South America’s Salsa Capital Isn’t Just About Dancing! 5 Recommended Tourist Spots in Cali

Cali, Colombia’s third largest city, is officially named Santiago de Cali but is commonly known simply as Cali. Famous for its annual international salsa competition, it is also one of the key cities where the country’s economy and industries are concentrated.

Located at an altitude of about 1000 meters, Cali enjoys an average annual temperature of around 25°C with low humidity, making it very comfortable for tourists. Here are five recommended tourist spots in Cali.

1. Cristo Rey

Cristo Rey is one of Cali’s most representative tourist attractions—a Christ the Redeemer statue atop a hill. It was built to commemorate the end of Colombia’s internal conflict in the early 1900s and the 50th anniversary of the Thousand Days’ War.

Located in the western part of Cali on a hill known as “Crystal Hill” in Los Andes Village, this Christ statue rivals the famous one in Rio de Janeiro in size. From the hilltop, you can enjoy panoramic views of the entire city, making it a popular viewpoint.

2. Sugarcane Museum

Colombia ranks among the top ten sugarcane-producing countries in the world, and Cali is an important production area. The Sugarcane Museum is housed in an 18th-century hacienda that meticulously recreates the process of turning sugarcane into sugar. Its unique name also makes it a popular attraction with tourists.

The museum’s beautiful garden is well-maintained, allowing visitors to observe local plants and birds – making it a great spot for photography. A particularly popular feature among tourists is the impressive red waterwheel, which has become a symbol of the museum and frequently appears in visitor photos.

3. Mariposario Andoke (Andoke Butterfly Reserve)

Located on the outskirts of Cali near the previously mentioned Cristo Rey, the Andoke Butterfly Reserve is a stunning butterfly garden. “Andoke” is the name of an indigenous people from the Amazon region of this area. This attraction offers visitors a chance to observe rare butterflies that you may not be able to see in your country, and it attracts many tourists alongside local children.

This reserve is not solely for tourism—it also plays an important educational role in the region. Children from nearby schools visit to learn about various creatures. In the on-site laboratory, the life cycle of butterflies from egg to adult is clearly displayed. In addition to butterflies, you can also observe ants, bees, frogs, and hummingbirds.

The gift shop even sells unique accessories made from real butterfly wings, making for a memorable souvenir from Cali.

4. San Antonio Church

San Antonio Church is a beautiful church located on a hill within Cali. Believed to have been built in either the 17th or 18th century, its exterior—featuring a white base accented with brown bricks—harmonizes beautifully with the surrounding greenery, making it a popular spot for photography.

Additionally, the panoramic view of Cali City from the church is stunning, keeping the area lively with both locals and tourists throughout the day. Although it is not as famous as some other attractions, the surrounding area has restaurants, markets, and accessory shops, making it an excellent course for a leisurely stroll around Cali.

5. Cali Zoo

Cali Zoo is reputed to be the most comprehensive zoo in Colombia. In addition to a traditional zoo setup, it also features an aquarium and a butterfly house, offering a very rich experience.

Many of the animals and fish exhibited here are native to South America’s Amazon region – species that you won’t typically see in an ordinary zoo. This unique collection attracts a large number of visitors, making Cali Zoo one of the city’s important tourist attractions.

◎ Summary

When you think of Colombia, cities like Bogotá or the port town of Cartagena might come to mind, but Cali also offers many attractive tourist spots. Next time you plan a trip to Colombia, consider adding Cali to your itinerary!

Search

Customer Support

Manage Reservation(s)

Search

Customer Support

Manage Reservation(s)

South America’s Salsa Capital Isn’t Just About Dancing! 5 Recommended Tourist Spots in Cali