Things to do in Cali

About Cali

Cali is the undisputed world capital of salsa, defined by its rhythmic nightlife and a tropical climate nestled in the Cauca Valley. Visitors often gather at the Plazoleta Jairo Varela o de La Caleñidad to celebrate the city’s deep-rooted musical heritage. Nature remains integrated into the urban landscape, from the riverside paths near El Gato del Río to the elevated views provided by the Estatua Sebastián de Belalcázar. Historic charm persists in neighborhoods surrounding the San Antonio Chapel, offering a distinct colonial contrast to the modern development seen in areas like the surroundings of Estadio Pascual Guerrero.

Good to know

1. 1

   Cali is the only major Colombian city with a direct land route to the Pacific coast, significantly influencing its unique Afro-Colombian cultural fusion.

2. 2

   The city's regional dialect, Caleño, is characterized by a specific 'voseo' (using 'vos' instead of 'tú') that differs from the formal Spanish spoken in Bogotá.

3. 3

   Cali holds the Guinness World Record for the largest salsa school in the world, reflecting its status as the global epicenter of the dance.

4. 4

   During the 1970s, the city became the center of 'Caliwood,' a significant movement in Colombian independent cinema that produced cult classics.

5. 5

   The city's layout is unique in Colombia for being built on a flat plain surrounded by mountains, which allows for distinct breezes known locally as 'vientos alisios'.