Cali: The Capital of Valle del Cauca - Complete Guide to What to Do and See in Cali, Colombia
In the valley of the Cauca River, where the sun seems to stay longer than anywhere else in Colombia, lies Cali. A city that breathes music through its pores, where salsa is not just a rhythm, it's the heartbeat of its streets. Cali welcomes you with open arms and feet ready to dance, but also with a history dating back to colonial times, when Sebastián de Belalcázar founded it in 1536 searching for the legendary El Dorado. Today, that search has transformed into the pursuit of happiness on every corner, in every plate of chontaduro, in every sunset over the river.
Introduction to Cali: history, location, and climate
Cali is not only the third largest city in Colombia; it's the capital of the Valle del Cauca department, located in the southwestern part of the country, about 1000 meters above sea level. Its climate is tropical dry, with temperatures ranging between 18°C and 30°C year-round, making every day perfect for exploring. The city is divided into communes and districts, but its heart beats in the historic center, where colonial churches tell stories of faith and resistance.
Must-see attractions: monuments, squares, and historical sites
1. El Gato del Río: It's not just a sculpture, it's a symbol of the city. Fernando Botero donated this fat and happy cat that watches over the Cauca River with a perpetual smile. Around it, other cats sculpted by local artists form a walkway that invites photography and contemplation.
2. Iglesia de La Ermita: With its neo-Gothic architecture, this church looks like it's from a European fairytale. Its stained-glass windows tell biblical stories while the traffic of Avenida Colombia passes at its feet, a contrast that defines Cali.
3. Plaza de Cayzedo: The political and social heart of the city. Here, the independence of Valle del Cauca was signed, and today it's a meeting place where locals discuss soccer, politics, and salsa under the shade of trees.
4. Monumento a las Tres Cruces: On the Cristo Rey hill, three white crosses dominate the horizon. Climbing up there, whether by car or on foot, is a ritual. The view of the city spreading across the valley is a breathtaking reward.
5. Parque del Perro: It's not a dog park, though many bring their dogs. It's the quintessential nightlife zone, full of bars and restaurants where music plays until dawn. By day, it's tranquil; by night, it pulses with energy.
6. Centro Cultural de Cali: A space where contemporary art dialogues with tradition. Exhibitions, workshops, and performances fill its halls, showing that Cali doesn't just dance—it also thinks and creates.
7. Museo de la Caña de Azúcar: In the district of Santa Elena, this open-air museum tells the history of the industry that shaped the region. A steam train takes you through plantations, showing how sugar molded the Valluna identity.
8. Barrio San Antonio: Cobblestone streets, colonial houses with flower-filled balconies, and an 18th-century church. Walking here is like traveling back in time, especially at sunset, when golden light bathes the facades.
9. Puente Ortiz: A pedestrian bridge over the Cali River, with wrought-iron lampposts that seem from another era. Crossing it is a simple but poetic act, connecting downtown with traditional neighborhoods.
10. Estadio Deportivo Cali: For soccer lovers, visiting this stadium is almost a pilgrimage. The atmosphere on match days is electric, a display of Caleña sporting passion.
11. Zoológico de Cali: One of the best in Latin America, with native species like the spectacled bear and the Andean condor. A day here is a lesson in Colombian biodiversity.
12. Parque del Acueducto: A green space where old water tanks became galleries and cafes. Ideal for a picnic or simply to escape urban noise.
13. La Tertulia: The most important modern art museum in western Colombia. Its collection includes works by national and international artists, and its film club is legendary.
14. Bulevar del Río: A pedestrian walkway along the Cali River, with fountains, sculptures, and gardens. On Sundays, entire families stroll here, eating ice cream and enjoying the sun.
15. Capilla de San Antonio: At the top of the hill, this 17th-century chapel offers not only spiritual peace but also a panoramic view of the city. Climbing the steps is an effort worth making.
Cultural experiences: museums, galleries, and events
Cali is salsa, but it's also much more. In December, the Cali Fair transforms the city into a five-day party with horse parades, concerts, and dance competitions. "It's as if the whole city agreed to be happy," Juan, a taxi driver who has watched the fair for 20 years, told me. Museums like the Calima Gold Museum hold pre-Columbian treasures that speak of the peoples who inhabited the valley before colonization. Art galleries in the Granada neighborhood show the work of young artists mixing urban and ancestral elements. And you can't leave without taking a salsa class; in places like Tin Tin Deo, teachers show you that the rhythm isn't in your feet, but in your heart.
Valluna gastronomy: typical dishes and recommended restaurants
Food in Cali is a celebration. Start with a cholado, a mix of shaved ice, fruits, and condensed milk that refreshes on hot days. For lunch, sancocho de gallina is mandatory: a thick broth with yucca, plantain, and corn, which according to Doña María, owner of a small restaurant in the market, "cures everything, even lovesickness." Lulada, a cold lulo drink, is the perfect accompaniment. At night, try the empanadas vallunas, filled with meat and potato, at street stalls like those in Parque de los Poetas. For tight budgets, the Alameda market offers complete meals for less than 10,000 pesos. If you want something finer, restaurants like Platillos Voladores fuse local ingredients with modern techniques. And don't leave without trying champús, a sweet drink of corn and fruits that tastes like tradition.
Practical tips: transportation, safety, and best times to visit
Transportation: The MIO, Cali's bus system, is efficient and cheap. For short distances, taxis are safe if ordered through an app. Renting a bicycle is a good option, as the city has expanding bike lanes.
Safety: As in any large city, caution is needed. Avoid displaying valuables on the street, especially at night. Tourist neighborhoods like Granada and San Antonio are safe, but always walk attentively. "Trust your instinct," advises Carlos, a local guide, "and if something doesn't feel right, better withdraw."
Best times: December, for the Cali Fair, is magical but crowded. June to August, the dry season, is ideal for exploring without rain. If you prefer fewer crowds, March or November offer good weather and lower prices.
Suggested routes
Day 1 (History and culture): Start at Plaza de Cayzedo, visit Iglesia de La Ermita, cross Puente Ortiz, and end in Barrio San Antonio for sunset. At night, a salsa class in Juanchito.
Day 2 (Nature and art): Climb to Monumento a las Tres Cruces in the morning, then to Zoológico de Cali, and in the afternoon to Museo de la Caña de Azúcar. Dinner at Bulevar del Río.
Day 3 (Relaxation and shopping): Stroll through Parque del Perro by day, visit galleries in Granada, and buy crafts at the San Alejo market. End with a cholado at El Gato del Río.
Cali is not a city you see, you live it. It's the sweat of a dancer, the taste of a sancocho, the view from a hill. Come with open ears to hear the salsa, with an empty stomach to taste its flavors, and with a heart ready to fall in love. Book your trip to Cali and live the Valluna experience.
