Google Map Cali Colombia
Introduction
Cali, the third-largest city in Colombia, is a vibrant and bustling metropolis located in the southwestern part of the country. It is known for its salsa music, dance, and nightlife, but there is much more to this city than just that.
This travel guide will cover everything you need to know about Cali, including the top attractions, hidden gems, food scene, budget-friendly tips, outdoor adventures, historical landmarks, family-friendly activities, off-the-beaten-path experiences, natural wonders, vibrant nightlife, local markets, beaches and mountains, cultural immersion, art and music scene, walking tours, architectural marvels, historical sites, biking routes, wellness retreats, and adventure sports. So, let’s get started!
Top Attractions
Cali has a lot of attractions that are worth visiting. Some of the must-visit places include:
- San Antonio neighborhood
- Cali Zoo
- Cali Tower
- Cristo Rey
- La Ermita Church
- La Tertulia Museum
- Sebastian de Belalcazar Statue
- El Gato del Rio
Hidden Gems
While the top attractions are definitely worth visiting, there are also some hidden gems in Cali that are worth exploring:
- La Merced Archaeological Museum
- Las Tres Cruces Hill
- Rio Pance
- Los Cristales Natural Reserve
- Parque de la Babilla
- El Ingenio Park
- La Flora Park
- La Casa Proartes
Food Scene
Cali is known for its delicious food, especially its street food. Some of the must-try dishes include:
- Empanadas
- Cholado
- Lulada
- Arroz Atollado
- Bandeja Paisa
- Ajiaco
- Sancocho
- Lechona
Budget-Friendly Tips
If you’re traveling on a budget, there are some things you can do to save money in Cali:
- Stay in a hostel or budget hotel
- Eat street food instead of dining in restaurants
- Use public transportation instead of taxis
- Visit free attractions like parks and museums
- Buy souvenirs at local markets instead of tourist shops
Outdoor Adventures
If you’re an adventure seeker, Cali has plenty of outdoor activities to offer:
- Hiking in the nearby mountains
- Paragliding
- River rafting
- Mountain biking
- Horseback riding
- Rock climbing
- Ziplining
- Swimming in the natural pools
Historical Landmarks
Cali has a rich history, and there are many historical landmarks that you can visit:
- San Francisco Church
- La Merced Church
- San Antonio Church
- San Pedro Cathedral
- San Francisco Square
- Paseo Bolivar
- Plaza de Cayzedo
- Plaza de San Francisco
Family-Friendly Activities
If you’re traveling with kids, Cali has plenty of family-friendly activities:
- Cali Zoo
- La Recreacion Park
- Los Cauquenes Water Park
- La Isla Acuapark
- Acuaparque de la Caña
- Chipichape Mall
- Unicentro Mall
- La 14 Mall
Off-The-Beaten-Path Experiences
If you’re looking for something different, here are some off-the-beaten-path experiences in Cali:
- Take a salsa lesson with a local instructor
- Visit a sugar cane farm
- Take a coffee plantation tour
- Attend a bullfight
- Visit a traditional Afro-Colombian village
- Take a tour of the local street art scene
- Visit a local school or community center
- Take a day trip to the nearby hot springs
Natural Wonders
Cali is surrounded by natural wonders, including mountains, rivers, and parks:
- Farallones de Cali National Natural Park
- Los Farallones Waterfall
- La Cascada de la Tigrera
- La Cumbre Pass
- Malpelo Island
- Nevado del Huila
- San Cipriano Natural Reserve
- Rio Cali
Vibrant Nightlife
Cali is known for its salsa music and dance, and the nightlife is lively and energetic:
- El Topa Tolondra
- La Topa Tolondra
- Tin Tin Deo
- La Matraca
- El Rincón de Heber
- Zaperoco Bar
- La Terraza de San Antonio
- El Escenario
Local Markets
Cali has many local markets where you can find unique souvenirs and sample local food:
- Alameda Market
- Plaza de Mercado de San Francisco
- Plaza de Mercado de Alfonso Lopez
- Plaza de Mercado de La Flora
- Plaza de Mercado de La Luna
- Plaza de Mercado de Santa Elena
- Plaza de Mercado de La Libertad
- Plaza de Mercado de San Nicolas
Beaches and Mountains
Cali is located near both the mountains and the beach, so you can easily take day trips to these places:
- Juanchaco Beach
- Ladrilleros Beach
- Bahia Malaga
- Buenaventura Beach
- Panamerican Highway
- Los Farallones de Cali
- Nevado del Ruiz
- Purace National Park
Cultural Immersion
If you want to immerse yourself in the local culture, here are some experiences you should not miss:
- Attend a salsa concert or festival
- Visit the San Antonio neighborhood during the Feria de Cali
- Take a cooking class to learn how to make traditional Colombian dishes
- Visit a local community center to learn about social projects
- Learn about the history and culture of the Afro-Colombian community
- Visit a local market to sample traditional foods and buy souvenirs
- Take a walking tour of the city to see the local architecture and street art
- Visit a local salsa club to experience the music and dance firsthand
Art and Music Scene
Cali has a vibrant art and music scene, and there are many events and exhibitions that you can attend:
- Museum of Modern Art
- National Palace Museum of Colombia
- La Tertulia Museum of Contemporary Art
- La Ermita Church Art Gallery
- Teatro Municipal Enrique