Cali

By Richard McColl

Colombia’s third city is one of contrasts. Watched over by the statue of the Cristo Rey and the Tres Cruces, the capital of the Valle del Cauca region is recognized as being the industrial powerhouse in Colombia’s southwest. Cali invites all to visit with promises of unforgettable balmy nights filled with salsa rhythms in the company of seductively beguiling Caleñas and days spent idly wandering through chic areas lined with boutiques and historic districts with special emphasis placed on the arts.

Cali is realising its potential as a tourist destination beyond solely that as a nightlife Mecca but it is this contagious desire to rumba that brings everyone together in renowned salsatecas of Colombia’s capital of salsa. Aside from salsa, Cali possesses a lively cultural scene and in the outlying areas there are interesting sights such as the recommended zoo, Buga, Sonso, Parque Nacional Natural los Farallones and the Ecoparque Rio Pance.  

Cali is coming to terms with its violent past and unruly present. Unlike other Colombian cities of this size, Cali’s geography means that poorer barrios are mixed in with the rich to a greater extent than say, Bogotá or Medellín. 

It may not be a city to everybody’s liking but given its geographical location there is no denying its importance for those travelling to or from Ecuador. There are attractions here and in the surrounding areas to keep the visitor pleasantly for a few days.