Santiago de Cali is the capital city of the Valle del Cauca department located in southwestern Colombia. The city enjoys year-round spring-like weather and is known for its friendly and hospitable inhabitants. Salsa music echoes through Cali’s streets, and for this reason, it is known as the “World’s Capital of Salsa”. As the third largest city in Colombia, after Bogotá and Medellín, Cali’s major industries revolve around sugarcane production and cattle ranching.
The ‘Feria de Cali’ is the city’s most important fair, held annually from December 25th through 30th, featuring activities such as bullfighting, open-air concerts, the ‘Salsodromo’ a massive salsa parade and ‘Juanchito’, a well-known area for nightlife and salsa entertainment, as well as the Pance riverbanks where locals often go for picnics. Cali also hosts the Petronio Alvarez Festival, a celebration of Afro-Colombian music and culture, showcasing traditional rhythms, dances, and gastronomy from the Pacific coast.
Cali also offers a chance to experience everyday local culture at La Alameda Market, a space rich in history and tradition, where visitors can enjoy fresh products, typical Colombian food, and immerse themselves in the authentic local life.
The ‘Cristo Rey’ hill hosts a 26-meter replica of Rio de Janeiro’s ‘Christ the Redeemer’ statue with open arms and provides spectacular panoramic views of the city. Cali has a strategic geographic location as it serves as the gateway from the main Pacific port, Buenaventura, to the rest of the country. The port of Buenaventura is the largest on Colombia’s west coast and handles most of the nation’s exports.
