Discover the four reasons why travelers should consider a visit to the exciting city of Cali, Colombia.  

Cali, Colombia is quickly becoming one of the most popular vacation destinations in Latin America. This energetic city pulses with culture, great food and beautiful landscapes. Read on to explore why a trip to Cali should be at the top of your list for your next vacation getaway. 

Feria de Cali

Taking place from December 25th to December 30th each year, the Feria de Cali (or Cali Fair) is a music and dance festival that attracts locals and visitors from all over the globe. As Cali is one of the most famous spots in the world for dancing, Feria de Cali features a number of parades with hundreds of vibrantly-outfitted dancers who make their way through the streets of the city. When you feel like taking a break from the parades, you can check out the array of street vendors who cook up a wide variety of international dishes and desserts. With many other events like a parade of classic and ancient cars, plus many concerts; the fair is a definitely a unique experience for all who attend.

Salsa

As the salsa capital of the world, no trip to Cali would be complete without diving into the world of this lively art form. The city is packed with 7,000 professional salsa dancers, including expert instructors who can guide beginners through their first steps of the dance. Wherever you go, you will see dance halls, music academies and schools dedicated to the exploration of salsa, and there are entire districts of the city devoted to this unique Caribbean rhythm. Take a lesson with an expert, and be sure to catch a show with some of the best salsa dancers in the world, who are thrilled to share their art with guests day after day.

Gastronomy

Image of Cali's gastronomy

While many people think of Cali primarily for its salsa dancing reputation, the city boasts a fantastic food scene that draws on a variety of culinary influences to create a truly unique experience for visitors. Whether you are looking for authentic Colombian cuisine, or are interested in trying what international chefs have created in the city, you have a great assortment of options. Cali has something for everyone, ranging from white tablecloth fine dining to street food, that you can munch on as you wander the colonial streets. Make sure to try local specialties like the chicken soup, tortilla soup and arroz atollado. And for coffee lovers, Cali has fantastic shops featuring fresh-brewed coffee from plantations in the region.

Nature

Image of a hummingbird in Cali

Visiting Cali also provides you with great opportunities to get out and explore nature in a beautiful part of Latin America. Just outside the city lies Los Farallones de Cali National Nature Park, which offers  day hikes up Pico Loro, one of the most famous mountain peaks in the region. Along the way you may see endangered species and animals unique to Colombia including birds, butterflies, sloths and more. At the top of the peak, you’ll have unbeatable views of the city and surrounding mountains. And for fun adventure activities, visit the man-made Lake Calima, one of the largest in the country. Here you can kayak, jet ski and fish on the lake in a picturesque location, surrounded by mountains and jungles. It is also a popular spot for kitesurfing and windsurfing due to frequently windy conditions. Nearby the lake you can find accommodations, restaurants and bars to make your stay enjoyable.

From salsa dancing to kitesurfing, concerts and fantastic cuisine, there is no shortage of things to see and do in Cali. See for yourself why visitors come from all over the world to experience all this city has to offer.