Holiday in Cali
City in Colombia — tips, highlights & best time to visit 🇨🇴
Country
Colombia
Type
City
Best time to travel
June to September and December to February (drier months, 24-32 °C). December for the Feria de Cali. Warm year-round.
Budget/day
45-100 €
Getting there from Germany
Flight to Cali Alfonso Bonilla Aragon (CLO, approx. 13-17 hours with a layover in Bogota, Madrid, or Panama City). No visa required for Germans for up to 90 days.
Deals for Cali:
What makes Cali special as a destination?
Cali, officially Santiago de Cali, is the third largest city in Colombia and the undisputed Salsa capital of the world. The city in the Valle del Cauca in southwestern Colombia lives and breathes Salsa: Every night, people dance to live orchestras in over 100 Salsotecas (Salsa clubs), and the Cali style — fast footwork, tight spins, and acrobatic moves — is unique worldwide. The annual Feria de Cali in December is one of the largest festivals in South America: For six days, millions celebrate with Salsa competitions, bullfighting, equestrian parades, and the Cabalgata, one of the largest horse parades in the world. Cristo Rey, a 26-meter tall statue of Christ on Cerro Los Cristales, offers panoramic views over the entire Cauca Valley. In Barrio San Antonio, the oldest neighborhood in Cali, colonial houses, art galleries, and cozy cafes invite you to stroll. The Zoologico de Cali is considered one of the best zoos in South America, showcasing over 2,500 animals in nature-like enclosures, including many endemic Colombian species. The Gato del Rio sculptures along the banks of the Rio Cali are a popular photo spot. The Pacific coast is reachable in a few hours: Buenaventura, Colombia's largest Pacific port, is the starting point for whale watching (July-October, humpback whales) and visiting Afro-Colombian communities. The region is culturally and culinarily unique.
What are the top highlights in Cali?
The top highlights in Cali include Salsotecas (Salsa Clubs), Cristo Rey, Barrio San Antonio, Feria de Cali (December), Zoologico de Cali.
The places you absolutely must not miss.
Salsotecas (Salsa Clubs)
Over 100 Salsa clubs in the world capital of dance: live orchestras, Cali style, and dance lessons for beginners.
Cristo Rey
26-meter tall statue of Christ on Cerro Los Cristales: panoramic view over the Valle del Cauca, sunset recommended.
Barrio San Antonio
Cali's oldest neighborhood with colonial houses, art galleries, and cafes: bohemian flair on the hill above the city.
Feria de Cali (December)
Six days of Salsa, equestrian parades, and festivities: one of the largest cultural festivals in South America in December.
Zoologico de Cali
One of the best zoos in South America: over 2,500 animals in nature-like enclosures, many endemic Colombian species.
Hotels in Cali
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Reise-SIM für Cali
Günstig surfen im Urlaub mit travSIM
Pauschalreisen & Rundreisen
Berge & Meer – 170 Tage Cookie
When is the best time to visit Cali?
The best time to visit Cali is June to September and December to February (drier months, 24-32 °C). December for the Feria de Cali. Warm year-round.. 24-33 °C, tropical warm year-round, rainy season March-May and October-November In winter: 24-32 °C, drier months, pleasant temperatures in the valley
Recommended travel time
June to September and December to February (drier months, 24-32 °C). December for the Feria de Cali. Warm year-round.
Summer
24-33 °C, tropical warm year-round, rainy season March-May and October-November
Winter
24-32 °C, drier months, pleasant temperatures in the valley
How much does a holiday in Cali cost?
Budget travellers: 20-40 €/day, mid-range: 45-100 €/day, luxury: 120-300 €/day.
Average costs per person per day
Budget
20-40 €
Hostel, Street food, Public transport
Mid-range
45-100 €
Hotel, Restaurant, Excursions
Luxury
120-300 €
Boutique hotel, Fine dining
How do I get from Germany to Cali?
Flight to Cali Alfonso Bonilla Aragon (CLO, approx. 13-17 hours with a layover in Bogota, Madrid, or Panama City). No visa required for Germans for up to 90 days.
Book a package holiday to Cali
Compare thousands of package holidays to Cali and find the best deals with flight & hotel.
Compare package holidays nowWhat travel tips are there for Cali?
Insider knowledge that makes your holiday better.
No visa required — Germans can stay visa-free for up to 90 days. Passport must be valid for 6 months.
Colombian Peso (COP) — 1 € ≈ 4,500 COP. ATMs are widespread, cash is needed for taxis and small shops.
Book a Salsa course — many schools offer group classes starting at 10 USD. Cali style is faster than Cuban Salsa.
Feria de Cali in December — book hotels and flights early. Salsodromos (street dance areas) are free.
Barrio San Antonio in the evening — the safest and most atmospheric neighborhood for food and drinks with a view over the city.
What should you eat in Cali?
Typical specialities in Cali: Sancocho Valluno — hearty stew with chicken, plantain, yuca, and corn: the Sunday dish of the Valle del Cauca., Empanadas Vallunas — crispy corn dough pockets with potato-meat filling and Aji sauce: Cali's most popular street food., Cholado — crushed ice with tropical fruits, condensed milk, and syrup: refreshing dessert, perfect against the heat., Arroz Atollado — creamy rice with pork, sausage, and vegetables: hearty dish from the Cauca Valley., Lulada — drink made from Lulo fruit with lime and sugar: refreshing juice, typical for Cali and the Valle..
These specialties you must try!
