Guide to Cali

Planning a trip to Cali? Here's everything you need to make the most of the world's salsa capital: what to see, where to eat, how to get around and the best experiences among mountains, river and nightlife.

Plan your trip to Cali

About Cali

Before visiting a city, it helps to know as much as possible so your trip goes smoothly. Here's everything you need to know about Cali: its weather, the best time to go and our top tips for your visit.

Weather

Cali is warm all year round, with temperatures between 20 °C and 33 °C. It's one of the hottest cities in the country, so pack light clothing, wear sunscreen and stay hydrated.

When to visit Cali

You can visit at any time of year, but December is special thanks to the Feria de Cali, held between Christmas and New Year's, with parades, live orchestras and the whole city turned into an open-air salsa capital.

Tips for your visit

Where to stay: there are options for every budget. For a good location, we recommend the Granada or El Peñón areas, close to the river and to plenty of restaurants and nightlife.

Best times to explore the city: use your mornings for the Cali Zoo or San Antonio, and save the afternoon for Cristo Rey, a perfect lookout for watching the sunset over the city.

Enjoy the city safely: it's a hot city, so drink plenty of water and wear sunscreen. As in any big city, don't show off valuables and use licensed taxis or ride-hailing apps at night, especially in nightlife areas.

Budget: Cali is one of Colombia's most affordable destinations. These figures are for reference only and may vary by season and provider:

Budget trip: between 160,000 and 230,000 COP per day (hostel, meals at local fondas, public transport on the MIO).
Mid-range trip: between 450,000 and 650,000 COP per day (3–4-star hotel, mid-range restaurants, Zoo admission or a salsa class).
High-end/luxury trip: from 1,200,000 COP per day (boutique or 5-star hotel, chef-driven restaurants, private tours).

Things to do in Cali

Cali is all about mountains, river and nightlife: from climbing to Cristo Rey to wandering around San Antonio or dancing salsa until dawn, there's something for every kind of traveler.

Must-sees

Cali Zoo

Considered one of the best in Latin America, the Cali Zoo is home to hundreds of species along a family-friendly route with trails beside the Cali River.

Cristo Rey

A statue with open arms atop Cerro de Los Cristales, offering one of the widest panoramic views of the valley. Locals often go up at sunset for hot chocolate and grilled skewers while the sun goes down.

San Antonio

Cali's colonial, bohemian neighborhood, with cobbled streets, colorful houses, art galleries and some of the city's best cafés and restaurants, all around the iconic San Antonio Church.

Bulevar del Río and El Gato del Río

An urban promenade along the Cali River, where the Gato del Río (River Cat) sculpture is one of the most photographed spots in town. Ideal for a sunset stroll.

City Tour Cali Salsa Experience

A guided tour by private vehicle to more than 25 cultural and historic sights in Cali, led by certified local guides: lookouts, El Gato del Río, the giant Cali sign, Plazoleta Jairo Varela and Plaza de la Salsa, Paseo Simón Bolívar, La Ermita Church, Bulevar del Río and a walking tour of the historic center and Plaza de Cayzedo, among others.

Includes: guide, ground transport, walking tour of the historic center, tasting of a local specialty and door-to-door pickup within the central urban area.

Duration: 4 hours. Schedule: Monday to Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.; Sundays and public holidays from 9:00 a.m.

Reference price per person: from 175,000 COP.

Learn more here

Salsa Tour: learn, dance and play the instruments

A sensory dive into the roots of Cali salsa: learn to play live percussion and dance Cali-style salsa as you explore Plazoleta Jairo Varela, Calle del Sabor, murals such as "Las caleñas son como las flores" and the tribute to Héctor Lavoe, Calle de la Escopeta and the Museum of the Pioneers of Cali Salsa.

Includes: percussion and dance class, local guide, entry to the salsa museum, a traditional snack or drink and the chance to paint your own souvenir in support of the Asomucaf Foundation.

Duration: 3 hours, including an easy 3.2 km walk. Schedule: Monday to Saturday at 2:00 p.m.; no tours on Sundays or public holidays.

Reference price per person: from 131,000 COP.

Learn more here

Getting around Cali

Cali has a wide range of public and private transport options. Here's what you need to know about each one.

MIO

The Masivo Integrado de Occidente (MIO) is the city's mass transit system, with articulated buses running on dedicated lanes and feeder routes into the neighborhoods. Fares are paid with a rechargeable card available at stations.

MIO Cable

A cable car integrated into the MIO network that climbs from Cañaveralejo station up the hillsides of Siloé; beyond getting you around, it offers a different view of the city.

Taxis and ride-hailing apps

Taxis in Cali use meters. Ride-hailing apps are also widely used and are a convenient alternative, especially at night and for getting back from nightlife areas.

Bus terminal

Cali's main bus terminal (Terminal de Transportes), just north of downtown, connects the city with towns across Valle del Cauca and with Colombia's main cities.

From the airport

Cali is served by Alfonso Bonilla Aragón International Airport (CLO), located in Palmira, about 30–45 minutes from downtown depending on traffic. You can get there by taxi, private transfer or the buses that leave from the city's bus terminal.

Food in Cali

The food of Valle del Cauca is a reason to visit Cali in itself.

Sancocho de gallina

The Valle's most traditional dish: a free-range hen broth with plantain, cassava, corn on the cob and cilantro, often cooked over a wood fire and served with rice and avocado.

Chuleta valluna

Pork loin pounded thin, breaded and fried until crisp, served with rice, potatoes or patacones (fried green plantain) and salad. A staple of Cali's restaurants.

Cholado

The Valle's most refreshing treat: shaved ice topped with chopped fruit, syrups, condensed milk and cookies, perfect for Cali's heat.

Pandebono and pandeyuca

Baked cheese breads made with cassava starch, a Valle breakfast and snack favorite, best enjoyed with coffee or hot chocolate.

Champús and lulada

Two of Cali's traditional drinks: champús, made with corn, lulo, pineapple and panela (unrefined cane sugar), and lulada, made with chopped lulo, lime and ice.

Where to eat

Granada is home to much of the city's mid-range and upscale dining; San Antonio mixes cafés and restaurants with a bohemian vibe, and the Galería Alameda, Cali's most traditional market hall, is the place to try Pacific and Valle cooking at good prices.

Map of Cali

If you're looking to make memories that last a lifetime, you've come to the right place. Since 2020, Exploreti has been selling tickets and bookings for the best events, parks, tours and attractions in Colombia.

Back to guides