The musical rhythms of Cali, thanks to its ethnic richness, range from the currulao of the Pacific coast to the great protagonist of the city: salsa, a contagious and frenetic rhythm that is part of the country's culture.
For this reason, Cali is distinguished in Colombia as the 'Capital of Rumba' and, in the world, as the 'Capital of Salsa', because the street party and dancing are characteristic.
What to do in Cali?
On your tour of the city you can go to the banks of the Cali River to appreciate the architecture of churches such as Ermita and other colonial buildings that are authentic national monuments.
You cannot miss visiting key points such as the Cali Zoo, the Granada neighborhood and the imposing Cristo Rey, a statue similar to Rio de Janeiro's Christ the Redeemer that watches over the city from the Hill of Three Crosses.
Museums are also part of Cali's tourist sites: the La Tertulia Museum, the Calima Gold Museum and the La Merced Archaeological Museum are some of the best known.
You can take advantage of your walks through Cali to try traditional cuisine, which blends Spanish, indigenous and African heritage, giving a unique flavor to each dish. This is how true delicacies are born such as arroz atollado, empanadas vallunas, sancocho de gallina, tortilla soup, aborrajado valluno, green plantain toast with hogao, chop valluna and tamales.
In addition, the sugar cane that grows in the Cauca Valley gives rise to a wide variety of sweets, such as manjar blanco, cocadas, cholado and shampoos, a delicious drink made with corn, lulo, pineapple, cinnamon and honeydew. of panela.
Of course, one of the best things to do in Cali is to go out partying, especially in the Juanchito area, where there are plenty of danzodromes, which with their unique atmosphere will make every fiber of your body vibrate.
Unique experiences
Without a doubt, one of the unique experiences of the city is the Cali Fair, which is celebrated in December to say goodbye to the year to the rhythm of salsa. This impressive fair features the presence of great artists of this genre who come together in a Superconcert.
In addition, the fair is completed with cultural and sporting events.
Other important celebrations are the Petronio Álvarez Pacific Music Festival, which takes place in August, and the World Salsa Festival.
Activities that you cannot miss
If you want to learn how to dance salsa, Cali is your ideal tourist destination. Although it may seem difficult to learn due to the speed and coordination of the movements, in Cali there are many plans for you to internalize some steps in academies and schools.
Another good plan is to get to know the surrounding nature and go to Hacienda El Paraíso, where María takes place, one of the most remembered love stories in Latin American literature, written by the immortal Jorge Isaacs.
On Sundays, many people from Cali move to rivers like the Pance, where you can cool off and spend a quiet day of leisure.
If you walk upstream, you will reach the Farallones Foundation camp, where there is a shelter and guides to get to know the Park.
Recommendations
Getting to Cali by plane is quite simple, since flights from Colombia and abroad arrive at the Alfonso Bonilla Aragón International Airport, located in the neighboring city of Palmira. If you travel from Colombia, you will find a good deal on cheap flights with airlines like Viva Air and Wingo. There are direct flights from the United States plus the Copa connection: American from Miami with 2 daily flights, Spirit from Fort Lauderdale with one daily flight and Copa from Panama City with 3 daily flights.
By land, you can get there using buses or renting a car to travel the 460 kilometers that separate Cali from Bogotá.
The most efficient way for you to move around Cali is by using the Integrated Transportation System, known as the MIO, which currently has eight different routes that cover most of the city.
If you are going to use this system, we recommend that you study the city map and familiarize yourself with the routes beforehand. This will also allow you to choose the best location for your stay. Remember that Cali has hotels of different types that fit all types of budgets.
You can also use the taxi service. The most advisable thing in this case is to call recognized companies or use their mobile applications.
Finally, keep in mind that Cali generally has a very warm and humid temperature, so the ideal is that you wear comfortable, light and cool clothing. But don't forget to pack some clothes that will make you stand out during the intense Cali night, where you can test your salsa dancing skills.