Cali
Fall in love with Cali, Colombia's colourful salsa capital
By Samira Holma. Samira is a writer and content marketer specialized in the travel industry. She's also a full-time traveler and has so far been to 50+ countries. Her drive is to inspire others to explore and experience more around the world by sharing authentic tips from her own trips. www.samiraholma.com
When you ask someone what they like most about Cali, everyone will mention the people.
I'm currently in Cali for the second time, and the Caleños are definitely the main reason why this vibrant, colorful city has become one of my favorite places in the world. The locals are friendly, warm, and always up for a good time. It's easy to feel at home in Cali, even if you just arrived.
With an average temperature of 25-30 °C all-year-round, there is never really a bad time to visit. There is so much to do here, and that's what makes it so appealing.
I'm currently in Cali for the second time, and the Caleños are definitely the main reason why this vibrant, colorful city has become one of my favorite places in the world. The locals are friendly, warm, and always up for a good time. It's easy to feel at home in Cali, even if you just arrived.
With an average temperature of 25-30 °C all-year-round, there is never really a bad time to visit. There is so much to do here, and that's what makes it so appealing.
The World's Capital of Salsa
Described as the world's capital of salsa, the dance is one of Cali's main attractions. Most of the locals learned how to dance about at the same time as they learned how to walk, which becomes obvious as soon as you enter one of the many salsatecas (salsa clubs).
Characterized by a culture of rumba (partying), there are bars and clubs buzzing in different parts of the city every day. You will often see locals who've brought their percussion instruments jamming to the beat of the DJ, and you're welcome to join.
The salsa club La Topa Tolondra is such as must-visit that many would claim that you haven't been to Cali if you haven't danced at least one night away here. Rincón de Heberth, Tin Tin Deo, Zaperoco, Donde Fabio, and the places around Alameda Park, such as Siboney, are other excellent salsatecas. And the list goes on.
The salsa is about more than partying, though. It's the essence of the culture, and a way to express yourself. I quickly learn that dancing always plays a natural part in get-togethers, no matter if you're attending a family gathering, a work happening, are celebrating Christmas, or are meeting up with friends. I'm invited to several family events at local friends' houses during my stay, where everyone, from the youngest cousin to the grandpa, is dancing.
Playful, often amazingly fast, footwork is what distinguishes salsa caleña from other salsa styles, making it a great workout form, and impressing to watch. I'm taking a few classes at Sabor Manicero, one of Cali's most well-established salsa schools. It's easy to get to know people here, which usually is the case no matter where you are in Cali.
More than salsa
The variation within the city, the gastronomy, the workout options, and the endless number of gorgeous places nearby, are other reasons why people who come to Cali don't feel like leaving.
There is a neighborhood for every taste. I visit San Antonio on a Friday afternoon, a lovely bohemian area, full of charming restaurants and history. Many famous poets, artists, and writers were born here. It's busy with several small carritos selling delicious street food, such as aborrajados, deep-fried plantains stuffed with cheese, so good that you might become addicted. Stand-up comedians and storytellers are entertaining the crowd in the neighborhood park in exchange for tips.
Later the same weekend, I meet up with a friend at La 66, another Zona Rosa (nightlife area) perfect for bar-hopping. Our first stop is El Faro, a rock bar with delicious, tropical cocktails and live music, followed by La Pergola. Located in El Peñon, La Pergola is a pretty rooftop bar with a swimming pool, known for quality cocktails, and for attracting a beautiful, elegant crowd.
We spend the following night at Menga, the main clubbing area of Cali, where larger discotheques such as Living and Bailatino that are open until dawn are lined up, next to an endless number of love motels
Described as the world's capital of salsa, the dance is one of Cali's main attractions. Most of the locals learned how to dance about at the same time as they learned how to walk, which becomes obvious as soon as you enter one of the many salsatecas (salsa clubs).
Characterized by a culture of rumba (partying), there are bars and clubs buzzing in different parts of the city every day. You will often see locals who've brought their percussion instruments jamming to the beat of the DJ, and you're welcome to join.
The salsa club La Topa Tolondra is such as must-visit that many would claim that you haven't been to Cali if you haven't danced at least one night away here. Rincón de Heberth, Tin Tin Deo, Zaperoco, Donde Fabio, and the places around Alameda Park, such as Siboney, are other excellent salsatecas. And the list goes on.
The salsa is about more than partying, though. It's the essence of the culture, and a way to express yourself. I quickly learn that dancing always plays a natural part in get-togethers, no matter if you're attending a family gathering, a work happening, are celebrating Christmas, or are meeting up with friends. I'm invited to several family events at local friends' houses during my stay, where everyone, from the youngest cousin to the grandpa, is dancing.
Playful, often amazingly fast, footwork is what distinguishes salsa caleña from other salsa styles, making it a great workout form, and impressing to watch. I'm taking a few classes at Sabor Manicero, one of Cali's most well-established salsa schools. It's easy to get to know people here, which usually is the case no matter where you are in Cali.
More than salsa
The variation within the city, the gastronomy, the workout options, and the endless number of gorgeous places nearby, are other reasons why people who come to Cali don't feel like leaving.
There is a neighborhood for every taste. I visit San Antonio on a Friday afternoon, a lovely bohemian area, full of charming restaurants and history. Many famous poets, artists, and writers were born here. It's busy with several small carritos selling delicious street food, such as aborrajados, deep-fried plantains stuffed with cheese, so good that you might become addicted. Stand-up comedians and storytellers are entertaining the crowd in the neighborhood park in exchange for tips.
Later the same weekend, I meet up with a friend at La 66, another Zona Rosa (nightlife area) perfect for bar-hopping. Our first stop is El Faro, a rock bar with delicious, tropical cocktails and live music, followed by La Pergola. Located in El Peñon, La Pergola is a pretty rooftop bar with a swimming pool, known for quality cocktails, and for attracting a beautiful, elegant crowd.
We spend the following night at Menga, the main clubbing area of Cali, where larger discotheques such as Living and Bailatino that are open until dawn are lined up, next to an endless number of love motels
A culinary destination
If you're not dancing in Cali, you're most likely eating. The Tourism Board is running several exciting projects with the purpose of introducing the world to Colombia's most authentic flavors. Over lunch at Basilia in Galeria Alameda, they tell me about the variation that exists in the region, and about new initiatives such as an organic food market where famous chefs will be cooking on-site. They proudly explain that cooking here is about more than food, and that each chef has a unique story that is expressed through creative, culinary creations.
If you're not dancing in Cali, you're most likely eating. The Tourism Board is running several exciting projects with the purpose of introducing the world to Colombia's most authentic flavors. Over lunch at Basilia in Galeria Alameda, they tell me about the variation that exists in the region, and about new initiatives such as an organic food market where famous chefs will be cooking on-site. They proudly explain that cooking here is about more than food, and that each chef has a unique story that is expressed through creative, culinary creations.
I try Arroz Marinero (seafood rice), a house specialty prepared by Basilia herself, accompanied by a fresh Lulo juice. It's one of the best dishes I've had in Colombia so far. Basilia started out with a small food stall, which has grown to become the most popular restaurant inside the market. Her brand is strong within the national Wine & Dine community, and she's often invited to gastronomy events across the country because of her extraordinary talent in the kitchen.
El Peñón and Granada are two other hot spots known for gastronomy and elegant bars. Here you'll find everything from high-end bakeries and fast-food, to Arabic, and Italian gourmet restaurants. Patio Valluno is a great choice for delicious food from the Cauca region, while Penélope Martini is known for their tropical Martinis and 2-for-1 deals.
El Peñón and Granada are two other hot spots known for gastronomy and elegant bars. Here you'll find everything from high-end bakeries and fast-food, to Arabic, and Italian gourmet restaurants. Patio Valluno is a great choice for delicious food from the Cauca region, while Penélope Martini is known for their tropical Martinis and 2-for-1 deals.
Nature and beautiful surroundings
Also called the Capital of Sports, Caleños love to stay active. Starting the day by hiking up Cerro de las Tres Cruces, where you will be spoiled with beautiful views of the city, is a common practice. You can also try paragliding, or join one of the many bicycling groups.
I'm exploring some of the charming places outside of Cali as well, such as San Cipriano, a beautiful river town where you can spend the day tubing through stunning landscapes. Dapa, a picturesque mountain village that makes you wonder whether you're living in a postcard. The beautiful town of Bitaco with only 2300 inhabitants, and Kilometro 18, located 40 minutes outside of Cali, appreciated for its cooler temperatures, delicious food, and live music.
Also called the Capital of Sports, Caleños love to stay active. Starting the day by hiking up Cerro de las Tres Cruces, where you will be spoiled with beautiful views of the city, is a common practice. You can also try paragliding, or join one of the many bicycling groups.
I'm exploring some of the charming places outside of Cali as well, such as San Cipriano, a beautiful river town where you can spend the day tubing through stunning landscapes. Dapa, a picturesque mountain village that makes you wonder whether you're living in a postcard. The beautiful town of Bitaco with only 2300 inhabitants, and Kilometro 18, located 40 minutes outside of Cali, appreciated for its cooler temperatures, delicious food, and live music.
World-class events worth traveling for
Throughout the year, several large events are taking place in Cali. I celebrated the Cali Fair (25-30th December) this time, one of the biggest cultural happenings in Latin America. It attracts about 2 million visitors annually and features performances and shows by the best Latin musicians and dancers. Salsadrome, a large parade where the top salsa schools perform, and the Super Concierto, a night with concerts carried out by the best artists on one stage, are two of the highlights. Petronio Alvarez Pacific Music Festival in August and the World Salsa Festival in September are other unique happenings worth coming to Cali for.
Time flies in Cali and, just as the lyrics in Cali Pachanguero by the famous local salsa group Niche expresses so well - there is nothing quite like it (Cali es Cali, lo Demas es Loma). The tourism is growing, and once you're here, it's easy to understand why. People are passionate about their city in a beautiful way, and there is a big chance that you will be, too.
For more information, visit cali.gov.co/turismo
Throughout the year, several large events are taking place in Cali. I celebrated the Cali Fair (25-30th December) this time, one of the biggest cultural happenings in Latin America. It attracts about 2 million visitors annually and features performances and shows by the best Latin musicians and dancers. Salsadrome, a large parade where the top salsa schools perform, and the Super Concierto, a night with concerts carried out by the best artists on one stage, are two of the highlights. Petronio Alvarez Pacific Music Festival in August and the World Salsa Festival in September are other unique happenings worth coming to Cali for.
Time flies in Cali and, just as the lyrics in Cali Pachanguero by the famous local salsa group Niche expresses so well - there is nothing quite like it (Cali es Cali, lo Demas es Loma). The tourism is growing, and once you're here, it's easy to understand why. People are passionate about their city in a beautiful way, and there is a big chance that you will be, too.
For more information, visit cali.gov.co/turismo
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Want more on Colombia? Try Cartagena or San Agustin