Santiago de Calí, as it's officially known, is a melting pot of Indigenous, African, and Spanish cultures. More than anywhere else in Colombia, Calí captures the racial diversity and harmony of Colombia's people.

The 500-year-old city is the third-largest in Colombia, with a population of 2.5 million spread across the city's 560 square kilometers expanse.

And yet, many travelers give Calí a pass on their trips.

From a historical viewpoint, a handful of churches and museums are well worth visiting. There are also several viewpoints looking outwards into the city below that you should make an effort to see.

Besides that, Calí comes up a little short in things to do. Calí is all about the experience, whether it's the city's people – known as Caleños, its famous sporting scene, or its salsa scene.

Nicknamed 'La Capira de Rumba,' Calí is the salsa capital of the world and the party capital of Colombia. The people of Calí live and breathe salsa, dominating global tournaments year after year. Aspiring professionals worldwide come to Calí to learn their trade from the best in the biz.

Many of Calí's most popular hostels will put on salsa classes. Although, the best way to experience Calí's salsa culture is to get out in the city and visit one of the many bars that offer lessons to gringos.

Salsa is an all-encompassing and unifying force in Calí. That sentiment extends to the nightlife. From hole-in-the-wall gems to multi-floor complexes, Calí's clubs move to the same beat. The nightlife in Calí parties from dusk 'til dawn, weekend or otherwise.

So, the elephant in the room: "Is Calí safe to visit?"

Slowly but surely, Calí is outgrowing its reputation for violence. Although, it is lagging a little behind the progress seen throughout Colombia. But that's not surprising. The Calí Cartel – heir to Escobar and the Medellín Cartel's throne – didn't officially fall until 2006.

With the painful legacy left by the Godfathers of Calí in recent memory, Calí remains in the world's top 30 most dangerous cities by murder per capita. But, some context here is important. Yes, Calí is in the international top 30 for this grim statistic. But it's way behind several major U.S cities, including San Juan, Baltimore, and St. Louis. The sense of danger is a big reason that Calí remains under the radar for international tourism, which is a big shame.

Most crime in Calí takes place in the eastern neighborhoods. Specifically, Manuela Beltran, Aguablanca, and Palmira. So avoid them. Outside those neighborhoods, keep valuables – like smartphones, wallets, and cameras – out of sight in public areas. Follow the advice above, and you should be fine.

Things in Calí are changing fast. With direct access to the Pacific Coast, Calí is one of the fastest-growing economies in the country, presenting hope to those who may otherwise turn to a life of petty crime and theft.

As the third-largest city in Colombia and as a major transport hub in the country, reaching Calí is easy.

If heading for the salsa capital from the Tatacoa Desert, you'll need to hail a collective from Villavieja to Neiva. You can catch a direct bus to Calí for 90,000 COP from there.

If you're heading to Calí from the capital, Bogotá, prepare yourself for a grueling ten-hour ride costing 90,000 COP. As always on long-haul journeys, an overnight bus is recommended.

Disclaimer: This article may contain affiliate links, and we may earn a small commission should you use them, for which we are incredibly grateful. However, the recommendations are still our own and intended to advise on the very best experiences Calí has to offer.

Revel in the world’s Salsa Capital

The world's salsa capital is over-spilling with whole-in-the-wall joints, world-renowned salsa schools, and pulsating clubs. Places where revelers pack the dancefloor into the early hours. Calí's nightlife is some of the best in South America, let alone Colombia.

Whether you're cursed with two left feet, breaking a sweat with the locals, or want to admire the best in the biz, Calí's sweltering nightlife promises something for everyone.

Learning Salsa

Looking to find your rhythm before kicking it with Calí's residents?

You might want to learn salsa to not look a foot out of place in amongst the heat of Calí's clubs. Or you may want to pick up some moves to endear yourself with a local. Or you have no idea what your doing, dancing terrifies you, and you don't want to make a fool of yourself.

All are good reasons to brush up on the beat that Calí moves to. And, you'll be spoilt for choice on how to do so.

Most hostels in Calí offer salsa lessons to their guests – it's one of their major selling points.

Alternatively, you may head to one of Calí's world-renowned dance schools that attract aspiring professionals from across the globe. Though many of Calí's dance schools are on the pricey side, attendance guarantees you'll be moving like a local in no time. El Manicero and Swing Latino are highly recommended.

Dance in Calí

The salsa capital of the world is also the nightlife capital of Colombia. The city is overflowing with clubs where the music thumps throughout every steamy evening.

If you ask where to find the best night out in Calí, La Topa Tolondra and Club TinTinDeo come out near the top.

Friendly yet raucous is the best way to describe Club TinTinDeo, a famous club rammed with Caleños and foreigners dancing to salsa and Caribbean tunes. Club TinTinDeo is especially popular with travelers for offering free salsa classes every Thursday.

Calling La Topa Tolondra a club would be a stretch. A bar? More fitting. Though a trendy one at that. La Topa Tolondra has a relaxed vibe, is often accompanied by a live salsa band, and is open practically every day. All of which makes it a go-to choice for travelers.

Sit back and watch the Professionals

Learning salsa or venturing out to dance might not tick your boxes. If that's the case, book Calí's famous salsa circus, Delirio.

Hosted on the last weekend of every month, the dancers at Delirio are masters of their craft, having spent years in Calí's prestigious dance schools. They share their gift with the rest of the world, performing globally.

The show is a blend of music and dancing, with a dash of the circus. The group behind the performance constantly refines the show with new themes and segments that inspire them. During intermissions, guests – of which there are likely to be 1,000 – are encouraged to get up on stage and dance, adding to the party atmosphere.

Delirio is expensive, with tickets priced at 190,000 COP, out of budget for most backpackers. But, the show is spectacular, and you're unlikely to see a salsa troupe of this quality elsewhere.

Hike up to the Cristo Rey

Less famous than Rio's monument of the same name, Calí's Cristo Rey sits atop Cerro de Los Cristales. A vantage point offering remarkable views of the city below – be sure to bring your camera.

The effigy stands 26 meters tall, making it the largest statue in Colombia and the tenth-largest statue of Christ in the world.

Getting to the landmark is simple. Many hail a taxi from the city below. Others brave the steep walk up Cerro de Los Cristales.

If you walk to the statue, do so in a group. The area is known for thieves and pickpockets. Keep your valuables out of sight and avoid making the trip up or down after dark.

If walking to the summit with a group, go at dawn or at 4 PM in the afternoon. At dawn, you'll catch the blistering Calí sun creep over the city. At 4 PM, you'll watch the evening draw in, with the vista before you transforming as the city lights up.

On the walk up to Cristo Rey, you'll encounter pizzerias, fruit sellers, street food vendors, and juice stalls. All of which makes for a welcome and delicious pitstop on your way to the top.

Walking to the statue, you can pair your visit to the well-reviewed Andoke butterfly farm, located just around the corner.

Formally, Cristo Rey is open from 9 AM to 7 PM during the week and an hour later on the weekends. The landmark is popular with the locals. If you'd rather avoid crowds, we advise going during the week.

San Antonio Walking Tour

Put Calí side-by-side with some of Colombia's popular tourist destinations, and there's relatively little to see. That observation stops with San Antonio. San Antonio is Calí's historic district, dating back to the 16th century. Since then, the neighborhood has been home to Calí's creative community. Writers, artists, philosophers, and musicians have all found a home to unleash their talents in San Antonio.

Today, the neighborhood is ripe for exploration. Presenting you with charming colonial architecture, bohemian coffee shops, hole-in-the-wall bars, incredible restaurants, and – of course – hostels. This is where you find Calí's history and the essence of the city's culture. A place where everything you could possibly need is on your doorstep. Have a couple of hours to kill? This is where you should head.

Positioned on a hill overlooking the city center, the views aren't bad either, particularly from Iglesia de San Antonio – one of the city's most important cultural sites.

Constructed in 1747, Iglesia de San Antonio is a sacred place for the people of Calí. Heading into the church, its interior is far less ornate than the many Catholic monuments in South America. From the outside, it's plain and unassuming. However, the surrounding park is always bustling with sun-soaked locals. La Colina, a bar that just oozes personality behind the church, is also worth a stop.

Iglesia de San Antonio isn't the only attraction in the San Antonio neighborhood.

The popular amphitheater, Loma de la Cruz, draws in huge crowds of locals and tourists. In the evenings, when there isn't a show, you'll find indigenous pop-up shops selling Mochillas (traditional woven sandal bags), leather sandals, and lots more.

The point of all this information is simple: Pay a visit to San Antonio. The best way to do so is with one of the many guided tours in Calí.

Hike up to cerro de las Tres Cruces

This is how the uber-fit Insta-famous Caleños like to start their day. A climb to the top of Cerro de las Tres Cruces. If you're an early bird, you should join them.

A hike up to Cerro de las Tres Cruces entails a steep 1,200 feet hike starting from Barrio Normandiá and ending at the summit of a hill adorned with three crosses. Hence the name.

The trail leading you to the hill's summit is just beyond Granada's super-popular neighborhood. You can expect to reach the top in 45 minutes, though if you're up for a challenge, the record is just 15 minutes.

From the summit, you'll be greeted with sweeping views of the entire city. If you go early enough – when temperatures are still cool – you'll be lucky enough to watch the sunrise creep across the patchwork of buildings below.

First thing Sunday morning – before the heat becomes unbearable – is the best time to go. On Sunday, there is a strong police presence along the trail. This is necessary to protect you from pickpockets and robberies that are, sadly, not uncommon on the path.

Don't forget to bring some cash to indulge in a fresh, iced orange juice from one of the vendors that perch atop the hill.

Take an Excursion to San Cipriano

Nestled deep in the jungle two-and-a-half hours from Calí, San Cipriano is a tiny village that makes for a great overnight stop.

San Cipriano is surrounded by verdant greenery and the crystal clear waters of the San Cipriano River. The landscape sets the scene for some great adventures – if you're willing to go out of your way to get there. And getting there is no mean feat, though it's also a lot of fun.

Starting your journey from Calí to San Cipriano, catch a bus to Buenaventura, getting off near the village of Zaragoza. A ticket for this two-hour journey will cost 29,000 COP.

From Zaragoza, you'll cut a path through the jungle to San Cipriano via a fun and frankly ridiculous mode of transport, the Moto Brujitas.

"What's one of those?" we hear you ask. Picture a motorbike strapped to a wooden palette (this is where you sit). The bike's front wheel is up in the air, and the rear wheel stands precariously on an old train line to push you along. That's a Moto Brujitas.

It's not quite as dangerous as it sounds. In fact, it's a bit like a deranged roller coaster zipping through a jungle. Even better, a return ticket to San Cipriano will only cost 12,000 COP, and the journey takes just 20 minutes.

Once there, you'll have to pay an additional 2,000 COP to enter the nature reserve.

Once in San Cipriano, one of the best things to do is don your swimwear and hike to the different Lagunas surrounding the town. Following the Refugio del Amor trail out of San Cipriano, you'll be in the heart of the jungle, surrounded by placid waters perfect for swimming.

Most lagunas are on the right-hand side of the trail, while waterfalls that feed into them are on the left. The Regufio del Amor trail will see you pass at least three different waterfalls.

The jungle is easy to get lost in, and exploring it is best done with a knowledgeable local guide that won't cost more than 10,000 COP.

River tubing is the most popular activity in San Cipriano. Priced at around 5,000 COP, it's also one of the cheapest. Secure your tube before heading out of town, following a trail parallel to the water. Pick a spot to disembark and leisurely float back to town. The waters around San Cipriano are calm, making for a relaxing experience. However, there are some light rapids around bends in the river.

As for town life, San Cipriano is basic. Impoverished even. You'll be greeted by one big strip of houses-come lodging/restaurants. Accompanied by some of the friendliest people in all of Colombia.

It's a beautiful, secluded place. But not without its problems. Recently, gold was discovered in the nearby Dagua River. Soon enough, multinational corporations moved in to extract the ore. Environmental groups have tried to intervene and evict the corporations. But, they have been met with the threat of violence. And so, the corporations remain to pillage this previously unspoiled part of the world.

If you intend to stay overnight, know that accommodation is bare-bones basic. Stay at Hostel David, and you'll find a private bunk-bed room with a basic bathroom for 35,000 COP. The hostel also has a decent restaurant, offering tasty specials for as little as 8,000 COP.

You'll need to plan ahead when returning to Calí from San Cipriano.

To catch one of the Moto Brujitas back to Zaragoza, you must call ahead and let them know when you'd like to be picked up. But, the phone signal in San Cipriano is a myth, so arrange a departure time before heading into San Cipriano.

Once back in Zaragoza, head to the opposite side of the road where the bus dropped you off. There you'll be able to hail a bus taking you back to Calí for 27,000 COP.

Whether going to San Cipriano for a day trip or an overnight stay, stock up on cash. There aren't any ATMs in town.

Zoológico de Calí

Once lambasted for inadequate facilities and poor living conditions, Zoológico de Calí has transformed in recent years. Today, it is the best zoo in Colombia. One that is worth a stop if you find yourself with a couple of hours to kill.

Sheltering a mix of indigenous and exotic animals, the zoo is home to 233 different species that roam its expanse free of cages. Species include flamingos, Amazonian tapirs, white tigers, and kangaroo, to name but a few.

To get up close and personal with healthy animals in organized exhibits featuring clean pathways that transport you into the middle of a jungle, the 22,000 COP entrance fee is very fair.

Wonder the Centro District & Discover La Ermita

Though not as historic as San Antonio, several historical buildings reside in Calí's chaotic Centro district. Many date back to the earliest days of Spanish rule. It's a neighborhood worth exploring if you have the time.

Aside from historic buildings, Calí's Centro district boasts significant landmarks, excellent museums, and parks for relaxing in. Below you'll find a quick run-through of the best things to do and see:

La Merced Church Complex: A historic landmark in its own right. A statue of the Spanish conquistador Sebastían de Belalcázar – the man who founded Calí in 1537 – is found here.

Museo del Oro Calima: Not as grand as Bogotà's gold museum. Museo del Oro Calima is the custodian of gold and ceramic artifacts created by the indigenous Calima people – the area's original settlers.

Plaza Caycedo: A five-minute walk from the gold museum. Plaza Caycedo is an oasis of calm and tranquility amidst the surrounding concrete jungle. Grab a pew for lunch and admire the vast palm trees adorning the plaza.

La Ermita: Any stroll around Centro should conclude at La Ermita church, one of the landmarks in Calí. Architecturally stunning in sky-blue hues with ornate white details, this neo-gothic style church is a sight to behold. The church takes inspiration from the Ulmer Münster in Germany, the tallest church in the world, albeit at a much smaller scale.

visit a sugar cane plantation

Once upon a time, Calí was a sleepy little town. But then the sugarcane trade erupted, and things were never the same.

Today, sugarcane plantations and the colonial estates they spawned are dotted around the city's outskirts. Many have museums that you can visit.

Touring these working museums, you'll learn about the cultivation and processing of sugarcane while surrounded by the beautiful Colombian countryside.

One sugarcane plantation, and certainly one of the most famous, that you can visit today is Hacienda el Paraiso.

Based 36 kilometers outside Calí, Hacienda el Paraiso is a well-preserved country house amid a working sugarcane farm. The Hacienda is encroached upon by towering mountains, trickling streams, and airy countryside.

So pleasant is the setting that it inspired several romance novels, notably by esteemed Colombian author Jorge Isaacs.

While it all sounds great, the Hacienda can be difficult to reach. To take the hassle out of the journey, you could take a private tour, costing roughly 450,000 COP.

Without a tour, entrance to the Hacienda will cost 8,000 COP, though that doesn't include the price of transport. To get there yourself, catch a bus stopping at Palmira. From there, hail a cab to the Hacienda. The bus will cost 10,000 COP each way, while the taxi will cost about 50,000 COP each way.

Climb to the summit of Pico de Loro

Conquering Pico de Loro is something anyone with an adventurous streak should pencil into their Calí itinerary. The summit of Pico de Loro stands 2,680 meters above sea level in the Farallones of Calí National Natural Park.

Many who visit Calí forget about the city's lush natural surroundings, keeping themselves to the confines of the city. Standing atop this peak and looking out towards the metropolis below and the Central and Western Cordilleras beyond, it won't take long to be reminded.

While the landscape is incredible, solo exploration of the national park isn't recommended. With a small police presence, robberies and muggings aren't unheard of in the park. The only possible way to safely hike to Pico de Loro is in the company of a licensed guide.

So, the hike to the summit of Pico de Loro will cost you. And although the calf-screaming 5-hour ascent is arduous, the reward is worth it.

We'd recommend Valley Adventures when booking your tour. Valley Adventures runs an excursion to the summit of Pico de Loro for 240,000 COP. For your pesos, you get transport to the trail, a local guide, snacks and water for your hike, park entrance paid for, and transport back to Calí.

La Sucursal Hostel

The creation of former backpackers, La Sucursal is a space that caters to every traveler's need.

The hostel is based in the trendy Granada neighborhood, close to the trail for Cerro de las Tres Cruces, La Ermita church, and the bustling Centro district. There are also some excellent coffee shops and hip restaurants right round the corner.

Digital nomads will love La Sucursal. It's a sociable hostel with plenty of communal areas that double up as co-working spaces. Fast WiFi is also a big bonus.

Speaking of that social atmosphere, La Sucursal runs activities throughout the week.

Yoga classes run Tuesday to Thursday at 10 AM. The on-site bar gets lively in the evenings, spurred on by a daily happy hour between 5-7 PM. There are salsa classes every evening at 8 PM. The staff – all Caleños – run regular tours to explore the best of Calí's nightlife.

And we still haven't got to the on-site facilities, including a self-catering kitchen, an outdoor terrace, a games room, an on-site restaurant-come-bar, laundry facilities, and a book exchange. There is also breakfast available every morning for a small fee.

So, La Sucursal is great. But what about the rooms?

Both private rooms and dorms are available.

Private rooms are priced at 80,000 COP and designed for dual occupancy, featuring a private bathroom.

There are a couple of options for dorm rooms. Four-bed, six-bed, and eight-bed mixed dorms are all available. There is also the option of female-only eight-bed dorms.

Four-bed dorms featuring their own bathroom are the most costly, priced at 35,000 COP. Six-bed dorms with a shared bathroom are considerably less at 25,000 COP. Eight-bed mixed dorms with access to two shared bathrooms are priced at 23,000, while the female-only 8-bed dorm is a little more at 25,000 COP, albeit with the luxury of its own bathroom.

All rooms have a ceiling fan, security lockers, charging points, reading lights, and towels. Those paying extra for a private room will also have a mini-bar and, randomly, a personal microwave.

Viajero Calí Hostel and Salsa School

Probably the liveliest of Calí's hostels and based in the historic barrio of San Antonio. Viajero Calí is part of the Viajero chain dotted across South America.

Guests here enjoy an array of on-site facilities, including a pool, an outdoor bar and seating area, a modern self-catering kitchen, a professional salsa studio, free WiFi, communal spaces, and laundry facilities.

There are also many activities on-site for when you're not exploring Calí.

There's a stage next to the bar and pool where shows are held practically every night. Most shows revolve around dance and salsa. But, there is also an occasional live circus, run in collaboration with the Circo Para Todos foundation.

Aside from the live shows, the hostel also runs yoga, salsa, and occasional circus classes.

Viajero provides spacious privates and comfortable dorms for weary travelers.

Private rooms for dual occupancy are priced between 85,500 and 108,000 COP. The more expensive room gets you a private bathroom instead of a shared one. Privates also feature a bedside table, cable TV, a fan, and spacious living quarters.

There is also a private room for four people. Perfect for those traveling in a group. These rooms are priced at 165,000 COP with all the bells and whistles of the other private rooms.

For budget backpackers, four-bed and six-bed dorm rooms are available at Viajero. Four-bed female-only dorms are also available. 

Four-bed mixed dorms are priced at 27,900 COP, while four-bed female dorms are – inexplicably – more at 30,600 COP per night. The six-bed mixed dorms are priced at 26,100 COP.

All dorms feature a shared bathroom, a security locker, reading lights, and power outlets.

All guests enjoy a complimentary breakfast during their stay.

Oasis Calí hostel

The exceptionally reviewed Oasis Hostel is located in the picture-perfect neighborhood of San Fernando Viejo, within walking distance of many of Calí's best attractions.

This laidback hostel is just a few blocks from the best nightlife spot in town, el Parque del Perro.

Inside is a homely flashpacker aesthetic with plenty of amenities.

Facilities include an outdoor terrace and sun deck, an on-site bar, a BBQ area, a self-catering kitchen, a games room with two 55" TVs, a common room, laundry facilities, free WiFi, and hammocks dotted across the property.

Oasis also offers on and offsite activities. On-site, guests partake in yoga and group salsa classes. Private salsa classes are available on request. Offsite, the hostel arranges city walking tours, a tour to Cristo Rey, street food tours, and tickets to football matches.

Two-person privates and six-bed dorms are available at Oasis Calí.

Private rooms cost 80,000 COP per night. They are kitted out with a safe deposit box, security lockers, free towels, power outlets, a microwave, a private bathroom, and sometimes a small terrace with outdoor seating. 

The six-bed dorms are priced at 33,000 COP. They feature a ceiling fan, security lockers, reading lights, sitting areas, power outlets, complimentary towels, and a shared bathroom.

Piazza by Storia A’more

Craving a break from Colombian cuisine and a return to the soft embrace of sophisticated Italian? This is the place to go and is arguably the best restaurant in Calí.

Part of a small chain with establishments in Calí and the capital, Bogotá. Piazza by Storia A'more has four restaurants in Calí. Those in the Granada and Unicentro neighborhoods will be most accessible from where you're likely to stay in Calí.

Prices are fair but pricey, putting Piazza by Storia A'More firmly in the 'treat yourself' category.

Starters range from 19,900 COP for a simple tomato soup all the way up to 49,900 COP for a meat and cheese board served with grilled vegetables.

The main event at the restaurant is, of course, its pizzas! Prices vary from 29,900 COP to 39,900 COP. We recommend the 'Italian,' served with Italian sausage, pork ham, and spicy chorizo. Yum.

Fancy something a little lighter? Try the excellent paninis, priced between 27,900 and 43,900 COP. Our pick of the bunch is the roasted chicken.

Grilled meat dishes – served with potato and salad – are also on the menu. Prices sit between 35,900 and 59,900 COP. Make a beeline for the locally sourced grilled salmon!

It wouldn't be a proper Italian restaurant without an extensive pasta menu. Pasta dishes cost between 27,900 and 43,900 COP. The beef ragu is *chef's kiss*.

The restaurants also have a great bakery if you want something to take on the road. Don't miss the chocolate and banana bread priced at 9,900 COP.

You can check out the full menu here.

El Zaguán de San Antonio

This charming family-run establishment is based in the historical neighborhood of San Antonio, a stone's throw from Iglesia de San Antonio.

The restaurant specializes in casual cuisine traditional to Calí and the surrounding region, which delighted the late Anthony Bourdain. It's easy to see why.

A meal here ensures a filling feast. Couple that with incredible hilltop views of Calí and a cold drink, and this restaurant becomes a serving of perfection.

Prices for meals range between 25,000 and 40,000 COP. You'll get staggering portion sizes for your pesos. The Picada's are our personal favorite.

We advise trying to visit on a weekend so you can tuck into your authentic meal amidst a picturesque backdrop and live music.

Bourbon Street

We get it, you've been on the road a while, and you're craving a taste of the familiar, maybe even a taste of home.

If that's you, you'll fall in love with Bourbon Street Calí. This New Orleans-themed bar in the Granada neighborhood will transport you to the heart of a frat party in the evenings and delight you with great gringo food during the day.

In the evenings, expect a selection of decadent cocktails priced between 20,000 and 25,000 COP and ice-cold beers priced between 8,000 and 27,000 COP. Drinks in tow, you'll party to the sound of a live band covering the Foo Fighters, AC/DC, Guns' n Roses, and more.

For food, the menu consists of American staples. Think juicy steaks (34,900-49,500 COP), Wing roulettes (21,500-79,000 COP), stacked burgers (25,000-29,000 COP), and more

Bourbon Street might terrify you if you're a veggie or vegan reading this. But fear not. There is a host of options to meet your dietary requirements.

Check out the full menu here.

Calí's dry seasons stretch from December to March and June to August. The dry seasons bring stifling, humid heat with them. Average temperatures sit comfortably at 23ºC. So, Calí is much hotter than the likes of Medellín and Bogotá. However, it doesn't quite match up to the Caribbean Coast.

Regarding tourist peaks, the Christmas holidays and July are when Calí is most packed. If you stop during these periods, expect the cost of your stay to rise accordingly.

If we were to advise on when the best time to visit Calí is, we'd point you towards June, just before the peak in tourism and just before the height of the dry season. A time of year when temperatures are pleasant and prices cheap.

Our Map Of Calí, Colombia