(This is an "approved guide", which means that we think it is very accurate and up to date. It's a "brief" guide which means that we think it can use some more detail - leave comments! Written January 2007.)
Cali is one of the three big cities in Colombia (Bogota and Medellin are the other two). It's most famous for it's love of salsa music: it's one of the best places in South America (and the world) to dance Salsa. It's at a lower altitude (1000 m) and therefore warmer than Medellin or Bogota. Luckily, evening breezes will cool you off in time for the parties. Average temperature is 24 degrees Celcius. Bogota is chilly, Medellin is springtime, Cali is tropical, Cartagena is hot.
Cali is not particularly pretty in any "colonial" sense. In the middle of the city runs the Rio Cali. In the south, around Plaza de Caycedo is the historic part of the city. Avenida sexta (6th) is the new part of town in the north, and a lot of hostels are here. To the north-east is Juanchito, the salsa district.
Avenida Sexta is the modern party district, Juanchito is the place to go for salsa, but only gets rocking after midnight. Taxis to Juanchito are about 10,000 COP. In the south of Cali, around Calle 5 there's a party zone as well. Whereas in Medellin partying means drinking, in Cali partying means dancing - so put on your dancing shoes!
In December, like everywhere in Colombia, Cali has more parties than ever. The Feria de Cali is a huge, multi-day party in December that starts of with a cavalcade - a horse parade where some of the riders are dressed up as Spaniards or criollos. They ride through the strech designated for the cavalcade drinking aguardiente and joking with their friends while people gather on the sidewalks to watch them. Usually the whole thing deteriorates into a drunken revelry with flogged or abandoned horses, garbage in heaps and general chaos and disorder.
A lot of people enjoy partying in Cali, but what do you during the day? Improve your Spanish! To find a teacher, you can ask around at the hostels, or go with an official program at one of the universities.
Universidad Santiago de Cali (http://www.usc.edu.co) has Spanish courses for foreigners, Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 7pm to 8:40pm.
Most travelers seem to go to the language center of Universidad Javeriana (http://www.puj.edu.co/departamento/idiomas/efe.html). They charge depending on the class size, about 10 to 15000 COP per hour, and you have to take the entire course (64 hours).
Another option is the Centro Colombo Americano but they're reportedly expensive at 17$/hour for private classes.
ESSO (http://www.estudiosexterior.com/programas/spanish/spanish_dates_housing_prices.htm) offers private classes ("Spanish for life") for US$ 14/hour. They have centers in Cali and Bogota and also offer their program in Barranquilla.
The Zoologico de Cali (Cr 2A Oeste & Calle 14 Oeste, 9 - 5pm, admission 6000 COP) is by far the best zoo in the country.
There are a few traveler hostals in Cali.
Guest House Iguana (Calle 21N No 9N-22, close to Avenida Sexta, tel 661 35 22, iguana_cali at yahoo.com) is a great hostal run by a Swiss woman. It's in a converted villa in a safe area. They will store your luggage, there are salsa classes and a motorcycle parking. Singles with bathroom are 20000 COP (US$ 8), doubles 25000 COP.
Calidad House (Calle 17N No 9AN-30, tel 661 2338) has dorm beds for 15000 COP (US$ 7), and is a good choice too. There's a shared kitchen and you can do your laundry.
Hostal Santa Rita (Av 3 Oeste No 7 - 131, tel (572) 89 26 143, info at hostalsanterita.com, http://www.hostalsantarita.com/) is in a colonial house and seems like a good option. All rooms have airco.
Hotel del Puente (Calle 5 # 4-36, tel 893-8484, 893 8289) charges 35,000 for a room with bath. They'll store your luggage.
The following hostels and hotels are listed here for your convenience but we haven't checked them. See this post.
Hotel el Prado (Calle 42 # 1N20, tel 4413585) might be the cheapest place in Cali at 13,000 COP for a room with bath and tv.
Aparta Hotel Plaza Norte (Calle 44N #28N-66 (just off Third Ave), tel: 665 0024 ) is an aparta hotel that opened in 2006. Rooms with bathroom, fridge etc. are supposedly $33.000.
Hostal San Fernando (Calle 3 No. 27-87, tel 011 (572) 556 4818, calihotel at hotmail.com, http://www.calihotel.com/) is an American-owned bed and breakfast. Rooms start at US$ 29 and apartments at US$ 39 per day.
Hotel Royal Plaza in the city center at the Plaza de Caycedo is about 65000 pesos plus tax (roughly 30 USD).
Hotel Aristi (Cra 9 # 10-04, tel 882 2521) charges COP 60,000 (US 27) for single rooms with a fan and COP 80,000 (US$ 37) for airco rooms. This area is not so safe at night.
Hotel Astoria (Calle 11 # 5-16, tel 883 3253) charges 39,000 (US 18) (ask for discount) for a single bed with a fan.
Apartaestudios Segunda Avenida (Av2 N 8-47, tel 667-0426) charges COP 60,000 (US$ 27).
Apartahotel Rivera del Rio (Av 2N # 19N73 Barrio Versalles next to Cali Tower, tel 681 4901) charges COP 70,000 (US 32) for rooms with fan, COP 80,000 (US$ 36) for appartments with airco.
Hostal Casa Centenario (Av 1N #2-23 Barrio Centenario, tel 680 9600 , 661 4805) is in a poorer neighboorhood, in front of the river, and charges 42,800 (fan) or 53,500 (airco)
Hostal Casa Tequendama (Calle 5A# 404-41 near to Imbanaco, tel 551-7198 , 553 4589) charges 43,000 (fan).
Hotel Vizcaya Real (http://www.hotelvizcayareal.com.co) - only 1/2 block away from la 6ta Avenida.. north side - $120,000/night (US$ 55).
Hotel Don Jaime (Av. 6ª Norte 15N-25, tel (57)(2) 667 2828 - FAX: (57)(2) 668 7098, reservas at hoteldonjaime.com, http://www.hoteldonjaime.com) is on Av exta can be very loud at night. Rooms are 128,000 COP/night (US$ 55).
Hotel Granada Real (Avenida 8ª Norte Nº 15AN-31, tel (572) 661 4920, hotelgranadareal at telesat.com.co, http://www.hotelgranadareal.com) is located in the upscale neighborhood of Barrio Granada. Very posh and elegant and also a couple of blocks from la 6ta. Rooms are 130,000/night (US$ 55).
Hotel Plaza Versailles (Avenida 5N No. 17-59, tel 682 27 27, http://www.hotelplazaversalles.com) is very upscale too, only a block away from la Sexta. Rooms are 135,000/night (US$ 55).
Hotel Valle Real (http://www.hotelvallerealcali.com) is probably the most upscale of all but also the most expensive... 2 blocks away from la Sexta - 160,000/night (US$ 80).
Intercontinental (Av Colombia No 2 - 72, tel 882 32 25) and Dann Carlton (Cr 2 No 1 - 60, tel 893 30 00) are some of the even more expensive ones.
The Palmaseca airport is 20 km from the city. You can take a taxi (COP 30,000) but a colectivo is just as fast (about half an hour) and much cheaper (COP 2700).
To take a colectivo, go down to the doors where passengers arriving on national flights leave the airport (opposite end from international flights) - there is always a colectivo waiting. These arrive every fifteen minutes up to about nine or nine-thirty at night and go to the bus terminal in Cali.
The bus terminal is in north Cali just a few blocks from Chipichape. You can walk to the bus terminal from the center - just follow the river along Av 2N, or take a bus or taxi (US$ 2).
Buses to go to Bogota (US$ 22, 12 hours), Medellin (US$ 13, 9 hours - if you take the 10:00am bus you get to see the countryside) and Pasto (US$ 12, 9 hours). The Pasto buses can drop you off in Popayan.
The king of tropical music, salsa used to be regarded as low class music - only poor people would dance it. It's more accepted now though. There are different types of salsa music.
Salsa originated from the Cuban immigrants in New York, which is why NY and Cuba are some of the best places to hear salsa. In Colombia, Cali is the salsa capital, but Medellin has a few spectacular places as well.
It's not easy to dance to though - much harder than the merengue that's popular in festivals in Europe. Some people say it's in the knees, some say it's in the hips, some say it's in the feet. And they keep telling you to feel the rythm. When you start to listen to salsa, listen to the rhythm of the wooden thingies (called claves) that they do tick-tick with. Once you get that rythm you'll be in much better shape.
If you're familiar with New York style salsa dancing (or styles of other countries), you'll notice Colombians are much less "showy". Every city has it's style - Calenas dance different from Paisas.
Some must-hear songs:
More salsa artists to look out for in the CD store: Willie Colon, Naty y su Charanga, Grupo Niche, Mon Rivera, La renovacion, Orquesta Colon, El conde Rodriguez, Negro Bembon, Cheche Mendoza, TNT band, Ismael Rivera, Los melodicos, J. Mangual, Joe Cuba, and anything from the FANIA artists. (there's a number of cd's called fania 1 to 9).
The Secretaria de Cultura y Tourismo (the tourist office) is at Cr 7 between Calle 9 and Calle 10.
There are lots of ATMs and banks in the city, and you can easily find internet cafes along Avenida Sexta.
Dentists:
Plastic surgeons:
Share hostels, things to do and so on in the comments! This guide is way too brief for such a great city :)
By Peter (Moderator) on Jan 10, 2007, 08:31 in Travel tips.
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Peter (Moderator) (☼Travelguide writer) says on Jan 10, 2007, 11:12: I went through the PBH archives to put this guide together - thanks to everyone who'se ever contributed information! Please share your comments and more so we can make this guide better... Poor but snappy 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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Peter (Moderator) (☼Travelguide writer) says on Jan 10, 2007, 11:26: One of the main things missing are guides to party places on Sexta and in Jaunchito.. so if anyone is in Cali, feel free to write one. You can excuse your partying by saying it's for "research" ;) Poor but snappy 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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Monita Linda says on Jan 10, 2007, 12:57: Last week we went to the zoo, and as far as I can remember we paid 15.000 pesos for 2 people (that would be 7.500 each).
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Peter (Moderator) (☼Travelguide writer) says on Jan 11, 2007, 15:08: Arthur Brode added: Museo de la Caña de Azucar(not to be confused with parque de la caña) Its located just outside of Cali in "El Cerrito"(about 40 minutes in bus.) Its best to go in bus because the bus drivers know where its located.Most taxi drivers have never heard of it.Once you get off the bus you hop in a taxi that will take you along a dirt path to the park.The taxi ride from the main road to the park is 10,000 pesos.Admission to the park is 5,000 pesos.Museo de la Caña is an old sugar cane plantation that was restored and converted into a museum.While you walk through the trails you learn how they processed sugar in the past.While there you can buy a cup of cold sugar cane juice(Guarapo) for 1000 pesos or 3000 pesos for the bottle full. Poor but snappy 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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arthur brode says on Jan 11, 2007, 16:26: Museo de la Caña de Azucar (not to be confused with Parque de la Caña) Its located just outside of Cali in "El Cerrito"(about 40 minutes in bus.) Its best to go in bus because the bus drivers know where its located.Most taxi drivers have never heard of it.Once you get off the bus you hop in a taxi that will take you along a dirt path to the Museum.The taxi ride from the main road to the Museum is 10,000 pesos.Admission to the Museum is 5,000 pesos.Museo de la Caña is an old sugar cane plantation that was restored and converted into a Museum.As you walk through the manicured trails you will learn how they processed sugarcane in the past.While there you can buy a cup of cold sugarcane juice(Guarapo) for 1000 pesos or 3000 pesos for the bottle full. http://www.calirentals.net/ 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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Bobb42 says on Jan 12, 2007, 13:12: A SURPRISE FOR ARTHUR BRODE IN CALI? Bob
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honey says on Jan 21, 2007, 22:09: Yaku This is a "must-see" in Cali...YAKU... Life is what happens when you're busy making plans - John Lennon. 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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honey says on Jan 21, 2007, 22:13: You should know... On Sundays there is free round-trip bus transportation from Cosmo Centro to the Zoologico de Cali 892-7474 Life is what happens when you're busy making plans - John Lennon. 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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honey says on Jan 21, 2007, 22:26: Parque Recreacional Menga Pa' Ca...A place to spend a Sunday... One of my favorite places to go to with kids in Cali is Simon Parrilla, which is actually the main restaurant (typical "Paisa-style" restaurant - everything comes with frijoles) of a much bigger amusement complex. You name it, they have it...mini-golf, go-karts, paint ball, roller skating and a lot more. There are plenty of places to have a beer while the kids explore. We once went for lunch and didn't leave until well after dark. The only complaint I always have is that they charge for parking. Life is what happens when you're busy making plans - John Lennon. 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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Monita Linda says on Jan 24, 2007, 02:20: I'm having the ticket in my handnow, and we paid (2 adults) 14 mil pesos for us (meaning each person 7 mil pesos and not six ;)
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Precortesiana says on Feb 22, 2007, 20:44: safety level in Cali so..........the beauty of Colombian women has piqued my interest yet again. what is the safety level of a white man in Cali? when I went to Bogota in 2005, the taxi cabs were suspect. I can imagine the same in Cali. If I missed a thread that covers this, I apologize for creating a new one. I want to go in early April. Any input or suggestions would be appreciated.
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issa1269 says on Feb 26, 2007, 23:30: Good Hotel in Cali Hello, I'm traveling to Cali for a third visit. My first two visits I stayed at the Intercontinental Hotel. Great hotel I might say but the rate has gone up from $88 (Feb'06) to $121 (Mar'07). I'm just wondering if anyone here that had stayed at the Intercontinental but would recommend something similiar but a bit cheaper. Like Hotel Valle Real or Hotel Plaza Versailles? From the site, it appears that these two hotels are nice(r).
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captain1010 says on Mar 13, 2007, 21:51: Security, no problem. If you want safe transportation to and from the airport contact us. We'll have our private driver greet you and escort you safely to any area hotel in Cali. We have a client staying with us there now.
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captain1010 says on Mar 13, 2007, 21:54: Hotel Valle The hotel Valle is clean and the rooms are spacious. You dont have the movie star accomodations that you have at the intercontinental or access to the casinos or the great Pizza in the outdoor restaurant that you have at the Intercontinental, but you can snooze quite well.
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Buongone says on Mar 15, 2007, 21:22: What kind of fish can you catch there? Trucha, Catfish, or what kind. thanks
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KIRA1978 says on Mar 24, 2007, 05:51: Best Places To Eat What are some good restuarants in Cali? What would be the price of a sensible dinner? Is room service at the hotel reasonable?
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chester says on Mar 24, 2007, 07:11: I looked on the internet but I could not find a website to make resevations for The Feria de Cali and flog a horse in a drunken frenzy.
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Buongone says on Mar 27, 2007, 00:08: Horseback Riders Yo, You need to make reservations with the people at the stables in southern Cali. My friend has contacts for next year. If you want the numbers, let me know. I was going to do it a couple of years ago. Let me tell you, It is not cheap. Like $400 USD a horse. Last year it rained big time. So all the riders got soaked. But if paying 4 bills, drinking rum, having water baloons thrown at you, then raining on you is your gig, let me know. I'll have my novia get the numbers for you. Chao !!
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honey says on Apr 8, 2007, 22:15: Buongone... At Yaku you catch tilapia roja, hope that helps. Life is what happens when you're busy making plans - John Lennon. 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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Buongone says on Apr 9, 2007, 00:50: honey Donde esta Yaku? Que clase de cebo usted utiliza?
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honey says on Apr 9, 2007, 23:43: Yaku Info... Parque Yaku 665-0227 Life is what happens when you're busy making plans - John Lennon. 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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tim hickman7 says on Apr 16, 2007, 11:03: overnite in Cali Just a note to say that I had problems finding a place in Cali that would take a small dog. So I turned to Art (arthurbrode at aol.com), of course. He came up with a reasonably priced hotel and I paid by PayPal - Art arranged everything.
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NELHENAO says on Apr 22, 2007, 10:31: information on cali 2 good local website with info about cali are: nelson henao 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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astroanne says on Apr 24, 2007, 15:45: Great reasonably priced new hostel in Cali Casa Aguacanela
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astroanne says on Apr 24, 2007, 15:54: Political eco-travel near Cali: Growing the other white powder. ....that's legal but just as lethal.
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tulip365 says on May 2, 2007, 15:10: Looking for Activites in English
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arthur brode says on May 12, 2007, 08:23: http://www.parqueyaku.com/ . http://www.calirentals.net/ 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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la campiña says on May 23, 2007, 08:52: place to stay my name is Paul I have a house with pool close to sexta, it has five rooms, at the moment 3 english and 2 north americans live here but soon 2 rooms will become available, big friendly place, mail me if interested, long term, month or more prefered cheers Paul
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Marielle says on May 24, 2007, 18:35: Safety of Bus Travel Does anyone know how safe it is to travel by bus right now (by day) from the border with Ecuador, or from Pasto, to Cali? I´ve heard a lot of people say it´s fine, but some say it´s too dangerous. Any thoughts or opinions appreciated, thanks!
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la campiña says on May 25, 2007, 17:09: travel its fine no problems its like saying is london safe to walk around
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la campiña says on May 25, 2007, 17:11: stuff to do mail me Ive been here for 5 years on and off cheers paul
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jcketchum says on Jun 5, 2007, 11:54: Hotel Valle Captain1010: What is the nightly rate in US dollar of this hotel for a good average room?
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jcketchum says on Jun 5, 2007, 12:05: Two nights in Cali Any recommendation for two couples planning to stay in Cali for tow nights in mid June?
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