Cali used to be Colombia's exemplary city, but over the last decade it has fallen into decline. Roads are pot holed and the drivers are maniacs (as they are throughout Colombia, but especially so in Cali). The city has a few interesting old buildings and churches, but nothing of any real note. The only real reason to visit Cali is as a launch pad for travel to other destinations in Southern Colombia. That, plus the nightlife, which is the best in all of Colombia. Cali's claim to fame is as such - and the vibrant 7 day a week nightlife is based on salsa clubs, and some of the most beautiful women in the country (& continent). Stag nights haven't come to Cali just yet (at least not like in Dublin, Prague, Riga etc.) but if they ever do, hands down this will be the stag night capital of the world.
Things to do in Cali
I can't make a list here as there isn't really much to do, other than experience Colombia. It is a great place to experience Colombian city life, and meet Colombians. It's a rather chaotic city recovering from the crazy drug baron years of the 80's. While Medellin has since surged forward to be one of Latin America's most exemplary modern cities, Cali has lingered behind mainly due to bad governance. Things to do in Cali? Go out salsa dancing, or eat in some fine restaurants (some of the best in Colombia). Cali is all about lifestyle - and you wouldn't bother taking your granny on holiday here. Family vacation? Don't bother. Lads backpacking around Colombia - you'd be mad not to visit.
Cali Hotels
Cali Plaza - very good value, nothing fancy, well located and it gets fantastic online reviews also.
Toscana Plaza - modern and stylish with 40 rooms.
Hotel Casa del Alferez - they may have a useless website, but this is a lovely, small, well located hotel in Cali.
Travel Attractions Around Cali
Two hours travel from Cali on the road towards Buenaventura, one encounters the man made Lago Calima. The lake is a very peaceful place to relax, go on hikes, go fishing or do watersports on the Lake. Lago Calima is becoming an increasingly popular place for Cali's richer residents to buy lake-side holiday homes. The most peaceful place to stay, is the excellent Hosteria Los Veleros (no website - advise me if you know of it), which has beautiful lake views and a lovely swimming pool - if you visit mid week it's likely to be almost empty.
Other interesting places to visit near Cali include the colonial town of Buga, which is one of the oldest in Colombia dating back to 1555.. The nearby natural reserve of Sonso Lake is a great spot for birdwatching and wildlife viewing. Parque Nacional Natural los Farallones de Cali is an immensely biodiverse region whose landscape varies from lowland tropical rainforest to highland paramo, and has various nature trails and wildlife viewing possibilities. In addition, there are nearby haciendas that can be visited, such as Hacienda Piedechinche which has a sugarcane museum, and also the riverside town of San Cipriano.
