San Antonio
Hostels, atmosphere, viewsA colonial barrio on a hill above the centre, with most of the hostels, cafés and a lively park at sunset.
City guide
Things to do in Cali
The world capital of salsa: a hot, rhythmic city where people dance like nowhere else, with a colonial hilltop barrio, Pacific flavours and the biggest party in Colombia every December.
33
Hostels in the city
8.8
Average, from 7,915 reviews
3–4
Days to do it properly
The city that dances
Santiago de Cali is Colombia's third-largest city, set in the warm Cauca valley at around 1,000 metres, with the Western Andes rising to the west. It is hot, green and less touristy than Medellín or Cartagena, and it has a big Afro-Colombian community and a strong influence from the Pacific coast, which shapes its food and music.
Above all, Cali is about salsa. The city's fast style of dancing is famous across Latin America, there are dozens of salsa schools, and the salsotecas fill every weekend. Even if you have never danced, a few classes and a night out here are the reason to come. Every December, the Feria de Cali brings parades, concerts and salsa marathons.
Give Cali three or four days: time for classes and nights out, the colonial barrio of San Antonio and a day trip to the river or the lake. Cali was hit hard by the earthquake of 10 August 2026, which damaged thousands of homes. The airport reopened within a day, the city is open to visitors and the Feria de Cali is going ahead in December, but expect some repairs and closures; ask your hostel for the latest.
Where to base yourself
San Antonio has the most hostels and the best atmosphere. Granada and El Peñón are close by, with restaurants and bars, and are calmer at night.
Granada
Restaurants, barsA leafy area north of the river with many of the city's best restaurants.
El Peñón
Calm, cocktails, boutique staysA small, upmarket area between San Antonio and the river, with bars and restaurants.
Orange labels are neighbourhoods, dots are the 8 top-rated hostels. Map data from OpenStreetMap contributors.
Things to do
Things to do in Cali
Take salsa classes. Schools across the city offer group and private lessons for all levels, and many hostels arrange them. Then go out: the salsotecas, from small bars where locals show off to big clubs in Juanchito, are where you will see the best dancers. Watching a show at a salsa school or a professional company is worth it too.
Walk San Antonio, a colonial barrio on a hill above the centre, with a small white church, views over the city and a lively park at sunset where people gather for street food and storytellers. Walk along the Río Cali to the Gato del Río, a giant cat sculpture surrounded by smaller painted cats.
The Cristo Rey statue and the Cerro de las Tres Cruces have views over the whole valley. Hike up early in the morning, with others, as robberies have happened on the trails. The Museo La Tertulia has modern art, and the zoo is one of the best in Colombia.
Free things
And what it costs nothing to do
The park in San Antonio is free and lively at sunset, with views over the city, street food and performers. The river walk along the Río Cali, with the Gato del Río, is free too.
Free walking tours leave from the centre and San Antonio; tip the guide. Watching the dancers in a salsoteca can cost only a drink.
The Boulevard del Río in the centre is a pleasant riverside walk, and the churches of La Merced and San Francisco are free to visit.
Food and drink
Eating and drinking
Cali's food is different from the rest of Colombia, with Pacific flavours and lots of fruit. Try champús, a cold drink of corn, lulo and pineapple, and lulada, crushed lulo with lime and sugar, sold on every corner. Marranitas are fried plantain balls with pork crackling, and aborrajados are fried plantain stuffed with cheese.
The Galería Alameda is a market full of tropical fruit, seafood and stalls serving Pacific dishes like seafood stews and coconut rice. It is one of the best food markets in Colombia.
Granada and San Antonio have the best restaurants, and a menú del día costs a few euros in any local place.
Nightlife
Going out
Cali's nightlife is built around salsa. Salsotecas range from small, local bars where people dance in front of the speakers to big clubs. Juanchito, across the river on the edge of the city, is the traditional heart of salsa nights, and is best visited by taxi with locals or a group from your hostel.
San Antonio and Granada have bars, and El Peñón has cocktails and restaurants. Many hostels run salsa nights for guests.
Nights start late, especially at weekends. Use ride apps and keep valuables at the hostel.
Getting around
Getting around
San Antonio, Granada and the centre are close and walkable by day. The MIO bus network covers the city, but ride apps and taxis are the easiest and safest way around, especially at night.
Alfonso Bonilla Aragón airport is in Palmira, around 30 to 45 minutes from the city, with flights from Bogotá, Medellín and some international cities. It reopened the day after the August 2026 earthquake.
The bus terminal has services to Salento, around four hours, Popayán, around three, and Medellín, around nine.
Costs
What Cali costs
Cali is good value. Dorm beds start around €8, with well-rated hostels in San Antonio from €9 to €14. A menú del día costs €3 to €5, a lulada around a euro.
Salsa classes are the main extra, and are cheap by international standards, especially in groups. Entry to salsotecas is usually cheap or free, with drinks by the bottle for groups.
Cards are widely accepted, but carry cash for markets and street food.
Safety
Safety and scams
Cali has higher crime rates than Medellín or Bogotá, so take extra care. Stay in San Antonio, Granada or El Peñón, use ride apps at night, keep your phone out of sight and do not walk in unfamiliar areas, especially after dark.
Hike to Cristo Rey or the Tres Cruces early, with a group, and leave valuables behind. Never leave your drink unattended in bars.
After the August 2026 earthquake, some buildings remain damaged or closed. Follow local signs and ask your hostel about any changes. In an emergency, call 123.
Worth leaving the city for
Rivers, lakes and a white colonial city.
Lago Calima
A big lake in the hills, known for windsurfing and kitesurfing.
Popayán
The white city: a colonial centre with famous Semana Santa processions.
What's on
What is on while you are there
Salsa, parades and the biggest party of the year.
Staff pick
25–30 December
La Feria de Cali
Feria de Cali in Cali, Colombia, is a world-renowned celebration of salsa music and dance that transforms the city into a lively street party…
Staff pick
24 Oct – 3 Nov
Feria Internacional del Libro de Cali (Cali International Book Fair)
The Cali International Book Fair is a major cultural gathering in Cali, Colombia, bringing together readers, writers, publishers, and cultural leaders for a celebration…
Staff pick
10–11 October
Sucursal Fest (Fest Branch)
Sucursal Fest in Cali, Colombia, is a dynamic urban arts festival designed for new generations, offering a platform for music, dance, graffiti, and digital…
Staff pick
1 November
Giro de Rigo (Rigo's Tour)
Giro de Rigo, hosted by renowned cyclist Rigoberto Urán, is Colombia’s premier amateur cycling gran fondo, drawing thousands of riders from around the world…
Staff pick
20–25 October
Festival de Cine de Cali (Cali International Film Festival)
The Cali International Film Festival (Festival de Cine de Cali) is a celebrated event in Cali, Colombia, that has been showcasing independent, local, and…
31 October
Enrique Bunbury
Enrique Bunbury brings his Nuevas Mutaciones Tour to Cali, reimagining his catalog with fresh sounds and arrangements. The Arena Cañaveralejo hosts this Spanish-language rock…
7 November
National Congress of the Chupe Cali
A stacked lineup of popular artists including Herbert Vargas, Jean Carlos Centeno, Nelson Velásquez, and Jhon Alex Castaño takes over Arena Cañaveralejo for one…
11–15 November
International Ballet Festival
Renowned classical and contemporary dance companies from around the world gather in Cali for FINBA 2026, the 15th edition of this celebrated ballet festival.…
Hostels
Where to stay
The highest-rated hostels in Cali, straight from Hostelworld. Prices and availability are live on each property page.
La Palmera Hostel
Dorms from €9 a night
See dates and book
Hostel Casa de Adry
Dorms from €6 a night
See dates and book
Bohemia Boutique Hostel
Dorms from €8 a night
See dates and book
Oasis Cali Hostel
Dorms from €13 a night
See dates and book
Viajero Cali Hostel & Salsa School
Dorms from €16 a night
See dates and book
The Pelican Larry Hostel
Dorms from €12 a night
See dates and book
Havana Dance School & Hostel
Dorms from €10 a night
See dates and book
RollinKeepers
Dorms from €15 a night
See dates and book
When to go
Cali is hot all year. December to February and June to August are drier. The Feria de Cali, from 25 to 30 December, is the best and busiest time.
Jan
Dry, after the Feria
Feb
Dry
Mar
Rains begin
Apr
Rainy
May
Rainy
Jun
Drier
Jul
Dry. Holidays
Aug
Dry and hot
Sep
Rains return
Oct
Wettest
Nov
Wet
Dec
Feria de Cali, 25 to 30 December
Bar height is temperature. Colour is how busy it gets:
quiet
busy
peak
Average highs, rounded. Afternoon storms are common in the wet months.
What your trip will cost
Per night, for one person, based on Cali prices.
Treat these as a guide. Private salsa classes and the Feria cost extra.
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- Beds—
- Food and drink—
- Getting around—
- Doing things—
Cali questions
The ones we get asked most.
How many days do you need in Cali?
Three or four, with time for salsa classes, nights out, San Antonio and a day at the river.
Is Cali safe?
It needs more care than Medellín or Bogotá. Stay in San Antonio, Granada or El Peñón, use ride apps at night and hike the hills early in a group.
Is Cali open after the 2026 earthquake?
Yes. The earthquake of 10 August 2026 damaged many homes, but the airport reopened within a day, the city is open to visitors and the Feria de Cali is going ahead. Expect some repairs and closures.
Can I learn salsa in Cali?
Yes, it is the best place to learn. Schools offer group and private classes for all levels, and many hostels arrange them.
Where should I stay in Cali?
San Antonio for hostels and atmosphere, Granada for restaurants, and El Peñón for a calm, central base.
When is the Feria de Cali?
Every year from 25 to 30 December, with parades, concerts and salsa.
How do I get from Cali to Salento?
By bus, around four hours, usually via Armenia.
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