Places / South America / Colombia
Cali
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At a glance
- Country
- Colombia
- Region
- Valle del Cauca
- Population
- 2.3 million
- Best time to go
- December to March
- Main airport
- Cali Alfonso Bonilla Aragón International (CLO)
- Coordinates
- 3.45°N, 76.53°W
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Overview
Cali lies in the hot, fertile Cauca valley in south-western Colombia, with the western range of the Andes rising behind it. It is famous across Latin America as the world capital of salsa, and music spills from cars, shops and open doorways.
Cali is less polished than Bogotá or Medellín, but warm and full of character. Learn a few steps, explore the hilltop old quarter and try the fresh tropical fruit sold on every corner.
Things to see
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Photo: ProtoplasmaKid, CC BY 4.0 San Antonio
A hilltop colonial neighbourhood of whitewashed houses, cafés and a small church with city views at sunset.
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Photo: Juan Velasco, CC BY-SA 4.0 Cristo Rey
A tall statue of Christ on a hill west of the city, with sweeping views over the valley.
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Photo: C arango, Public domain La Ermita
A white Gothic-style church beside the Cali river, one of the city's most photographed buildings.
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Photo: Juan Espinosa, CC BY-SA 2.0 Gato del Río
A giant bronze cat by artist Hernando Tejada, surrounded by colourful cat sculptures along the riverside.
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Cali Zoo
A well-regarded zoo beside the Cali river, with a strong focus on Colombia's native wildlife.
Tickets and tours
Things to do
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Photo: Hilcias Salazar, CC BY 2.0 Learn salsa
Take a class at one of the many dance schools, then try your moves in a salsa club.
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Photo: Jyon, CC BY-SA 3.0 Feria de Cali
A huge late-December festival of salsa parades, concerts and street parties across the city.
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Photo: vasquezcarlosm, CC BY-SA 2.0 Eat and drink like a caleño
Try lulada and champús fruit drinks, warm pandebono cheese bread and empanadas.
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Photo: PapisitoDeEmmanuel, CC BY-SA 4.0 Cool off at Pance
A river valley on the southern edge of the city where locals swim and picnic at weekends.
Where to stay
San Antonio
Charming and historic, with boutique guesthouses and cafés. Good for a first visit.
Hotels in San AntonioGranada
Leafy and central, with many of the city's best restaurants.
Hotels in GranadaEl Peñón
Upmarket and quiet, close to the river and San Antonio.
Hotels in El Peñón
Getting around
The MIO bus network covers the main routes, while taxis and ride-hailing apps are easy and cheap. Use taxis at night rather than walking.
The airport is north-east of the city in Palmira, around 30 to 45 minutes to the centre by taxi or shuttle.
When to go
Cali is hot all year. December to March and July to August are the drier months, and the Feria de Cali runs from Christmas to the end of December.
Plan your trip to Cali
Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.