About Cali
Santiago de Cali, or Cali, is the capital of the Valle del Cauca department, and the most populous city in southwest Colombia, with an estimated 2.3 million residents in 2026. The city spans 560.3 km2 (216.3 sq mi) with 120.9 km2 (46.7 sq mi) of urban area, making Cali the second-largest city in the country by area and the third most populous. Cali is the main urban and economic center in the south of the country, and has one of Colombia's fastest-growing economies. The city was founded on 25 July 1536 by the Spanish explorer Sebastián de Belalcázar.
Places to visit in Cali
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Cristo Rey
Landmark · 3 mi from centreA large statue of Christ standing on a hill west of the city, overlooking the whole Cauca Valley. Go by taxi or tour in the late afternoon to enjoy the view as the city lights come on.
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San Antonio
NeighborhoodA hillside colonial neighborhood with whitewashed houses, small cafes and a park in front of a hilltop chapel. Come around sunset, when locals gather at the park to watch the light fade over the city.
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El Gato del Río
LandmarkA bronze cat sculpture by artist Hernando Tejada set along the Cali River, surrounded by smaller painted cat statues. It makes an easy stop on a walk along the riverside boulevard toward the city center.
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Cali Zoo
Zoo · 3 mi from centreA well-regarded zoo along the Cali River focused on Colombian wildlife, including condors, spectacled bears and many native birds. Visit in the morning, when animals are more active and the heat is milder.
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La Tertulia Museum
Museum · 2 mi from centreA modern art museum beside the river, showing Colombian and Latin American artists and hosting film screenings. Check the schedule for outdoor cinema nights, which are a popular local activity.
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Farallones de Cali
Nature · 13 mi from centreA national park of cloud forests and rugged peaks rising just west of the city, home to rich birdlife. Hire a local guide for hikes, and start early because afternoon rain is common.
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Lake Calima
Nature · 31 mi from centreA large reservoir in the hills north of Cali, known for steady winds that make it a favorite spot for kitesurfing and windsurfing. Plan a full day trip, as the drive takes around two hours.
Top experiences in Cali
Tours, tickets and experiences you can book with Destina Holidays, from 30 available.
Cali's Zoo - Ticket
From $49 per adult
Discover the History and Culture of Popayán - Full-Day Tour
From $236 per adult
Panoramic city tour
From $42 per adult
Private Tour to Buga
From $74 per adult
Discover the City of Cali - Private Tour
From $49 per adult
Discover the Pance River Ecopark – Half-Day Tour
From $139 per adult
Buga and Calima Lake Private Tour
From $136 per adult
Cali City Tour and Salsa Class - Private Tour
From $66 per adult
Paraiso Ranch and Sugar Cane Museum - Private Tour
From $132 per adult
Cali Private Shopping Tour
From $42 per adult
Discover Graffiti Street Art by Bike – Half-Day Tour
From $49 per adult
Special Evening with Salsa Show and Dinner
From $127 per adult
Where to stay in Cali
Popular hotels in Cali, out of 95 properties you can book.
NH Cali Royal
From $104 per night
Spiwak Chipichape Cali
From $108 per night
Sonesta Hotel Cali
From $91 per night
NH Boulevard del Río Cali
From $74 per night
Park V Hotel & Suites
From $45 per night
Faranda Collection Cali, A Member Of Radisson Indi
From $71 per night
Ciudad Solar
From $70 per night
Hampton by Hilton Cali
From $72 per night
City Express Plus by Marriott Cali Colombia
From $70 per night
Cuarta Avenida
From $86 per night
Ayenda 1422 Caney
From $31 per night
Hotel Mirago
From $88,983 per night
Best time to visit Cali
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Cali is all year round, when average daytime highs are around 79–83°F and rain falls on about 24 days a month.
Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.
Cali weather forecast
- Wed 11 Nov 85° 69° 76%
- Thu 12 Nov 82° 70° 82%
- Fri 13 Nov 81° 69° 88%
- Sat 14 Nov 78° 68° 96%
- Sun 15 Nov 80° 68° 91%
- Mon 16 Nov 80° 69° 93%
Know before you go
- Currency
- Colombian peso (COP)1 US dollar ≈ $3,277
- Language
- Spanish
- Calling code
- +57
- Driving
- On the right
- Time zone
- America/BogotaUTC−5
- Capital
- Bogotá
Upcoming public holidays in Colombia
- Independence of CartagenaIndependencia de Cartagena
- Immaculate ConceptionLa Inmaculada Concepción
- Christmas DayNavidad
- New Year's DayAño Nuevo
- EpiphanyDía de los Reyes Magos
- Saint Joseph's DayDía de San José
Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.
Getting to Cali
These are the airports closest to central Cali. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.
- CLO Alfonso Bonilla Aragón International Airport12 mi (19 km) from the city centre
Getting around Cali
Taxis are a fast and affordable way to get around the city. Only use official cars and it is strongly recommended to call for one if possible (you may call the local numbers 444 44 44, 555 55 55, or 660 60 60 and ask for one, your name and destination will be registered in the head office). Make sure the driver starts the meter running. The meters count units, not in the local currency. The minimum fare during daytime is COP$3,700, during nighttime it's COP$4,600. 14 units equal COP$900.
Cali travel FAQ
When is the best time to visit Cali?
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Cali is all year round, when average daytime highs are around 79–83°F and rain falls on about 24 days a month.
What is the weather like in Cali?
September is usually the warmest month in Cali, with average highs of 83°F (29°C). June is the coolest, with average lows of 66°F (19°C). The wettest month is typically November, with about 370 mm of rain.
Which airport is closest to Cali?
Alfonso Bonilla Aragón International Airport (CLO) is the closest airport, about 12 miles (19 km) from the centre of Cali.
What currency is used in Cali?
Cali uses the Colombian peso (COP). At the latest exchange rate, 1 US dollar ≈ $3,277.
What time zone is Cali in?
Cali uses the America/Bogota time zone (currently UTC−5). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.
How do I get around Cali?
Taxis are a fast and affordable way to get around the city. Only use official cars and it is strongly recommended to call for one if possible (you may call the local numbers 444 44 44, 555 55 55, or 660 60 60 and ask for one, your name and destination will be registered in the head office).
What are the best places to visit in Cali?
Top sights in Cali include Cristo Rey, San Antonio, El Gato del Río and Cali Zoo. A large statue of Christ standing on a hill west of the city, overlooking the whole Cauca Valley. Go by taxi or tour in the late afternoon to enjoy the view as the city lights come on.
What are the top things to do in Cali?
Popular experiences you can book in Cali include Cali's Zoo - Ticket, Discover the History and Culture of Popayán - Full-Day Tour and Panoramic city tour. Destina Holidays offers 30 tours and activities here.
Where should I stay in Cali?
Popular areas for hotels in Cali include Cali. Well-reviewed options include NH Cali Royal and Spiwak Chipichape Cali.
How many hotels can I book in Cali?
Destina Holidays currently lists 95 properties in and around Cali, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.
