to try this out for yourself, and to be accompanied by a local on a tour of Cali – what could be better? We think we’ve been very lucky, and that our impression of Cali would probably not have been the same without the day we spent with Natalia.

As you know, we love meeting the locals and having enriching, human experiences , and well, Natalia’s visits combine all that. So we’re delighted to be able to offer you guided tours of Cali that will help you discover the city of salsa in a whole new way.

These tours are available from the moment you arrive in Cali ! For all Natalia’s tips and tricks for the rest of your stay in the salsa capital of the world!

Related posts

• What to do in Cali
• How to get to Cali
• Getting around Cali
• Useful addresses in Cali
• What to do around Cali

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Disclaimer : we apologize in advance for any grammatical or syntactic errors, as our native language is not English (we're a Colombian-French couple), so we hope you'll forgive us and still enjoy the information we share with you! Please note that all the information on our blog is based on our own experience, and is checked and updated regularly.

Guided tours of Cali

Citytour in cali.

When you visit a city in general, you want to know more about its history, monuments, etc., but also about its people, traditions and little secrets!

This guided tour of Cali does just that. We were lucky enough to visit the center of Cali with Natalia and learn more about this city with its rich and tumultuous history.

With Natalia we wandered through the iconic sites of downtown Cali while listening to the stories of the elders and locals. What we liked best about this tour of Cali was that, being with a local, we felt more confident about discovering the center. You can discover streets, places and stories that you wouldn’t discover on your own , and it’s a great way to interact with other locals.

What you can discover on your tour of Cali

Natalia’s guided tour of Cali’s historic center will take you through the architectural complex of the Merced church, where very different architectural styles come face to face. You’ll discover the superb riverside landscaping, the Bulevar del Río and the Gato del río, the Paseo de las aves and pass by the famous Museo de la Tertulia .

The tour also includes a visit to the monument to Jairo Valera , Cali’s most famous salsa singer and composer! Finally, the impressive view of Cali from Cristo Rey and the little secrets of the San Antonio district round off an emotionally-charged guided tour of Cali!

PRACTICAL INFO ON THE CALI GUIDED TOUR

Duration : approx. 4 hours Price for 2 people : $350.000 COP ($175.000 per pers.) Price for 3 people or more : $130.000 COP per pers. Transportation during the tour is included in the price

Contact Natalia for a guided tour

To contact directly Natalia, our local partner in Cali, you can use the form below . You won’t pay more, but it will let her know you’re from us.

IMPORTANT : If you don’t hear from our partner within 72 hours, please check your SPAMS first before contacting us.

Popular Salsa tour

Guided tours in cali.

Cali is the Salsa capital of Colombia , and this music is truly part of the DNA of the city and its people! So what could be better than discovering real, popular salsa with the locals?

Thanks to Natalia and her knowledge of the popular places where salsa has been traditionally danced in Cali for generations, we were lucky enough to experience a truly magical moment .

With her Salsa in Cali Tour, you’ll discover places that are difficult to discover on your own as a tourist , and understand the history and importance of Salsa in Cali. Emblematic places of Cali salsa, where you can meet traditional “bailadores” dancers and share unique moments.

TO DO WITH A GUIDE OR A LOCAL

For those of you who think “I’m going to go into this neighborhood on my own, guides are useless”! We don’t recommend walking alone in the Obrero district without being accompanied by a local . Firstly, for safety reasons. And secondly, because the Salsotecas have their own social codes which you need to know to respect the area.

What you can discover on the Salsa Tour in Cali

The tour begins in the Obrero district , one of Cali’s most popular neighborhoods, where salsa has always played an important role. You’ll visit the Nellyteca and/or other places in the area. These are popular lounges where traditional salsa is danced , and where dancers (mostly older) gather from 4pm onwards to dance, have a few drinks (or more) and have a good time.

Afterwards, enjoy the atmosphere of one of Cali’s oldest and most representative dance halls: La viejoteca de Pardollada, near the bus station.

The tour continues in the open air around the Boulevar del rio, where you’ll enjoy a tasting of the local gastronomy in a nice local place. And finally, Natalia will take you to the terrace of the Mulato Cabaret, a place that has gained a lot of fame thanks to its salsa shows: El mulato y su swing latino, 11-time world salsa champions !

PRACTICAL INFO ON CALI’S SALSA TOUR

Tour duration : 4 hours Price for 2 people : $490.000 COP ($245.000 per pers.) Price for 3 or more people : $180.000 COP per pers. Price includes transportation, local food and beverage tasting. Price does not include: Entrance fees and individual drinks in the places visited.

Contact Natalia to book the SALSA guided tour

Responsible tourism in cali, city tour in cali.

Natalia was born in Cali and lived part of her life in France before returning to her beloved city. She’s a Caleña who’s very sensitive to her city’s culture and committed to providing authentic, personal experiences .

For us, taking an interest in a culture and going beyond clichés by meeting its inhabitants is part of responsible tourism.

Natalia’s tours provide a deeper understanding of the complexities of Caleña history and society, while allowing you to meet the locals.

Her tours include visits to popular and not necessarily touristy places to promote understanding and cultural exchange. We highly recommend this experience, as it will give you a whole new perspective on Cali and its people!

Contact Natalia to visit Cali

Where to stay in cali, cali, the best hotels , granada.

Hotel Casa del Hidalgo Cali

Double room : $150.000 to $200.000 COP

La Casa del Hidalgo is located close to the Rio Cali in the Granada district. With its refreshing swimming pool and Turkish bath, this hotel offers a tastefully decorated ambience. A good option, highly rated by travelers.

Leclerc Hotel Boutique

A boutique hotel in the Granada district, perfectly located and offering quality service. Good breakfast, warm welcome and comfortable rooms, what else?

Cali, the best hotels , Miraflores

Oasis Cali Hostel

Dormitory : $25.000 to $50.000 / Double room : $0 to $100.000 COP

L’Oasis is a classic budget hostal with an established reputation. You’ll find the good atmosphere of a hostal in the Miraflores district

Cali, the best hotels , San Antonio

Moonshine Hotel

Double room : $0 to $100.000 COP

The Moonshine Hostel is a great option for those who want a nice double room with a great terrace all to themselves! Ideally located in San Antonio, the Moonshine was our second accommodation option in Cali during our stay.

Hotel Magic Garden

Double room : $100.000 to $150.000 COP

This is where we stayed during our stay in Cali, and we recommend it with our eyes closed! Superbly located right next to the park in the San Antonio district, Cali’s best neighborhood, it feels like home, the breakfasts are top-notch and the view from the terrace is brilliant.

Blue Garden House

If you’re looking for a hotel on a quiet street and in a quiet neighborhood, far from the hustle and bustle of the city, Jardin Azul is surely an option for you. A simple, clean hotel in the Miraflores district, with the sweet advantage of a small swimming pool! And in Cali’s heat, that’s something to be appreciated!

Hostal Ruta Sur

A hostel recommended by our readers, located near San Antonio Park in a superb colonial house. Friendly staff, cleanliness, comfort and above all peace and quiet! Lots of private rooms available, and a dormitory area too. No restaurants on site, but the neighborhood is full of them!

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The state of responsible (or sustainable) tourism in Colombia

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We are Angélica and Samuel, a French-Colombian couple, professional photographers and web editors specializing in travel to Colombia. We created this blog to change the image of the country, help you prepare your trip and inspire you to discover Colombia in a different way!

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Tours in Cali

Culture & sightseeing.

• Daytrip & Experiences

Coffee & Gastronomy

Nature & adventure.

Cali, the vibrant capital of Valle del Cauca, is a city that offers visitors a unique blend of history, culture, and music. Known as the "salsa capital of the world," Cali boasts a rich and diverse musical heritage, from the traditional currulao of the Pacific coast to the pulsing rhythms of salsa. The city's museums and cultural centers showcase its history and art, while the bustling markets and plazas offer a glimpse into everyday life. With its warm climate, welcoming people, and lively atmosphere, Cali is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking an unforgettable Colombian experience.

Come and visit locals’ favorite and most emblematic places..

Cristo Rey, Tertulia Museum & Downtown Cali City Tour

Get a view from high above, learn tons, and walk through the living streets of Cali on this fun city tour.

Cali Downtown Walking Tour

Let this warm city conquer your heart with its music and dance on this walking tour through Cali’s main sites.

Private Salsa Lesson Experience with Locals

Challenge yourself and get to know Cali through it best cultural expression: salsa. Dance and mingle with us!

Sugar Cane El Paraíso Hacienda & Nature Tour

Enjoy this unique tour about sugar cane and discover why is one of the most important crops in Cali and Colombia.

Let locals show you their culture through their own food.

Food Tour in Alameda Market

Dive into Colombian culture and Cali’s flavors through this local experience of food tasting at La Alameda market.

Hop on adventure and let nature amaze you.

Whale Watching in the Pacific Coast

Watch this stunning wildlife episode right in person, it is a seasonal event, so you might be lucky for the whale watching tour.

San Cipriano & River Adventure Tour

Venture in the mountains of Cauca Valley and be one with nature in this full day tour to San Cipriano.

Set your worries aside and allow us to transport you to your desired destination.

Private Arrival or Departure Transfer: Alfonso Bonilla Aragón Airport

Whether arriving or leaving, Gran Colombia Tours offers an amazing transfer service from or to your lodgings: safe and hassle-free!

Cali to or from Buenaventura Private Transfer

Stay comfortable before starting a new adventure in a whole different place: Let us take you across the Pacific.

Our Guides finest recomendations in Cali

UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Colombia

The Must-See Colombian Festivals: A calendar of traditions

Top 5 Foods to try in Cali: a guide for a day full of flavors

Cali City Tour: 5 things you can’t miss, specially the third one

Learn to Dance Salsa.

Ask our team for the best instructors and schools to get flow in the city.

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Cali City Tour

Best option to: live the nature, local traditions, try local food, discover yourself., the best of cali comfortable.

INFORMATION

Discover why a world cultural, salsa and sports capital, nestled in nature is named a “branch of heaven” (sucursal del cielo). Be led by a friendly, passionate, and knowledgeable local guide, who will take you in a private car and by foot , to discover the city´s contrasts of nature, architecture, races and traditions.  All in three hours in this Cali City Tour

                                                 …Book now and live the magic yourself  

Departure Point: Hotel Intercontinental Cali , Av. Colombia # 2-72, Cali, Valle del Cauca, Colombia Open in Google Maps

Days of Operation

Monday to Saturday:

• Morning: 9:30 am  
• Afternoon: 3pm

Sunday & Holidays: 

• Morning: 10 am

Amaze yourself from the top, in the  best viewpoint of the city  with great photo opportunities at  Cristo Rey.  Wind down the mountain to learn the story of the  controversial founder of the city,  and meet the  cat’s park by the riverside (Gato del Rio Cali) , to walk your way and marvel through an outdoor art exposition, fully covered by a ceiling of tree branches and surrounded by birds. 

Next, you will learn  why Cali is the world capital of salsa,  with its own style:  salsa caleña,  and dance your feet at the beat of salsa under a  giant instrument . Stroll down the old city center, to enjoy the afternoon breeze while you connect with the roots of the city, pass by its place of foundation, adorned by the colorful, and emotive  street art.  

Local bilingual guide. 

City tour with private transportation through the main sights during the tour.

• Short Walk (1km/0.6mi) by the city center. 
• Tasting of a traditional food or drink (one) upon availability. 
• One way transportation: Pick up, from the place of lodging. Available only near the hotel area (west part of town).

Not Included 

• Additional services or products not specified in the plan. 
• Transportation back to the place of lodging. (tour ends in San Antonio Neighborhood)
• Tips. (optional)

This tour goes for 3 hours. 2 hours by car and 1 hr by foot. Walk aprox 1.6 km (1 mi) at an easy pace in the whole tour.

Places to visit in order:

• View Point: 45 mins (Cristo Rey is currently closed for visitors until further notice)  
• Gato del Rio (Gato de Tejada): 45 mins.
• Giant Cali Sign: 20 mins.
• Plazoleta Jairo Varela & Salsa Square: 15 mins.
• Giant Trumpets & giant piano.
• Simon Bolivar Walk: 15 mins.
• Iglesia la Ermita: 20 mins.
• Boulevard del Rio: 20 mins.
• Downtown Old Square.  
• Plaza de Cayzedo. 
• Cash if you are planning to buy souvenirs 
• Water bottle
• Comfortable walking shoes and fresh clothes
• Fresh clothes 
• Cap or hat 

The tour will operate rain or shine unless considered unsafe to operate. 

A minimum of 2 guests are necessary to operate the tour. We combine guests from different hotels/hostels to complete this group. If the group size is smaller than 2, the tour will be rescheduled or the guest is offered to pay for two guests to operate the tour.

Maximum group size: 15 guests.  

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

• For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
• If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
• Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
• Cut-off times are based on the Colombian local time.
•  This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience, to book an additional spot or get a full refund.

    Price: 

 3 guest or more:

• 39 usd/person
• 147 mil pesos / persona

 Private Tour 1 guest:

• 130 usd/total
• 433 mil pesos 

 Private Tour 2 guests:

• 59 usd/person
• 247 mil pesos / persona

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Cali Grand City Tour - PREMIUM - 2PAX

Cali, Valle del Cauca, Colombia

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About this trip

Cali has an abundance of natural and architectural landmarks to discover; museums, parks, squares, churches, monuments and viewpoints.

But navigating the public transportation system and learning about the city without a guide can be exhausting!

Why waste time and money with complicated maps, when there is a simple solution?

The Cali City Tour by Valley Adventours allows you to visit the city in an efficient and fun way, going straight from one attraction to the other in a private vehicle without wasting time looking for buses or places of interest.

At each stop our local caleño guide will show you the best attractions, where you can listen to the history of the city, take pictures and at the same time enjoy an amazing afternoon in our beautiful weather, you will also have the chance to try a delicious typical drink.

Experience the best of Cali in comfort and re-discover yourself!

Versión en Español

Cali cuenta con celebres atractivos turísticos y joyas ocultas por descubrir; museos, parques, plazoletas, iglesias, monumentos, miradores y calles…

¡Pero visitarla en transporte público y sin un guía local resulta muy agobiante!

¿Por qué perder tiempo y dinero con mapas complicados, cuando hay una solución perfecta?

El City Tour te permite conocer la ciudad de manera distinta e inteligente, directamente de una atracción a otra, sin perder tiempo buscando las estaciones del autobús o los lugares de interés.

En cada parada podrás descubrir con nuestros guías caleños los atractivos turísticos y culturales más destacados de la ciudad, incluyendo sus principales miradores, zona oeste y centro histórico; el cual está lleno de arte, cultura y mitos ancestrales. Te revelaremos la verdadera historia de la ciudad mientras pruebas una bebida típica y disfrutas de una tarde increíble con un clima fenomenal.

Experimenta lo mejor de Cali con toda comodidad y descúbrete a ti mismo.

What’s included

• Guide Local guide.
• Transportation: Pick up at your place of accommodation (restrictions apply).
• Transportation: City tour by car to the main tourist attractions.
• Historic Center: Walking tour through the historic center.
• Tasting: Typical product tasting.
• Guía: Guía local experto.
• Transporte: Recogida en tu lugar de hospedaje (aplican restricciones).
• Transporte: Transporte terrestre por los principales atractivos turísticos.
• Tour y Centro Histórico: Miradores, zona oeste y tour a pie por el centro histórico.
• Degustación: Degustación de producto típico.

What’s not included

• Tips: Any additional tips.
• Additionals: Any additional services or products not specified in the plan.
• Transportation: Transfer back to the lodging place (the tour ends at the meeting point).

Available Packages

Your organizer.

Photo Gallery

Cali, Colombia Travel Guide

Juan Madrigal Photo/Getty Images

Cali is Colombia 's third largest city. Founded in 1536 by Sebastian de Belalcazar, it was a sleepy little mountain town until the sugar and coffee industries brought prosperity to the region. Here's how to plan your next visit.

Cali is located in Colombia’s southwestern region, about 995 meters above sea level. A diverse region of coast, foothills and the Andean cordillera. Cali is a rich archaeological area, as well as culturally diverse.

Colombia’s climate varies little throughout the year. You can expect a hot, humid climate, but there is a drier season called summer, as opposed to the wet season called winter. The Andean highlands, where Cali is located, has two dry seasons, from December to March and again in July and August. Cali's average temperature is 23° C (73.4°F)

Practical Facts

Although the Cali Cartel officially is no longer a threat, drug trafficking still continues. The usual safety measures apply, and it is wise to take caution after dark.

Things to Do and See

• Iglesia de la Merced is a beautiful colonial cathedral on the Plaza Caycedo in the historic district. It is Cali’s oldest church.
• Museo de Arte Colonial , in the monastery adjoining the cathedral, displays mainly colonial religious art.
• Museo Arqueológico displays pre-Colombian pottery and artifacts from the various indigenous groups of the area.
• Museo de Oro exhibits gold items from the Calima culture.
• Museo de Arte Moderno La Tertulia displays modern art, sculpture, and photography.
• Iglesia de San Antonio , located atop a hill near the city center, offers a fine view of Cali.
• Teatro Experimental de Cali (TEC) began Colombia’s national theater.
• Sugar Cane Museum
• Plaza de Toros de Cañaveralejo bullfighting ring
• Zoológico de Cali
• Federico Carlos Lehmann Valencia Natural Science Museum with exhibits of fauna, ethnological samples, and insects of the region.
• Salsotecas abound on the northern side of the river, particularly in the Juanchito suburb. Night tours in Chivas last about five hours and will get you into a number of hot salsa spots.
• The Feria de Cali from December 25 through New Years with parades, bullfights, salsa events, and a beauty contest.
• Monumento de las Tres Cruces are the three crosses on the mountaintop, a pilgrimage during Semana Santa .
• Parque Nacional Farallones de Cali is a mountain park with diverse vegetation and wildlife offers day excursions or hiking to Reserva Natural Hato Viejo where you’ll find lodging, food, and guides to the park.
• Hacienda El Paraiso
• Hacienda Piedechinche
• Two don't miss sights are the archaeological sites of pre-Columbian civilizations at Parque Arqueológico De Tierradentro and Parque Arqueológico De San Agustín. Both are considered sacred sites and contain ancient monuments, statuary, tombs, and burial mounds. Check into the state of the roads from Cali; they can be in poor shape. Whenever you go to Cali, enjoy yourself and Buen Viaje!

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CALI CITY TOUR

Descubre con guías locales las joyas ocultas de la ciudad.

Cali City Tour – Santiago de Cali cuenta con célebres atractivos turísticos y joyas ocultas por descubrir; museos, parques, plazoletas, iglesias, monumentos y miradores…

¡Pero visitarla en transporte público y sin un guía local resulta muy agobiante!  ¿Por qué perder tiempo y dinero con mapas complicados, cuando hay una solución perfecta?

El Cali City Tour  de Valley Adventours te permite conocer la ciudad de manera distinta e inteligente, directamente de una atracción a otra, sin perder tiempo buscando las estaciones del autobús o los lugares de interés.

Tour por lo mejor de la ciudad de Cali

En cada parada podrás descubrir con nuestros guías caleños los atractivos culturales y turísticos más destacados, incluyendo sus principales miradores, cerros tutelares, zona oeste y centro histórico; el cual está lleno de arte, cultura y mitos ancestrales.

Te revelaremos la verdadera historia de la ciudad mientras disfrutas de una tarde increíble con un clima fenomenal; probando nuestra bebida típica, para que tengas un recuerdo realmente memorable al terminar nuestro Cali City Tour en la capital colombiana de la salsa .

Experimenta lo mejor de Cali de forma segura con toda comodidad y descúbrete a ti mismo.

Inclusiones / Exclusiones

Incluye: – Guía local. – Transporte terrestre por los principales atractivos turísticos. – Tour a pie por el centro histórico. – Degustación de producto típico. . . . . No Incluye: – Propinas (opcionales según tu experiencia vivida). – Consumos y servicios no especificados en el plan. – Traslado de regreso al lugar de hospedaje (el tour termina en el barrio San Antonio).

Aviso Importante

Recomendaciones: – Usar zapatos deportivos o calzado que sea cómodo para caminar, vestir con ropa fresca, gorra o sombrero, bloqueador solar, repelente para mosquitos y botella con agua. . . Información Adicional: – El tour no se cancela en caso de mal clima, considera traer un poncho para la lluvia, chaqueta impermeable o sombrilla.

Horario y Frecuencia

Lunes a Sábado Inicio: 10:00 y 15:00

Domingos y Festivos Inicio: 10:00

Duración: 3 horas aproximadamente.

Se requiere un grupo mínimo de 2 participantes para realizar esta experiencia.

No es necesario que reserves todos los lugares, ya que es una actividad en grupo donde se pueden unir otros viajeros. En el caso que no se complete el cupo mínimo te notificaremos para reprogramar la salida o por un precio adicional podrás tomar el tour de forma privada.

COP 130.000

Realiza tu reserva

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¡Escríbenos!

Things to Do in Cali, The Salsa Capital of Colombia

A visit to Cali, the ‘Salsa Capital of the World’, is on many people’s itineraries when travelling to Colombia, even if it isn’t the most popular city to visit in the country. Whilst the ultimate thing to do in Cali is to dance and watch salsa, the city also offers much more on top. So, if you’re currently planning your trip and are interested in what else you can do in Cali, then you’re in the right place.

In this guide, we’ll list some of the best attractions in Cali, from beautiful churches to street art and scenic views. As usual, you can also read about how to get to Cali, the best time to visit, where to stay and where to eat in this award winning Colombian city.

If you’d like to see the highlights of our time in Cali, then make sure to watch our short Cali video  on our  YouTube channel . For more Colombia videos, check out our  Colombia Series .

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a small commission if you click a link and purchase something. Clicking these links won’t cost you anything, but it will help us to keep this site up and running! Learn more about our affiliate policy.

Table of Contents

Introducing Cali, Colombia

Located in the Valle del Cauca region, Cali is the third largest city in Colombia after Bogota and Medellin. The city’s full name is actually Santiago de Cali, but everyone just refers to it as Cali.

It was founded in 1536 by the Spanish conquistador Sebastián de Belalcázar. Of course before the Spanish, Cali was inhabited by indigenous tribes. During the colonial era, the area was occupied by haciendas – large estates and plantations. The city gained its independence from Spain in 1811.

During the 19th century, Cali was the centre of the sugar plantation economy. Industrialisation and modernisation of the agricultural sector in the 20th century led to the rapid growth of the city’s economy. Cali today is one of the major economic and industrial centers in Colombia.

For a lot of people Cali is known as the ‘Salsa Capital of the World’ and attracts visitors from all over for this reason. However, the city is also one of the most important Sports Centers in Colombia and has hosted many important games over the years.

Cali has won the World Travel Awards’ ‘South America’s Leading Cultural City Destination’ award for multiple years.

Our Top Travel Resources to Visit Cali

• 🛏️ Find your accommodations with Booking.com
• 🎫 Book an organised tour in Cali with GetYourGuide or Viator
• 📱Get an eSIM with  Airalo  to be able to use data
• 🛡️ Don’t forget to buy travel insurance via SafetyWing

Things to Do in Cali, Colombia

1. go on a salsa tour.

Since Cali is known as the ‘Salsa Capital of the World’ most visitors come to the city with the intention of learning about salsa. You can follow the ‘Salsa Route’ (La Ruta de la Salsa) that guides you through the city between Antigua Estacion del Tren de Cali and Parque Alameda. Along the way you can visit places like the Salsa Museum (Museo de la Salsa) and the Jairo Varela Square (Plazoleta Jairo Varela) . They normally have a map of the Salsa Route at each of the must-see stops.

In our opinion, the best way to appreciate and understand Cali’s salsa culture is by joining a dedicated salsa tour . These tours normally last for 4 or 5 hours. During this time, your local guide will take you to different spots around Cali where you can learn and experience salsa.

2. Sign Up for a Salsa Class

Once you’ve gained enough background knowledge about salsa, why not learn some of the dance moves as well. With a lot of visitors arriving here to experience Cali’s salsa scene, there are numerous places offering salsa lessons. Whether you’re a beginner, or already have some experience, you can sign up for either a private or group class.

Sometimes hostels like Viajero hostel offer free lessons for their guests, which is worth considering when booking your accommodation. You can also sign up for lessons at places like Salsa Pura or  Rumba Y Salsa . Taking some lessons is a great way to meet with fellow travellers whilst also learning a new skill.

Once you’ve gained some confidence, it’s time to hit one of the clubs and dance the night away.

3. Watch a Salsa Show at Delirio

If you want to see a fantastic salsa show then you should book one at Delirio .

The Delirio Foundation (Fundación Delirio) was created in 2006 to help reclaim the popular culture of the city and to also provide artists with the opportunity to obtain professional recognition. Their show is an incredible mix of concert, circus and salsa. They’re like the Cirque du Soleil of salsa.

You can watch their incredible show on the last Friday of every month at the Pacific Valley Events Center (Centro de Eventos Valle Del Pacifico) . The show normally starts after 9PM (although the doors are open from about 7PM) and won’t end until 2AM. You will need to book your ticket in advance because they do sell out quickly!

Don’t worry if you’re not in Cali on that specific day though. You can buy a ticket to see Paseo de la Aurora, which is performed every Saturday and Sunday at the same place as the monthly show.

During your weekend visit you will be able to interact with the artists, enjoy live shows, join in with some salsa lessons and have some food. It is a bit like a festival but more family oriented. Apart from us, we only saw a handful of other ‘gringos’ there. Just bear in mind that to truly enjoy the experience, you may want to understand a little bit of Spanish. Even though we’re not fluent, we had a ton of fun interacting with the artists using our limited language knowledge. Attending this weekend show became one of our favourite memories from Colombia.

4. Join a Free Walking Tour

The best way to get to know a new city is by joining a free walking tour. Local guides will walk you to some of the best spots within Cali’s historic centre and will tell you plenty of interesting facts about the city.

If you stay somewhere like the Viajero hostel , then you can just sign up for a free walking tour with them. Alternatively, you can also secure a spot online via this tour .

Note. Whilst the walking tour is free, it’s expected that you leave a tip if you’ve had a good experience. Make sure to bring enough cash with you!

5. Check out Iglesia La Ermita Church

La Ermita is a church that you can’t miss seeing when visiting Cali. There used to be a small chapel where La Ermita stands today, however it was destroyed in a strong earthquake.

Overlooking Rio Cali, the picture perfect church you see today was inspired by the Ulm Cathedral in Germany. It was built in a neo-Gothic style between 1930 and 1948.

Inside the blue and white church you can check out some artwork and paintings. The marble altar is from Italy, and the musical clock and windows are from the Netherlands.

6. Experience the Sounds at Jairo Varela Square

Right next to the leafy Boulevard del Rio is Plazoleta Jairo Varela. This square is also one of the stops along the Salsa Route. Even if you don’t fancy completing the whole route, you should still visit this plaza.

Here you can visit Museo Jairo Varela which is dedicated to Chocoano Jairo Varela, one of the greatest artists of Colombian salsa. He was the founder (and also composer) of the salsa group called Grupo Niche.

The coolest attraction in this square has to be the giant trumpet-shaped monument . The structure forms the letters of the word NICHE. Each horn of the trumpet plays a song in harmonic, melodic and rhythmic elements respectively.

There’s also a Gastronomic and Cultural Market , where you can try different types of foods.

7. Go for a Walk along Cali River

A relaxing thing to do in Cali is to take a stroll down Río Cali. The river flows through the north of Cali, skirting around the city centre. It originates from Farallones de Cali, a mountain range that towers over the west side of the city.

The river bank is lined by a nice promenade (Bulevar del Río) and also filled with tree-lined green spaces. These provide the perfect place for a walk or bike ride, and you can just enjoy some shade when its hot. It reminded us of the leafy river walk we did in Cuenca, Ecuador .

There are also a few points of interest along Río Cali that are worth stopping at. One of them is Museo La Tertulia , an art museum containing a collection of Colombian and international art. There’s also Parque del Peñon , a small park where you might spot a few vendors selling their artwork. You can also stop by the Iglesia la Merced , an old church that is part of the La Merced Religious Complex. Make sure to pop into the Gold Museum too, located just behind the church.

8. Stop by Cali’s Cat Park

As you make your way along the river, you’ll come across Cali’s cool cat park called El Parque del Gato de Tejada . Now, unlike the cat park in the Miraflores district of Lima in Peru, you won’t find any real cats in this park.

Instead, you’ll see a giant bronze cat statue called El Gato del Río and an additional 15 colorful smaller ones. They were installed as part of an improvement project to make this area of Cali more inviting. The huge statue was donated by Hernando Tejada, a Colombian artist, and the smaller statues were all painted by different local artists.

9. Wander Around San Antonio

Being the oldest part of Cali, you should definitely spend some time wandering around the San Antonio neighbourhood. It is basically the bohemian, hipster area of the city with narrow streets, colourful houses, antique shops, and plenty of street art. Many Colombian artists and writers used to live in this part of Cali.

As you can imagine, there are lots of artsy cafes and restaurants here where you can stop for lunch or a drink.

San Antonio is considered a safe barrio and many visitors book their accommodation around here. As always, we still advise you to be cautious.

10. Enjoy the Views from Parque San Antonio

If you’re walking around San Antonio, then you should definitely make your way up to San Antonio Park.

On top of San Antonio Hill (Colina de San Antonio) , there’s an old church called Iglesia San Antonio . This small church was built back in 1747, making it the oldest church in Cali. Inside, there is a collection of 17th century wooden statues of saints.

The best part about this park is that from this vantage point, you get to enjoy some lovely views of Cali.

11. Try Some Cholado

Every part of Colombia seems to have an interesting dish that you may only be able to try in that location. Cali is no exception and is known for some unique foods. One of these is called cholado . It is essentially a cup of shredded ice, mixed tropical fruits, condensed milk, jam, and biscuits and wafers, all topped off with ice cream.

However, there are other typical dishes that you might want to taste when in the city, such as pandebono, sancocho de gallina , chontaduro , or champús del valle .

Top Tip. If you’d like to learn more about Cali’s cuisine, then definitely sign up for a street food tour like this free tour of the Alameda Market or this affordable tour that takes you to multiple parts of the city.

12. Enjoy the Views from El Cristo Rey

Note. Access to Cristo Rey is currently closed due to renovation works.

If you’d like to get panoramic views of Cali and its surrounding area, then definitely head up to Cristo Rey Monument. The 26-metre high statue is located on top of Cerro de los Cristales to the west of the city.

Some people choose to hike up there on a trail from the city centre, although our taxi driver told us that it can be quite dangerous. If you want to hike this trail, then make sure to only do it earlier in the day, don’t do it solo and don’t take a lot of valuables with you.

Alternatively, you can also take a taxi up. Just bear in mind that the taxi can cost a fair amount (drivers normally have a set price), since it’s a bit of a drive out of the city. We personally walked back down along the road (which is much safer if you do want to walk one way or the other), but if you want to return with the taxi then just ask the driver to wait for you.

Top Tip. If you get a bit peckish, then definitely stop at one of the many pizza places lining the road on the way up.

How to Get to Cali, Colombia

Depending on where you’re coming from, there are a few ways you can reach Santiago de Cali.

Plane. The quickest way to get to Cali is to fly. Alfonso Bonilla Aragón Airport (CLO) is located to the north of Cali and services both international and domestic flights. It depends on where you’re coming from, but there are many direct flights between Cali and other major cities in Colombia, such as Bogota and Medellin. There are also a few direct international flights to Cali from North, South, and Central America, as well as one from Spain in Europe. You can check where you can fly direct to Cali from on  this website.

Find Flights to Cali ✈️

Bus. Bus travel between cities in Colombia is a popular and affordable way to travel for both locals and backpackers alike.

You can reach Cali by bus from either Terminal de Salitre or Terminal del Sur in Bogota. All buses will drop you off at Terminal de Transporte Cali. The journey takes between 10 to 12 hours depending on the bus company and route.

There are also direct bus services running between Medellin, the second largest city in Colombia, and Cali. Buses leave from Terminal del Sur in Medellin and will drop you off at Terminal de Transporte Cali. The journey takes anywhere between 8 to 12 hours depending on the bus company and route.

If you’re coming from Salento, you can easily get to Cali by travelling to Armenia first, then hopping onto another bus to Cali. They leave very regularly and the journey is only about 3.5 hours long.

You can book your ticket to Cali with  Busbud  or at the bus station in person.

Where to Stay in Cali, Colombia

The best neighbourhood to stay in in Cali is San Antonio . It’s close to the city centre and there are plenty of amenities in the area. There are plenty of hotels and hostels, such as the popular Viajero hostel which offers free walking tours and even some free salsa lessons to its guests. Since its a popular hostel, it can be pretty lively. Alternatively, you can also book La Casa de Adry , La Vaina hostel or Magic Garden House hotel.

To the north of San Antonio is El Peñon , which is possibly the safest area you can stay in. It is the upscale neighbourhood of Cali, so bear in mind that prices are going to be higher here than other parts of the city.

You can also consider booking something around Caicedo Square in the centre of Cali. There are some affordable places to stay here too and plenty of amenities. Versalles and Granada are also great areas to stay in in Cali. They are more residential and quieter neighbourhoods.

Read Next: 3 Week Colombia Itinerary – How to Plan a Trip to Colombia

Where to Eat in Cali, Colombia

There are plenty of places to eat in Santiago de Cali. Below we’ve listed a few of our favourite places:

Alameda Market is a fantastic place to find something delicious. The market is filled with stalls selling fresh fruit and vegetables, as well as plenty of other traditional dishes. A lot of street food tours come here.

Alma & Café is a lovely restaurant serving delicious vegetarian and vegan food in the San Antonio neighbourhood. They have a great daily menu too.

Madre Selva is another great vegan place with lunch deals in the San Antonio area of Cali.

Pizza from one of the pizzerias on the way up to Cristo Rey viewpoint. Whilst its not a traditional Colombian dish, and they probably won’t taste quite as good as in Italy, it’s still nice to have a slice of comfort food when travelling.

Juan Valdez Cafe  is basically the Starbucks of Colombia. Whilst it’s a large chain, we definitely enjoyed popping in here for a quick coffee and some pastries.

Best Time to Visit Cali, Colombia

Cali is located at 1,014 m (3,327 ft) above sea level in close proximity to the equator. You can visit Cali all year round, but there are better and worse times to visit the salsa capital.

The dry season is from December to February and from July to August. Then there’s the rainy season, which lasts from March to May and from September to November. The high tourist months in Cali are between July and September, then in November and December.

You may want to visit Cali during one of its popular festivals. La Feria de Cali is held in December every year. It’s a week of salsa shows, cultural events and music performances, so you’re guaranteed a ton of fun. 

Final Thoughts on Things to Do in Cali, Colombia

Whilst we didn’t think that Cali would be jampacked with attractions like Bogota or Medellin , we were pleasantly surprised by just how much you can do in the city. It was actually nice not to see as many tourists here as we did in popular places like Cartagena .

We think it’s safe to say that attending the weekend salsa event organised by Delirio had to be the best part of our stay. It’s a shame that we couldn’t watch the actual monthly show, but thankfully we could still enjoy their performance and can only imagine how fantastic the main event would be.

Have you ever been to Cali before? If so, what was your experience? Did you sign up for a salsa class? If not, would you add Cali to your Colombia itinerary? Let us know in the comments below.

Now, let your adventure begin,

Our Top Travel Resources

Accommodation:  For hotels we always use  Booking.com  and  Hostelworld  for hostels. We also book longer stays on Airbnb or  Vrbo.

Flights:  To find the best flight prices we always check  Skyscanner ,  Google Flights  or  WayAway.  Then we also check the airlines’ websites too for comparison.

Car Rentals:  We use  Discover Cars  when we want to rent a car as it compares local, national and international companies.

Activities:  If we book organised tours we always check either  GetYourGuide  or  Viator.

Foreign Currency:  Whenever we can we prefer to pay in local currency and for that we always use our  Wise card.   We can easily withdraw money from the ATM or pay by card at most shops and restaurants.

Travel Insurance: We never go anywhere without travel insurance. You never know what will happen on your trip, so good travel insurance like SafetyWing can protect you in case of injury, illness, theft and cancellations.

eSIM and VPN: To get data abroad we use  Airalo which is an app that allows you to download a prepaid eSIM to your phone in over 190 countries. Make sure to have a VPN to avoid hackers accessing your personal data when using public WIFI. We use  Surfshark  which is the only VPN that offers one account on unlimited devices. 

Remember…It all starts with a Pin…

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