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 people. Salsa music echoes through Cali’s streets, and for this reason, it is proudly 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 annual celebration, held from December 25th to 30th. It features a vibrant mix of events such as bullfighting, open-air concerts, the famous Salsódromo—a massive salsa parade—and the legendary Juanchito area, renowned for its nightlife and salsa clubs. Nearby, the Pance River offers a refreshing escape where locals and visitors gather for picnics and relaxation. Cali is also home to the Petronio Álvarez Festival, a powerful celebration of Afro-Colombian music and culture, showcasing traditional rhythms, dances, and gastronomy from Colombia’s Pacific coast.
Cali offers a unique opportunity to experience everyday local life at La Alameda Market, a place rich in history and tradition. Here, visitors can explore fresh tropical fruits, taste authentic Colombian dishes, and immerse themselves in the city’s vibrant culinary and cultural scene.
The Cristo Rey hill features a 26-meter replica of Rio de Janeiro’s Christ the Redeemer statue, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the city. Thanks to its strategic geographic location, Cali serves as a gateway between Colombia’s main Pacific port, Buenaventura, and the rest of the country. Buenaventura is the largest port on Colombia’s west coast and handles a significant portion of the nation’s exports.
Beyond the city, Cali opens the door to unforgettable cultural and nature-based experiences. Just about three hours away lies San Cipriano, a magical rainforest village surrounded by crystal-clear rivers and lush jungle, where visitors arrive on traditional hand-powered rail carts known as brujitas and swim in natural turquoise pools.
Within the city itself, the hillside neighborhood of Siloé offers a powerful and inspiring community experience: once stigmatized, now transformed through art, music, street murals, and panoramic viewpoints accessible by cable car. Together, San Cipriano and Siloé reveal the authentic soul of Cali: resilient, vibrant, and deeply connected to nature and culture.
