Cali: The Salsa Capital of the World

Salsa music is one of the emblems of the city, but Cali's weather, people, and ambient offer a mixed of uncountable great experiences in which their visitors love when they visit this lovely welcoming place.

As once my grandmother said 'If you don't know where you come from, you ain't going nowhere''. Yes, sir. Here I am talking about my own hometown, the beautiful ''Sucursal del Cielo'' Cali, is by reference the world's capital for Salsa dancing, So be prepare for night full of parties with people dancing a lot of Salsa. Experiencing the salsa culture is half the fun of Cali! Salsa dancing is what defines Cali and it’s what the locals are most proud of

I personally recommend my fav spot 'La Topa Tolondra' Which is a nice face past the city, an ambient spot where foreigners can go to practice or dance some Salsa and show what they know. Of course you will probably need lessons prior dancing but don't worry most people in this city dance #Salsa and they won't be afraid of showing you how to get you started.

Cali is definitely a city paradise hidden between some mountains with skyscrapers and trees all around the metropolis.

Places To See In Cali

Besides all this magic world of dancing, Cali offers many other interesting things for you to enjoy. Places such as: Zoologico de Cali, Cristo Rey, Parque del Perro, Barrio San Antonio, Mirador Sebastian De Belalcazar, Santa Librada, La Ermita among other are the main attractions to this city.

A City View Point

One of the best places to visit. Mirador Sebastian De Belalcazar, you can have great views from the whole city like my cover photo!

San Antonio Park.

It’s great place to go at night with friends and grab a beer and enjoy a traditional meal like fritanga, arepas, pandebonos and more.

El Gato

This one is a giant cat statue among other smaller cats statues which rarely are his girlfriends competing for his attention. Each cat statue was pained by a local artist.

La Ermita

Originally it was a pajiza construction from the beginning of the XVII century, established in the vicinity of the Cali River and dedicated to Our Lady of Solitude and the Lord of the Caña. La Ermita church is a Catholic church located in Santiago de Cali, Colombia.

Very near to La Ermita is located the Boulevard del Rio which is right in the heart of the city. In December this place host several christmas fairs and it's usually crowded with a lot of activities to enjoy with.

The picture was taken in the very popular zone of Cali, the 'Boulevard del Rio' a great place for foreigners to hang out and enjoy some street art and nice traditional meals.

Kilometro 18

It’s I believe one of the most popular places together with Calima lake to go hang out with friends. Located between Cali and Buenaventura.

If you love hiking and rouge adventures, then, Pico de Loro is the place to go! this one is a mountain about 9,000 feet and takes a couple of hours to get up there, usually, people prepare campings and they sleep there to continue on the next day.

Cristo Rey

Jesus King is a big Jesus statue similar to the one in Rio. but smaller indeed. Usually, people chose the sunset to come here and enjoy the spectaculars views.

Calima Lake

Nearby you can find a famous lagoon which is probably one or two hours car drive from the city. Due to the strong winds that billow over the water, Calima Lake is an ideal place to practice water sports.

El Petronio one of my favorite festivals in Cali this affair celebrated the afro-pacific music and it takes place every year in August. I find it very essential for those who wish to know more about this region of western Colombia. The festival takes its name in homage to an important musician who was born in 1914 on the island of Cascajal, near Buenaventura, and he is attended by Colombian groups and other countries that play the indigenous music of the Pacific.

Cali has a huge selection of food- you can find anything from street food to satisfy your late-night cravingsThe Cali gastronomy is excellent and singular because mix international food, with typical Colombian food, typical region food and the Cali flavor, creating exquisite dishes decorated with the most beautiful women from “La sucursal del Cielo”.

Hope you enjoyed this article. Let me know your thoughts on this on the comment section below

Check out more about Colombia here for a more detailed itinerary of things to see and do, as well as my recommendations for some of the best places to eat in the city.

Best Regards,

Jaime S