Book an hotel at: Cali,Colombia

Typical food of Cali, Colombia

Its cuisine is heritage of the great blend and diversity of races and cultures that have existed throughout its history. It is based mainly on rice, pork, beans, corn, potatoes, and chicken.

Useful Tips

The weather in Cali, Colombia

Cali has a tropical savanna climate with a rainy and a dry season that alternate throughout the year. The city is located on a mountain range, resulting in microclimates. The northwest area of the city is located 2,000 meters (6,562 ft) above sea level and it is drier than the southwest area, which is 4,000 meters (13,123 ft) above the sea level, with an annual average rainfall of 995 mm (39.2 in) and 1,483 mm (58.4 in), respectively. The annual average temperature in Cali is 24 ºC (75 °F).

What to bring by season

Northwest area of the city: this portion of Cali is drier due its elevation, 2,000 meters (6,562 ft) above the sea level. The rainiest months of this area are April, May, October, and November, with a monthly rainfall of 122 mm (4.8 in). The rest of the year is drier, however, rains are still common, with a monthly average rainfall of 64 mm (2.5 in). The annual average temperature is 25 °C (77 °F), with little variations throughout the year. You should wear light and comfortable clothing during the day, as well as sunscreen and sunglasses, plus a light sweater for the cooler or rainy nights. Remember to bring non-slip shoes and an umbrella or a rain jacket for the rainy months. Southwest area: due the altitude of this part of Santiago de Cali, 4,000 meters (13,123 ft) above sea level, the climate tends to be more humid, with an annual average rainfall of 1,483 mm (58.4 in). The dry season of this area comprises the months of January, June, July, and August, while the rest of the year is rainy. Average temperatures are quite similar throughout the year, with an annual average of 24 °C (75 °F), an average low of 19 °C (66 °F), and an average high of 30 °C (86 °F). The climate is usually warm, so you should wear light clothing made of natural fibers, as well as sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat during the day. For the rainy season you should also bring an umbrella or a rain jacket.

About Cali, Colombia

Santiago de Cali was founded in 1536 by Sebastián de Belalcázar, who was in charge of the search of El Dorado, the mythical city of gold. Cali was subordinated to the authority of Popayán during the Spanish domination and it was a small town practically isolated until 1914, it was after the opening of the Panama Canal and the arrival of the railroad, one year later, that the city started growing until it became the third most populated city in the country, housing numerous foreign companies.

Cali has some major cultural sites, such as Museo Arqueológico La Merced or Museo de Oro Calima, the headquarters of Banco de la República; and other attractions as Museo de Historia Natural, Teatro Jorge Isaacs, or Teatro Municipal Enrique Buenaventura, with a French neoclassic style. In the numerous parks and natural reserves of the city you can stroll while admiring the city, as in Cerro de las Tres Cruces, Cerro de Cristo Rey, with a sculpture very similar to Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro; and Parque Natural de los Farallones de Cali, set south of the city and home to a very rich fauna and flora. Cali Zoo and the botanical garden are other tourist attractions.

The central park is one of the main landmarks in downtown Cali, along with Catedral de San Pedro, Palacio Nacional, Iglesia La Ermita, and Capilla de San Antonio. You can also visit fantastic places on the outskirts of the city, such as Hacienda Piedechinche in Santa Elena, currently home to Museo de la Caña; El Vínculo, a natural park; or Laguna de Sonso, a sanctuary for thousands of migratory birds. Buenaventura, on the coast, is next to Lago Calima (Lake Calima) and Museo Arqueológico Calima Darién. A specially beautiful place is Isla Paraíso, whose beaches look red because of its numerous crabs that inhabit the area.

***The official currency of Colombia is the Colombian Peso (COP).