Cali, Colombia is regarded as the global center of salsa. Visitors to California come from all over the world, and many end up staying longer than they anticipated. Our friend Courtney describes what transpired and explains why people are drawn to Cali and fall in love with this location.
I have visited nearly every unique location in South America, including Tayrona National Park, Machu Picchu, and the Uyuni Salt Flats. Do you know where my thoughts are constantly going?
It's hardly the most tourist-friendly place I've ever gone, I'll concede that. It's also not the most exquisite. But holy crap, it's unique.
Compared to Medellin, the popular destination for digital nomads, and Cartagena, a city on the Caribbean, it has an entirely different ambiance.
I've listed the top six Colombian cities for you to consider, starting with Cali. After I discuss why this is such a magical place that you should definitely not miss, I'll offer some recommendations for things to do in California and travel advice for when you arrive there.
1. There Are Lots Of Things To Do In Cali
Go Hiking
Cerro de las Tres Cruz is a "easy" walk in the city. The trek up takes approximately one hour, and there's fresh juice at the summit. I had to take a few breaks, but my friend was able to sprint up. I blame the altitude.
Every day, several residents hike up for exercise. Anytime after locals tell it's risky, I suggest climbing up early, between 5 a.m. and 1 p.m. when police are on duty. Don't forget to wear hiking boots or sneakers.
Experience Colombian Cuisine
Explore Colombian food in depth by enrolling in a cooking class or eating your way through the greatest restaurants in the area.
Try Salsa Dancing
You must experience salsa dancing while you're here, as this is the "capital" of the dance. Below are some more suggestions for places to try it!
2. It Is The Salsa Dancing Capital
Cali is the salsa dancing capital of the world and boy, does it live up to it’s moniker. It really is amazing. Movement is my passion; I dance.
I've performed dance in American and Latin American cities. In my entire life, I have never seen dancers with such passion and rhythm. The locals bringing their all to the dance floor in the well-known clubs Tin Tin Deo and La Topa Tolondra. It makes me smile every time I think about it.
I attended Salsa Pura for four weeks of personalized salsa instruction. Although Dalia, who is depicted above, is my instructor of choice, all of the teachers are excellent. I acquired the distinct Caleña salsa style. Attending private classes is worthwhile.
Additionally, I attended group courses at Arrebato Caleño and Salsa Pura. I suggest Arrebato for their twice-weekly, intense group session if you are an intermediate.
3. It’s The Perfect Place To Improve Your Spanish
While you're here taking salsa classes, you might as well pick up some Spanish. I think it's the ideal combination. I attended Viva La Lingua, where classes are less expensive the more you attend. The classes cost, I think, about 55,000 pesos per hour. It has resources, a school, and activities. I had a great time there.
I heartily suggest Linda if you're looking to save a little cash. She used to be my teacher at Viva La Lingua, but she just started living on her own. After a month, I could hold a yoga class in Spanish and have more sophisticated conversations with the natives.
Compared to attending a Spanish school, her sessions are less expensive and highly engaging. To be really honest, I never felt bored in her class—which is problematic for me.
4. Cali is Cheap
In California, almost everything is inexpensive. If you know where to go, lodging and food may be had for extremely low costs. We paid $10 per night for a basic private room on Airbnb when we initially arrived (click here to save $55 on your first Airbnb stay).
Eventually, we paid $300 a month to rent a furnished studio apartment in a prime location. In San Antonio, there are plenty of affordable hostels for single travelers. I suggest the hostel El Viajero.
And who doesn't enjoy tasty, inexpensive food? A lunch meal costs roughly 3.00 USD (10,000 pesos). For affordable vegan and vegetarian meals, I suggest Pita Majita, El Buen Alimento, and Vegetariano Flor de Loto. If you're feeling indulgent, have a delicious cold brew with almond milk from Pão.
5. There Are Awesome Day Trips From Cali
To be honest, during my stay in California, I did not leave. I was determined not to miss a dance! The following three day trips are suggested by my wonderful Spanish teacher, Linda:
The San Cipriano
a tiny, serene community featuring nature trails, waterfalls, and a stunning, crystal-clear river. She suggests leaving Cali at six in the morning and rising early. The trip there takes almost 2.5 hours, but it is worthwhile.
Pance River
a well-liked location for recreational activities and swimming for locals. There are other locations, including La Voragine, La Chorrera del Indio, and Chorro de Plata. Depending on where you go, the river can be reached in roughly two hours from Cali.
Pico de Loro
One of the best hikes in Cali is Pico de Loro, if you're prepared for the task. Cali offers a glimpse of the mountain. Depending on your skill level, you can complete it as a two-day trek or as a one-day excursion. Arriving early is advised as there is a guide requirement and a daily cap on the number of hikers permitted.
Read Also: Visit Sphinx and the Giza Pyramids in Egypt
6. Cali People Are Amiable, As Are Pets!
I became friends with the local juice lady in California. Every time I saw her on my way to school, we would joke about the time she made out with my boyfriend.
I once spent hours conversing with the proprietor of a tiny San Antonio panaderia. I spent two hours talking about life in Colombia with a neighbor I met in his living room.
Darien and I used to spend a lot of our evenings sitting in San Antonio's major park, which attracts couples, families, and friends who come to dine and mingle. The people here are charming and amiable. I felt at home with them.
7. You'll Be Reluctant To Leave!
All right, I should probably warn you. This could trap you. After thinking about it for a month and a half, my partner and I decided to come to an end to our adventure, buy a house, and retire in Cali, Colombia, when we were 27 years old.
After arriving at San Antonio, a popular tourist area in California, I knew right away that I wanted to stay. I felt a wonderful warmth from the city filling my soul.
We weren’t the only ones. People who claim they are just going to stay for a week but wind up remaining for months or even years was a common joke among travelers and locals that I met.
Travel Tips for Cali, Colombia
Step outside your comfort zone: I suggest attending a pole or twerk lesson at Vertical Pole if you'd like to practice your Spanish in a different setting and/or feel like stepping outside of your comfort zone a little. Both the proprietor and the instructors are gracious and will put you at ease!