What Is Cali Colombia Known For & Is It Even Worth Visiting?
Trying To Figure Out More About The City Of Cali And What It’s Known For Or If It’s Even Worth Visiting On Your Trip To Colombia?
When I was living in the Coffee Region of Colombia, Cali was a nearby city I traveled through a couple of times and visited to explore a little more, and although it is known for a few popular Colombian cultural things (more details below), I don’t think it’s the absolute best place to visit in the country, but it might be worth a day or two if you’re already in the area.
💃 What Is Cali Colombia Known For?
The main reason people go to Cali, Colombia and what it is most proud of and known for is its Salsa music and dancing (they even call themselves the “Salsa Capital of the World”).
Around town you can experience this part of Colombian culture at the Plazoleta Jairo Varela & Museum (Salsa legend museum and square pictured above), on salsa tours (at night, with history & art, or with dance & instruments), or at the famous Feria de Cali (Cali Fair) that happens towards the end of each year.
Other things Cali, Colombia is known for:
- the beautiful Iglesia Ermita (a gothic style church, pictured below)
- the Parque de Los Gatos (a park with cat statues)
- the Monumento Cristo Rey (the Christ Redeemer monument, the first picture on this post)
- the natural Farallones de Cali (a beautiful mountainous area)
🇨🇴 Is Cali Colombia Worth Visiting?
✅ If you really love Salsa music/dancing and are excited to experience more of this culture in Colombia, then Cali will be a great place for you to visit for a few days and definitely worth it for your interests (especially during the Cali Fair).
❌ But if Salsa isn’t that interesting to you, the other Cali sights don’t sound too great, or you’re limited on time here in Colombia, then Cali probably won’t be worth it for you since there are so many other good places to visit around the country.
Pros Of Visiting Cali
- best place in Colombia for Salsa music and dancing (+ the Cali Fair)
- big city with an airport (easy access)
- modern city with decent healthier eating options
- convenient location for further travel around the country
- less expensive than cities like Bogota or Medellin
- unique sites like the Iglesia Ermita, Parque de Los Gatos, or the Monumento Cristo Rey
Cons Of Visiting Cali
- some more dangerous neighborhoods that must be avoided
- not the safest at night
- hotter and dry climate
- not a very beautiful mountainous area (like much of Colombia)
- not one of the absolute best places to visit in Colombia (in my opinion)
➡️ Still trying to decide on where to visit in Colombia? Here’s a comparison between Cali and Medellin to help you choose between these two popular cities
🔁 Sum Up: What Is Cali Colombia Known For & Is It Worth Visiting?
While Cali, Colombia is most proud of and known for its Salsa music and dancing, there are a few other important cultural sites that are popular to see here too (like Iglesia Ermita, Parque de Los Gatos, or Monumento Cristo Rey), but if you have limited time in the country or aren’t that interested in Salsa, then Cali isn’t likely going to be worth it for you since there are so many other wonderful and beautiful places to visit in this country.
