10 reasons to visit Cali

1. It's the Colombian capital of salsa

In Cali, salsa is a way of life. The city has even come to be known as the World Salsa Capital, where the beat gets going in early evening and lasts all night long. Opt for one of the city’s many salsa schools to perfect your footwork or, if you’re feeling brave, dive straight in by joining the locals in the lively salsotecas, dance clubs where you can’t help but fall in love with this infectious, energetic rhythm.

2. It really is the capital of salsa

Did we mention that salsa is big here? Cali further cements its status as capital of salsa by hosting the World Salsa Festival each year, an animated 4-day event attended by thousands of people with performances, competitions, concerts and even workshops. If your visit doesn’t coincide with this September festival though, don’t worry! There’s also “Delirio”, a stunning combination of salsa, circus and orchestra and true showcase for Caleño culture. Make sure to get tickets ahead of time as this is an experience of the City of Salsa that you won’t want to miss.

3. It has delicious local dishes

After working up your appetite with fancy footwork, take some time out to try some typical Cali refreshments. Whether you want a refreshing fruity snack or drink, such as lulo juice or cholado (crushed ice with fruit, drizzled with delicious syrups), a hearty meal like arroz atollado (rice, meats and spices), some crunchy marranitas or a few fried aborrajados pancakes, there will be something to get your taste buds tingling. Opt for the city’s restaurants or stay on the move by grabbing a quick snack from the street stands.

4. You can look back in time

We all love some history and culture on a city stay, and that’s what you can get in Cali. Your first stop should be the historical neighborhood of San Antonio with its colonial architecture and 18th-century San Antonio Church, before you take a stroll through Caicedo Square and visit the Neo-Gothic La Ermita and the Baroque San Pedro Apóstol Metropolitan Cathedral.

5. It's a great base for day trips

After exploring the city, it’s time to go further afield. With a number of popular day trips easily accessible from here, Cali makes an ideal starting point! For example, nature lovers will love Yotoco Forest to the north of Cali where lucky visitors may even spot Howler Monkeys, or the San Cipriano Nature Reserve for a hike through the park and a ride on a traditional brujita.

6. It offers fresh air and green spaces

If you’re in the mood for fresh air and exercise, Cali’s parks are more than up to the challenge! Take an early weekend morning hike up the popular Cerro De Las Tres Cruces for some wonderful views of the city, go for a Sunday trek among mountains and waterfalls in the Farallones de Cali national park, or get a peek into the region’s biodiversity at the Cali Botanical Park.

7. Cali keeps you young

In Cali you’ll find activities for the young… and the young at heart! Bring out your wild side in El Zoológico de Cali, the city zoo situated to the west of the city with part of the city’s river running through it. Run by an environmental organization, it’s home to a huge number of species from both Colombia and around the world. Afterwards, take the 20-minute trip out from the center to the unmissable Andoke Butterfly Park to observe and learn about different species of these colorful creatures in a truly exceptional rural setting.

8. There's no festival like a Cali Festival

For an authentic Caleño experience, a festival is a must. Perhaps the most famous of all is the Feria de Cali, a driving force in the city’s economy that celebrates Cali’s culture and all who live there in a 6-day festival of music, rhythm and sport in the last week of December. Music lover? Time your visit to catch “Petronio Álvarez” in August and you’ll never look back. This summer festival is dedicated to music of Afro-Colombian origin and is a celebration of all that this culture has to offer.

9. Number one for sports in Colombia

Home to some of Colombia’s most developed sports infrastructure, having hosted both the Pan American Games and the World Games, Cali is a must for sports fans. Watch a soccer match in one of the city’s two stadiums, take part in the annual Carrera del Río Cali 10k run or take advantage of the weekly CicloVida on a Sunday to run or cycle along the traffic-free routes.

10. It's not firmly on the typical tourist route

The charms of popular capitals are hard to resist, but there’s something to be said for seeing something new -- and that’s what you’ll be doing here. Visit Cali once and we guarantee you’ll be back again soon!

Author: Ricardo Gutierrez Congote

Director at NH Collection Medellin

I have forged over 30 years of experience in the hospitality sector. After completing my studies in marketing, I began my professional career in the aviation industry, gaining a global perspective on service. Subsequently, I held positions in food and beverage before finally embarking on my great passion: hospitality. During my more than six years living in Medellín, I’ve had the opportunity to explore its hidden corners, and I am continually amazed by the virtues and beauty that ‘The City of Eternal Spring’ offers. Medellín is on the list of the most beautiful cities to visit, thanks to its stunning landscape, surrounded by beautiful mountains, the kindness of its people, the gastronomy of the Antioquia region, and the enviable climate that persists throughout the year.