Reasons to Visit Cali, Colombia

I’ve toured virtually all of South America, been to Machu Picchu, Tayrona National Park, and Uyuni Salt Flats – all of the amazing sites South America is famous for. You know the spot I cannot stop thinking about?

Cali, Colombia.

I’ll confess, it’s not the most tourist-friendly spot I’ve ever been. And it’s not the most gorgeous. But gosh, that is special.

It has an entirely different atmosphere than the Caribbean city of Cartagena and the digital nomad favorite: Medellin.

6 Reasons to Visit Cali, Colombia

1. There Are Tons Of Things To Do In Cali

Go Hiking

• An “easy” trek inside the city is Cerro de las Tres Cruz. It takes approximately an hour to trek up and there’s fresh juice at the top. My companion was able to sprint up, but I had to take a couple rests. I blame the altitude.

• Many residents hike up everyday for exercise. I recommend climbing up early between 5 a.m. and 1 p.m. while police are on duty, anytime after locals advise it is unsafe. Remember to wear shoes or hiking boots.

Experience Colombian food

• Eat your way around the greatest restaurants in town or take a cooking lesson and truly get into Colombian cuisine.

Try Salsa Dancing

• As the “capital” of Salsa dancing, you have to give it a try while you’re here. More tips on where to try it below!

Practice your Spanish

• With reasonable course options and a pleasant area to base oneself, Cali makes a terrific center for learning (or improving) Spanish.

2. It’s The Capital Of Salsa Dancing

• Cali is the salsa dance capital of the world and boy, does it live up to it’s moniker. It is really fantastic. I am a dancer, my passion is movement.

• I’ve danced in cities all over Latin America and the United States. Never have I ever observed dancers with such passion and rhythm in my whole life. The locals dancing at the legendary clubs of Tin Tin Deo and La Topa Tolondra contribute every last drop of energy to the dance floor. I can’t stop smiling just thinking about it.

• I did 4 weeks of private salsa classes at Salsa Pura. I really suggest courses with Dalia (shown above), but all of the instructors are wonderful. I learnt the distinctive salsa Caleña style. It’s worth attending private courses.

• I also took group courses at Salsa Pura and Arrebato Caleño. If you are intermediate, I recommend Arrebato for their rigorous group lesson twice a week.

3. It’s The Great Location To Enhance Your Spanish

• If you’re taking salsa classes, might as well learn some Spanish while you’re here. In my perspective, it’s the perfect mix. I attended courses at Viva La Lingua, the more classes you take, the cheaper they are. I guess the lessons cost roughly 55.000 pesos/hour. It comprises activities, a school and resources. I truly loved my stay there.

• If you want to save a little of dinero, I definitely suggest Linda. She was my instructor at Viva La Lingua, but has just gone independent. After one month, I was able to conduct a yoga session in Spanish and speak with people on a higher level.

• Her sessions are incredibly entertaining and less expensive than going to a Spanish school. I can honestly say I was never bored in her lesson (which is an issue for me).

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4. Cali is Cheap

• Just about everything is inexpensive in Cali. Accommodations and food are incredibly inexpensive, assuming you know where to go. Upon arriving, we stayed in a small private room through Airbnb for $10/night (Click here for $55 off your first stay on Airbnb).

• We ultimately rented a conveniently situated furnished studio apartment for $300/month. If you are traveling solo, there are numerous affordable hostels in San Antonio. I suggest El Viajero hostel.

• And who doesn’t appreciate inexpensive good food? A lunch meal is roughly 10.000 pesos ($3.50). I recommend Pita Majita, El Buen Alimento, and Vegetariano Flor de Loto for inexpensive vegan/vegetarian meals. If you’re in the mood to pamper yourself, go to Pão for a wonderful cold brew with almond milk.

5. There Are Amazing Day Excursions From Cali

I’ll be honest, I did not leave Cali while I was there. I did not want to miss out on any dancing! Here are three day-trips my beautiful Spanish instructor, Linda, recommends:

San Cipriano

• A tiny calm community with a stunning crystal clear river, waterfalls, and nature trails. She suggests waking up early, leave Cali about 6 a.m. It takes around 2.5 hours to get there, but is worth the visit.

Pance River

• A popular spot for residents for swimming and recreational activities. There are many points: Chorro de Plata, La Voragine, La Chorrera del Indio, etc. The river is around 2 hours from Cali depending on which location you visit.

Pico de Loro

• If you’re ready for the task, Pico de Loro is one of the most recommended walks near Cali. The mountain is seen from Cali. It’s feasible to complete in a day trip or as a 2 day walk, depending on your level. A guide is necessary and only a limited amount of people are permitted to hike every day, thus it is advisable to arrive early.

6. The People (And Pets!) In Cali Are Friendly

• In Cali, I befriended the local juice lady. She hit on my boyfriend and we joked about it every time I would see her on my way to school.

• One day I sat for hours conversing with the proprietor of a little panaderia (bakery) in San Antonio. I met a neighbor and sat in his living room discussing about life in Colombia for 2 hours.

• Darien and I spent many of our nights sitting in the main park of San Antonio where families, friends, and lovers congregate to dine and talk. The inhabitants have captivating, warm personalities. They made me feel at home.