If you are planning to visit Colombia, Cali is an incredible destination
By: Yenni

If you are planning to visit Colombia, Cali is an incredible destination

I lived in Cali for 12 years, and what an incredible city! Cali is Colombia's third largest city and a center for sugar and coffee industry. In addition the terrific nightlife in the salsotecas and incredible landmarks it makes Cali an awesome place to visit for travelers. For the gentlemen Cali has the most beautiful women in Colombia!

Here are some of the main landmarks for your travel plans:

Historic churches

There are many historic Catholic churches that represent different Spanish Colonial architecture of a time gone past. The city is over 450 years old, so architecture is one of the best things to see. La Ermita in downtown is incredibly beautiful!

Museo del Oro del Banco de la República

Calle 7 No. 4-69. A Museum containing archaeological exhibits of pottery and gold of pre-Columbian cultures which existed in the region. There is also a small art exhibition. The entrance is free and it's open Monday till Saturday.

Museo Arqueologico La Merced

Located in the downtown, is a Colonial-type church, with an archaeological museum displaying pre-Hispanic exhibits and religious art from ancient cultures which inhabited the region in pre-Colombian times.

Cristo Rey

Is a statue located in the top of a hill, similar to Cristo de Corcovado in Rio de Janeiro, Brasil. Offers a great city view and climbing the mountain is a good exercise. Do not walk alone, please always go with someone.

Cerro de las Tres Cruces,

A hill embellished with three big crosses from which the whole city is visible.

Iglesia de San Antonio

Colonial-type church at the top of a hill. Another great view of the downtown area.

Estatua de Belalcazar

Like its southern neighbour Popayan, Cali was founded by the spanish conquistador Sebastian de Belalcazar. There is a statue in Belalcazar's honor in a nice residential area of Cali, where you can look out over the whole city. It's much safer than Cristo Rey.  LOVELY PLACE FOR PICNICS

Zoologico de Cali

This is an excellent zoo with many animals from around the world. The premises are very well kept and, surprisingly, it is in an up-scale side of town. The animals generally have lots of space for themselves. Do not miss : the Bengal tigers, the butterflies and the birds. Lonely Planet has called this South America´s best zoo.

La Ermita

A Gothic-style church located in the downtown area. It was built in 1678 and then renovated in 1930.

La Tertulia

Museum of modern art. Check for events.

Plaza de Toros

The city's bullfighting arena. Only active in December during the "Feria de Cali" festival on December

Culture

Cali has many cultural offers, like the Teatro Municipal Enrique Buenaventura, Centro Cultural Comfandi or the Teatro Jorge Isaacs.

Nice places

Lake Calima (one and a half hour drive from city) nice place to stay for about 30 dollars night also one of the best places for windsurf in south America

A must - If you want to dance with the stars take a Salsa class, Cali is teh capital of the salsa in teh world, there are many schools, you'll love it!