Known to many as the capital of salsa, it is a magical city that invites you to enjoy its natural landscapes, architecture, gastronomy and, of course, to dance to the rhythm of the best salsa. Thanks to this, for the 2019 version of the World Travel Awards, it won the award for the main Cultural Destination City of South America. If you are still wondering why to visit Cali, in this article we tell you 5 reasons why it should be part of your tour of Colombia and do not be surprised if you want to return!  

1. Incredible Landscapes!

 
This photo caption is missing a little more, something like: In Cali you can capture the best 360 photographs, or if you are looking for an incredible panoramic view, Cali gives it to you / Foto: 
  Without a doubt, one of the main reasons to visit Cali is its location. It is in the valley created between the western and central mountain range of the Andean region, which crosses much of the country's geography. Wherever you look you find mountains that contrast with its modernity and also provide natural spaces ideal for outdoor activities or for ecotourism. For example, just 20 minutes from the city center you find the Andoke Butterfly Garden. It is a special place to learn about biodiversity, bird watching and, if you're lucky, watch the birth of native butterflies from the region in person. Climbing a few more kilometers on the same road, is the Cerro de los Cristales mountain where you will discover one of the most visited tourist attractions of Cali, the Cristo Rey (Christ the King). Visiting this part of the city is one of the weekend plans preferred by Calella families, as it offers a unique panoramic view and is perfect for a day-to-day urban movement escape.    
The monument to Christ the King was built in 1953 to commemorate 50 years after the end of the thousand-day war / Photo: Daytours4u
  Another good alternative is to visit the Sugar Cane Museum. Here you will have the opportunity to know much of the history of the Cauca Valley and the reason for its sugar culture. In the same way, you can learn about the lifestyle of those who work in the sugar cane fields, visit he ranches, sugar mills, lagoons, trails and visit the exhibition hall.  

2.For its Music!

 
Calella nights are filled with music and fun with the famous chivas rumberas / Photo: Daytours4u
  Salsa was born as a mixture between Cuban son and other Caribbean rhythms, this is the characteristic musical rhythm of Cali and, no matter how many days you stay visiting the city, it is a sin not to go dancing! There are many options to enjoy and take some good salsa steps, either during the day or at night. Dance academies abound and the Menga area, or the Juanchito suburb, is preferred by locals for a long night of rumba. Be sure to listen to salsa orchestras that have a long history, the most recognized are The Niche and Guayacan group. They are still strongly acclaimed for their famous songs such as "Cali pachanguero" and "Hey, look, see", respectively. Both became popular anthems and with the best lyrics, enhance all the beauty that characterizes the city.   Travel Tip: For a fantastic night full of music you can join the Paseo in Chiva, a typical Colombian bus!  

3.To enjoy its Unique Cuisine!

 
On 9th street between 35 and 37 avenue, you will be able to enjoy the best parties / Photo: Catalina Alba @catalba
  The typical dishes of Cali are varied and it is tempting to try something different every day. For lunch, the sancocho is a tradition, a soup made with vegetables, potatoes, cassava and chicken or fish. The favorite dessert, and that is recommended to cool the afternoon heat, is the cholado, a mixture of fruits with shaved ice and jams.   Travel tip: Be sure to try the delicious pandebono and pandeyuca. They are breads made with cassava flour and country cheese and are perfect for breakfast or any time of day.   For a complete gastronomic experience in Cali, the ideal plan is to visit the Alameda Gallery, located in the neighborhood that bears the same name and open to the public from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm. This gallery was recently remodeled and in its facilities you will find the widest variety of typical fruits and other dishes such as mondongo (tripe stew), fish soup and other traditional preparations from the Colombian Pacific.    
The Alameda market or gallery square is on Ave 26 and 8th Street / Photo: Daytours4u
  Let yourself be surprised and try the famous chontaduro, a fruit with a very special flavor that must be cooked first in order to eat. It is very easy to find throughout the city in food courts or in street stalls.  
The chontaduro generally can be accompanied with a little salt or honey / Photo: Daytours4u
  You will also find excellent proposals for international cuisine or fusion. The neighborhoods that has the most restaurants are Granada, El Peñón and San Antonio.   Travel Tip: you can book a street food tour in Cali so you have a local and authentic gastronomic experience.  

4. For its cultural offer.

 
The cinematheque of the La Tertulia museum is one of the most sought after spaces thanks to the quality and variety of short films they present / Photo: C Arango 
  For art lovers, Cali offers a daily cultural agenda for all types of audiences. One of the obligatory stops is the La Tertulia Museum, which since 1956 exhibits collections of Colombian and American art, with permanent exhibitions and exhibitions of photography, visual arts, cinema, among others.   Something very interesting about this museum is the presence of two sculptures that are part of the permanent exhibition and are authored by the Colombian painter and sculptor Hernando Tejada, who in 1996 presented the city El Gato del Rio, one of his most representative creations and which since then is also part of the emblematic monuments of Cali.    
The monument of El Gato del Rio has been accompanied, since 2006, by more than 15 cats known as their girlfriends. They were part of a recovery project in the area and today they are part of the urban art of the city / Photo: Daytours4u
  Another cultural space is the Enrique Buenaventura Municipal Theater, which in turn is an example of the city's architecture and was declared a national monument. Week by week it is possible to see national and international ballet shows, symphony orchestras, artistic performances by popular singers, stand-up comedy shows with actors from different parts of the world and international musical proposals. If you want to spend a day visiting the museums of Cali, we recommend you also visit the Calima Gold Museum, located in the city center and the Jairo Varela Salsa Museum. The latter is very easy to recognize for having a large trumpet, which is a sound sculpture that accompanies its visitors with the best salsa songs.   Travel tip: If you have little time to visit Cali, do not forget to visit the best of the city with a complete City tour!  

5.For its annual Events and Festivals!

 
Since its creation in 2008, dancers of different ages travel 1 kilometer dressed in their best costumes, exciting all spectators / Photo: Josué González Morales
  Throughout the year you will have the opportunity to attend different events that keep the musical tradition alive. One of the most recognized is the Cali Fair, which over 6 days (always from December 25 to 30) it becomes the party city with more than 50 cultural events that attract hundreds of tourists. The opening event is the colorful parade of the Salsódromo, which delights the spectators with choreographies of 30 salsa schools and invites you to dance to the sound of live music. Another important event is the music festival of the Pacific Petronio Álvarez. Every August over 10 days, it focuses on highlighting the native rhythms and flavors of the region, through live music shows and food spaces characteristic of the Afro-descendant community.   Travel Tip: You're ready for the fair and to show off your best dance steps, join salsa classes in Cali at Daytour4u!  

Useful information to visit Cali:

 
  • Always stay hydrated and use sunscreen, the average temperature in Cali is 30 ° C.
  • The official currency is the Colombian peso. In the vast majority of establishments they accept credit and debit cards from all franchises.
  •  To get around Cali you can use the integrated public transport system called MIO. It does not cover the entire city but you will definitely be able to reach the main attractions.
  • We recommend that you buy the contact card, or mio card, and keep it charged with a balance since there are not many establishments nearby to put money.
  • The city’s airport is in the municipality of Palmira, about an hour from downtown. To arrive at your place of tranquility, we recommend that you book your transfer service in advance.
There are many other reasons why ‘the sky branch’  as it is also known, is one of the preferred destinations in Colombia. There are several places to visit, and in Daytours4u we offer tours and activities so you can stay in touch with nature and enjoy the best of Cali.   If you liked this post, you may also be interested in reading these 5 places in the Colombian Pacific that you didn't know were.    
 
 By: Vanessa Figueroa González, a Caleña passionate about digital marketing and the world of tourism. Professional in International Marketing and advertising.