Santiago de Cali is one of the oldest cities in Colombia. It was founded in 1536 by the conquistador Sebastián de Belalcázar. Before the conquest, Cali was inhabited by indean tribes such as the gorrones, timbas and morrones. During the firest days of the XIX century, cali will join the efforts to achieve independency from spain, and rised on July 3rd of 1810, making an alliance with neighbouring cities as was done by the natives in the Cauva Valley to oppose the spaniards decades earlier.Due to its location, which is ideal for the development of commerce, Cali began to transform into one of the biggest cities of the country at the beginning of the XXth century, in part due to the construction of new means of transportation - such as trainways and highways- which connect the city with the Buenaventura port, favoring the exportation industry. Present day Cali is a prosperous city, which is known as the colombian capital of the rumba and salsa due to the great number renowned schools that teach these dances.
Cali is the capital of Valle del Cauca and is worldwide known as the salsa capital. It is a vibrant city, full of energy, with a mix of history, culture, and nightlife. Cali stands out for its warmth, lively streets filled with rhythm, and for being one of the top destinations for music and dance lovers.
Weather in Cali
Cali has a tropical warm climate, with average temperatures ranging from 25°C to 28°C. During the summer season, the city enjoys sunny temperatures, while in the rainy season, especially from April to November, the temperatures can be cooler and more humid.
Hotels in Cali
Hotel Intercontinental Cali
Services: Pool, spa, restaurant, gym, and free Wi-Fi.
Location: Near the Cali river, in the city center.
Price Range: From $200,000 COP per night.
Hotel Spiwak
Services: Spacious rooms, international cuisine restaurant, gym, and free Wi-Fi.
Location: Residential area in northern Cali.
Price Range: From $180,000 COP per night.
Hotel Ciudad Jardín
Services: Restaurant, modern rooms, and free Wi-Fi.
Location: Southern Cali, near shopping centers.
Price Range: From $120,000 COP per night.
Restaurants in Cali
La Comitiva Restaurant
Services: Traditional Valle del Cauca cuisine, especially dishes like sancocho and grilled beef.
Location: Southern Cali.
Price Range: From $30,000 COP per person.
El Zaguán de San Antonio Restaurant
Services: Typical food from Valle del Cauca, with dishes like seafood rice and lechona.
Location: San Antonio neighborhood.
Price Range: From $40,000 COP per person.
Ringlete Restaurant
Services: Fusion of traditional Valle del Cauca cuisine with international influences.
Location: Historic center of Cali.
Price Range: From $35,000 COP per person.
Tourist Spots in Cali
Cali Zoo
A zoo with a wide variety of native and exotic species, ideal for families. It is one of the oldest and most prestigious zoos in Colombia.
San Antonio Church
A historic landmark of the city, located in the most traditional neighborhood of Cali. From here, you can get panoramic views of the whole city.
Parque de los Gatos (Park of the Cats)
This park is famous for its sculptures of cats displayed to the public, representing an important part of the city's modern art scene.
Salsa in Cali
Cali cannot be mentioned without referring to its salsa. There are many places where you can enjoy live music, learn to dance salsa, or simply enjoy the energy the city offers in its parties and festivals. The World Salsa Festival is one of the most anticipated events for music lovers.
Paseo de la Reforma
One of the main avenues in the city, where you can enjoy a peaceful walk surrounded by nature, cafés, and local shops.
How to get from Barranquilla to Cali by bus?
The distance between Barranquilla and Cali is approximately 700 kilometers, and the bus ride takes about 12 hours.
Boarding terminals
Disembarking terminals