Cali and Pereira

Just got back from another trip to Colombia. Mostly stayed in Cali but drove from Cali to Pereira with various stops in between. I always enjoy going to Colombia, however, unfortunately, this time it really hit me how dirty Cali has become. The air pollution is horrible and the overall cleanliness-well sufficed to say I felt like I needed a shower everytime I walked into the street.

Pereira was a refreshing change from Cali. Much cooler ( at 80F)MUCH cleaner, and it felt MUCH safer. Pereira seems to be moving in a positive direction whereas Cali seems to be going backwards. Almost everyone commented to me that the "best" city in Colombia at present is medellin. I will have to go soon.

There were many beautiful sites to be seen in el valle del cauca and risaralda but the best for me were "los termales" thermal springs in santa rosa de cabal great place to go.

By itaguifun on Sep 10, 2005, 13:18 in Friendly Talkzone.

DayTripper says on Sep 10, 2005, 15:35:

Itaguifun: tell me more about your trip Itaguinfun. Nice observations on Cali and Pereira.
Will be going in the same direction soon. First visit to Colombia.
Always thought it was the other way around: Cali bettter then Pereira.
Would be nice if you could tell more about your trip.
Way you travelled, places you have been, locations you stayed.
Thanks, DayTripper

mikecolombia says on Sep 10, 2005, 17:48:

I've been to Cali, Armenia, Medellin, Ibaque, Melgar, Santa Rosa de Cabal, Cartago, Bogota, and I actually lived in Pereira for 1 year. I enjoyed every part of Colombia especially when I was single. I think there is alot to offer in each city if you have time to see everything. There are actually 3 termales outside Santa Rosa de cabal and all of theme are great to visit. I figure that I'll go back to live there if I get divorced,and right now it's a real possibility. I personally liked Pereira the best, but I'm a little bias since my son was born there. But by all means, go to all of the cities if you can; you won't regret it. I've been fortunate enough to see many countries accross the world, and I can say that Colombia is my favorite. Anyway, be smart and you'll have the best time of your life, but if your not; it was nice knowing you..........Mikecolombia

Caballista says on Sep 10, 2005, 18:00:

My favorite city: PEREIRA. 2nd place: Bogotá. But I love every city, every town, and every village. My next trip I'll be going to La Guajira. Viva Colombia!!!!!

spy1984 says on Sep 10, 2005, 23:24:

I was in Periera for 3 days I can't figure out why you people like it? What is there to do there?

bickerss says on Sep 10, 2005, 23:28:

Hi Daytripper, I just went to the two cities, Pereira and Cali. Cali is more fun in my opinion for nightlife, but Pereira is a nicer place. For an idea of things to do, i flew into Pereira for about 180,000 pesos from Bogota and stayed near the main square for about 65,000 pesos a night. i went to the Ecotermales San Vincente, one of three in the region, and it was great. Awsome scenery and the hot pools are really good.

From Pereira, i caught a bus to Armenia 1 hr (about 7000 pesos) and then onto Cali 4 hrs in a fastcar mini bus (18,000 pesos). In Cali i stayed near the sexta ave area, where there aer lots of bars etc. There is a previous post from Mikeinmiami on hot nightspots if you want to check it out.

Also around Pereira is Salento on way to Cali and the Parque de cafe; a theme park type thing. Hope that helps.

haji says on Sep 11, 2005, 17:50:

PEREIRA We attend business in Pereira often and sure hate to go there... the traffic is awful!! and recently has been catalogued as one of the most dangerous cities in Colombia.

Chris

DayTripper says on Sep 11, 2005, 22:29:

Pereira, most dangerous city in Colombia Well Haji, nice information on Pereira. Could you please be more specific by whom Pereria has been cataloged as one of the most dangerous cities in Colombia? Thanks, DT

haji says on Sep 12, 2005, 07:46:

Pereira The Colombian government (security authorities) and most recent crime statistics.And on top of that 2 of my buisness partners live there and say it has became worse The one Rodrigo his dad was shot in his car and killed 2 weeks ago.The other william is a doctor been there all his life and gets threats alot for some reason.also Armenia is having a crime wave of shootings the police told me 5 days ago it has became worse within the last week 4 people killed and these were contract
chris

santa rosano says on Oct 16, 2005, 18:14:

SANTA ROSA DE CABAL ES LO MEJOR QUE TODOS LOS CIUDADES DE COLOMBIA !

ShineyOne says on Oct 28, 2005, 09:03:

Pereira What are the people like in Pereira? I've heard the girls there are easy...My friend from Bogota jokes about them a lot. Wasn't sure if she was just being snotty.

pepster says on Oct 28, 2005, 09:13:

I've heard that too.. "What are the people like in Pereira? I've heard the girls there are easy..."

I've been hearing that for years...can't confirm or deny...

But I've had fun with a quite a few of them ;)

The Pepster

"I'm an American and I'm a Colombian. Not neither or either...so deal with it."

The Pepster ColombianBlog.com