10 Best Things to Do in Cali, Colombia

A rather unusual attraction, this park pays tribute to famous Colombian artist Hernando Tejada, who created the famous central sculpture of a cat. After tragically passing away just a few years later, local artists got together and sculpted another 15 feline statues in his honor.

Follow in the footsteps of your favorite characters from season three of this hit Netflix series, much of which was filmed on location in Cali. Some recognizable sites include Edificio Coltabaco and Plaza de Caicedo.

Pandebono is a popular cheesy bread snack sold in bakeries, cafés, and street stalls all throughout the city. Then there’s the ubiquitous lulada, a refreshing drink that combines the local lulu fruit, ice, sugar, and water (booze is an optional extra).

Those keen for a trip out of the city should opt for a day tour of San Cipriano. Highlights include a ride on a tiny railway timber cart, a visit to an Afro community, tubing down a tranquil river, and the chance to swim under some cascading waterfalls.

Set atop a hill to the west of the historical center lies Iglesia de San Antonio, a quaint 18th-century church that contains a number of unique wood-carved religious artifacts. Most come to enjoy the pleasant surrounding park, however, which affords excellent views of the city.

Just down from the church lies Cali’s historic center, the funky Barrio San Antonio. Within these charming colonial edifices are trendy cafés, happening bars, and upmarket restaurants, making it a perfect place to eat, drink, and be merry.

No trip to Cali would be complete without experiencing the city’s number one claim to fame, the seductive sounds of salsa. Those who don’t like to dance can watch a live performance, though the real action takes place within the city’s sweltering clubs. Zaperoco Salsa Bar is pretty hard to beat.

Admittedly, this giant Jesus statue isn’t as grand as Rio’s Christ the Redeemer, but it’s impressive nonetheless. As it’s perched on top of a hill overlooking the city, the views are superb, and a visit can easily be combined with the nearby Andoke butterfly farm.