Cali came as a surprise to me, having been told that the city is unsafe and that there isn’t much to do. I anticipated dancing salsa the whole duration of my very brief stay. Although Cali will never be my favourite city in Colombia, I was still surprised by the fun activities this city has to offer. As the salsa capital of Colombia, the sensual dance is at the forefront but there are also bike rides to stunning views, hikes, and plenty of food like Chuleta Valluna to discover. Read on to find out what to do in Cali for 24-hours, what to eat, where to stay, shake those hips, and what on Earth Chuleta Valluna is.
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WHAT TO DO IN THE MORNING
Cycle To The Cristo Rey Statue.
Want to see as much as possible within your 24-hours in Cali? Hop on an electric bike to enjoy a fun ride around Cali’s historical landmarks, the cat park, parts of downtown to a gorgeous hilltop view of the metropolis. Admittable the final stretch will tire you out. The heat and steep hill can be a challenge even on an electric bike. Although, the road guiding you through jungle-like terrain to get to the Cristo Rey statue and the incredible view over the bustling city is worth the effort.
Cali Bike Tours depart hourly and take 2 to 3-hours depending on the groups’ fitness level. To book this fun way to experience Cali, you need to either head to one of the Cali Bike Tour offices or I recommend booking directly through your hostel. Prices start from COP 25,000 / £ 5.
Hike Up The Cerro De Las Tres Cruces.
Looking for a free activity to fill your 24-hours in Cali with instead of a bike ride? This hike is the perfect activity for adventurous souls, offers incredible views of the salsa capital, and doesn’t cost a penny. Along the around 2-hours trail, there are some steeper challenging sections that may require the use of your hands to climb up. The most difficult part of this adventure is to find the start of the trail and according to some friends stay on it. Although, there are signs to follow along the official trails to keep you on track.
The easiest way to find your way to the entrance is by taxi. Simply ask to be taken to the “sendero al Cerro de Las Tres Cruces”. Another option would be to find your way to neighbourhoods Normandía and Juanambú. From there walk to Calle 12N Calle 12N and ask locals for directions to one of the several trail starts.
It is recommended to travel light, bring enough water and according to locals some money in case you encounter thieves. Hiking in the early morning is safest since the police are only stationed around the hill until around midday and thereafter muggings are a common occurrence. The safest day to visit the Tres Cruces is on Sundays when many Caleños will hike to the three crosses as part of a religious ritual.
WHAT TO DO IN THE AFTERNOON
Walk Around The City.
Neighbourhoods San Antonio and El Peñon are only a stone throw away from the Tres Cruzes. Wander around Cali’s most colourful steep hilled neighbourhoods for hipster cafes, trendy shops, and colourful street art whilst taking more of Cali’s beauty in from above.
From there walk to the El Gato Del Rio, a riverside park full of cat statues by artist Hernando Tejada. Anyone has already been there on their bike ride and any art lovers should head to the modern art museum Museo la Tertulia instead. From the El Gato Del Rio it is only a 15-minute walk to Plazoleta Jairo Varela a small square by Parque Simón Bolívar with a gigantic trumpet installation blaring music. At times you can catch people swing their hips to the salsa music.
Tip │ Don’t feel like walking? Hop onto a scooter instead. Both Lime and Grin scooters are readily available in tourist areas.
WHAT TO DO IN THE EVENING
Salsa And More Salsa.
It would be a crime to spend 24-Hours in Cali and not spend the night on the fiery dance floors. Notorious for their rich salsa heritage, the bustling cities’ salsa bars are open every night. Check with your hostel which bar is recommended for each night. The most popular salsa clubs are Tin Deo, Delirio, Zaperoco and my personal favourite La Topa Tolondra.
Hostels tend to offer salsa classes to practice before being twirled around by the locals. Prepare yourself for the fast pace of Cali Salsa. After a month of practising in Colombia, I was pulled and turned more than moving to my own accord. Most importantly don’t be shy! Everyone will be more than happy to teach you a trick or two
WHAT TO EAT
Around the Parque El Peñon you can find a handful of street vendors offering different types of food. Upon my arrival, I had an uber driver that provided me with an extensive list of food to try. The biggest surprise was Chuleta Valluna a dish that to me can only be described as Viennese Schnitzel. I didn’t expect to see a traditional Colombian dish with Austrian routes. Other delicious traditional foods to look out for are fish soup – Sancocho de Pescado, my favourite snack called Maranitas – fried green plantains stuffed with chopped sausages, empanadas vallunas, and milk-based desserts – Manjar blanco. Almojabana is a popular sweet bread in Cali although it’s not going to become my favourite.
WHERE TO STAY
Cali is one of the more dangerous cities in Colombia. Most hostels, plenty of cafes and restaurants can be found in the safer neighbourhoods of San Antonio or Versalles.
Oasis Hostel.
This hostel had the usual free breakfast, a big kitchen to cook in, plenty of areas to socialise including a “hot tub” and offered salsa classes. COP 23,000 per night. Cl. 2 Oe. ##25-28, Cali, Valle del Cauca
Viajero Hostel.
This hostel has a pool big outdoor area for socialising, free breakfast, and its own hostel bar. There are yoga and salsa classes offered. Anyone booking any of their other locations directly with their reception receives a discount. COP 31,000 per night. Cra. 5 #4-56, Cali, Valle del Cauca
SAFETY
Cali is often deemed unsafe and therefore avoided by travellers. Although, the metropolis noticeably has a different vibe to Medellin or Bogota the lack of tourists flashing their cameras is no reason to feel unsafe. As always same advice stands ‘no dar papaya’, meaning do not keep items unattended and be mindful that muggings aren’t uncommon. Some locals advise you to not wear watches and jewellery to prevent being targeted.
WHERE TO NEXT
Are you wondering where to go after Colombia’s salsa capital Cali? Head to Colombia’s capital, Bogota for food tours and cable car rides or Medellin for street art and bustling nightlife. Would you rather hike through a cloud forest to witness the world’s tallest palm trees and enjoy tasty coffee with a stunning view? Then head Salento.
Did I do a good job of sharing my love for Colombia’s salsa capital? Also, did I mention that I was surprised to see Chuleta Valluna? Still, no clue what it is? It is Colombia’s answer to Austria’s breaded veal cutlets.
Now go ahead and dance until the sun comes out! Try not to lose your towel.
Great content! Keep up the good work!
Thank you so much, I much appreciate you enjoying the content. Happy Exploring!