Cali, Colombia articles

Welcome to Cali, Colombia, the little-known salsa capital of the world! Palmira, one of Cali’s suburbs, is home to an impressive botanical garden and a number of up-scale residences.

Take note of Cali’s tax-free district for various textile and agricultural processing, its warehouse neighborhood known for crazy fun salsa parties, and a triple-divided city center made up of blue-collar suburbs (to the north), wealthier blocks (to the south) and a traditionally commercial downtown. Cali offers real diversity from entertainment to travel options to socio-economic levels.

Cali is primarily known for its sugar and coffee exports, with plantation-like haciendas available to the tourist as well as historical landmarks such as San Agustin. Arguably Cali's most famous week is that leading up to New Years, known as La Feria de Cali during which salsa parties, bull fighting, and intense Colombian culture buffs come out to play. As a tribute to Cali's salsa reputation, the city is populated with salsoteca nighlife haunts (the best of which are visited via chiva party busses. Yumbo and Juanchito are the two most popular salsa-spots where large, open warehouses are converted into thumping dancehalls.

Not unlike other valley cities, Cali, Colombia offers the stark contrast of rich moutainous terrain and modern high-rises, the most symbolic of which can be seen surrounding the Torre de Cali as well as the nearby Avenida Sexta (6th Street) where outdoor cafes and shopping options are abound. Cali's population is over 2 million and due to its proximity to the equator, seasonal temperatures don't vary much, although a distinctive rainy and dry season make up for most of the year.