The sprawling city of Cali is the third biggest in Colombia, but as more of a business city, it’s not really on the tourist trail. However, as the Salsa Capital of the World, it’s a great place to experience Colombian nightlife.
My Posts on Cali
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Overview of Cali, Colombia
Cali, officially Santiago de Cali, was founded by Spanish conquistador Sebastián de Belalcázar on July 25, 1536. It originally sat a few kilometers north and moved to its present location in 1537. Most of the land was used for cattle grazing and sugarcane cultivation until the 18th century. The city was also initially the local provincial capital, but Belalcázar moved it to Popayán because of more favorable weather.
The residents rebelled against the Spanish crown on July 3, 1810. It declared independence from the Province of Popayán on February 1, 1811, along with Anserma, Cartago, Buga, and Toro, but the royalists retook control by 1816. New uprisings took place in 1819, and Simón Bolívar (1783-1830) arrived in 1822. The city became an important military outpost that contributed greatly to the independence of other countries to the south.
Throughout the rest of the 19th century, Cali continued to be a mostly agricultural community but began developing industrial and financial sectors. The first telegraph was installed on February 11, 1873, and the electricity arrived on October 26, 1910.
Cali was still a relatively small city until the opening of the Panama Canal in 1914. The city transformed with the construction of the railroad and road connections to the port city of Buenaventura between 1926 and 1945. This allowed for the export of coffee and sugarcane, resulting in an economic boom.
Recent History
More recently, a tragic event occurred on August 7, 1956, when 7 trucks carrying explosives for the army exploded in the city center, killing explosives about 1,100 people. Cali hosted the 1971 Pan American Games, but then suffered for through the 1990s as the Cali Cartel battled for control of the illegal drug trade with the Medellín Cartel.
Cali has since rebounded from its dark recent past, improving infrastructure and quality of life as well as hosting major international events. The city features very good hotels, some excellent restaurants, and great nightlife.
My Experience with Cali
I’ve been to Cali several times to visit Marisol’s relatives and just for fun. In all honesty, I’ve never really been impressed by the city, but there’s enough to keep anyone busy for at least a couple days. As far as the weather, it can be brutally hot and humid during the day but it tends to be more comfortable at night.
You can pretty much see the highlights in a day or two, including sites in the historic city center, some of the major museums, plus the world-class zoo. For lovers of salsa music and dancing, however, the city might be worth a longer stay.
How to Get to Cali, Colombia
If traveling from an international destination, there are plenty of flights into the city. Otherwise, if you’re already in Colombia and within a few hours, you can take one of the frequent buses.
Alfonso Bonilla Aragón International Airport
The airport, Alfonso Bonilla Aragón International Airport (CLO), is located northeast of the city. It serves several domestic destinations. Internationally, it’s possible to go direct from just a few cities such as Santiago, Madrid, Panama City, Miami, and New York (as of June 2025). A taxi is the fastest way to get into the city center from there. You can also take a bus to the bus terminal.
Cali Bus Terminal
It’s possible to get to Cali by bus from several major cities in Colombia. It’s also a major gateway to cities in the south of the country and Ecuador, with overnight trips to the border at Ipiales (11-12 hours).
In my experience, I would only take the bus if it’s your only option. That would include cities such as Pereira, Manizales, or Popayán. If you’re quite far away in Bogotá or Medellín, I recommend flying.
From the bus terminal in Pereira, we used TaxCentral. They generally have two options, bus and Kia. The Kia only takes three hours, while the bus is just a bit more economical but a much longer ride. Expreso Palmira, Tax Belalcázar, and Expreso Trejos also make the trip. To and from Popayán, it takes about three hours.
Where to Stay in Cali, Colombia
Cali has a great choice of hotels for both business and pleasure, ranging from basic hostels to top five-star name brands. Although I usually stay with friends or family on my many trips through the city, I’ve had the chance to stay at two different hotels.
Hampton by Hilton Cali
I normally don’t stay at chains, but we decided on the Hampton by Hilton because of its rooftop pool. Located in a big building near the Río Cali and Barrio San Antonio, reception and the breakfast room are on the 9th floor — a decent breakfast is included in the rate. There’s also a branch of Crepes y Waffles on the ground floor.
Rooms are typical of a Hampton. It was a little tight for the three of us but overall it was comfortable and clean. Although the pool is small, it’s a nice way to cool off from the Cali heat. We stayed four nights.
Hotel OLH Versalles
I’ve stayed a couple times at Hotel OLH Versalles (formerly Ofi+Hotel), which is not too far from the bus terminal. It’s a modern boutique business hotel with big rooms. It was spotless and the service was friendly, not mention the price has been a bargain. (Note: all photos below are from when it was Ofi+Hotel.)
Hotel OLH has an excellent breakfast included in the price. Choose from an omelet, scrambled or fried eggs, sandwich, or cereal. Each meal comes with a fresh juice, choice of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate, and a choice of bread, arepa, or a pancake. It can be served in your room or on the rooftop terrace.
Travelers Suites Castellón de Juanambú
For a nice romantic getaway, there’s Travelers Suites Castellón de Juanambú. It’s located near the upscale Barrio Versalles on a quiet residential street. We opted for a suite, which has a room 40 square meters, a large sitting area, and a small kitchenette. It was like our own private apartment in Cali.
We particularly enjoyed the huge balcony with the jacuzzi and excellent views over Cali. The service was excellent and the room was clean with a good wifi connection. Breakfast was chosen the night before and delivered to the room at a specified time the next morning. They also have a decent lunch and dinner room service menu.
Travelers Suites is located within walking distance of several restaurants and bars, but is up a steep hill. It might be easier to take a taxi coming back.
Shopping in Cali, Colombia
Cali has a few good shopping malls. I’ve been to Chipichape in the north and Jardín Plaza in the south, among others. Of those two, I prefer Jardín Plaza. Both are massive, but it’s easier to get lost at Chipichape.
Sports in Cali, Colombia
Cali is home to two of the biggest football clubs in Colombia – Deportivo Cali and América de Cali. Deportivo plays at Estadio Deportivo Cali while América plays at Estadio Pascual Guerrero. You’re guaranteed a great atmosphere at either stadium.
Cali at Christmas
During the holidays, parks and plaza in the city center are lit up with thousands of colorful lights (alumbrados navideños). The lights are on from the second week of December through the first week of January. Head to Parque de La Retreta, Parque de los Poetas, Plaza de Cayzedo, and Bulevar del Río to enjoy them.
Safety in Cali, Colombia
Many parts of Cali are still considered dangerous, and we’ve noticed the security situation deteriorate over our last few visits. You need to take extra precautions in the historic city center, Bulevar del Río, and Barrio San Antonio, even during the day.
North of the Río Cali, however, it’s a different story. We’ve never had any problems during any time of day in the upscale area of Barrio Granada, where many of the city’s best restaurants, bars, hotels and shops are located.
In general, avoid wearing jewelry in public and keep your bags closed and valuables hidden. Don’t wander outside the touristy areas. At night, it’s better to take a taxi, even if you’re just walking a few blocks.
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