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Salsa dancing. It’s a skill many desire to have but few actually possess. The swift movements of salsa dancing are impressive enough to be featured on dancing competitions all over the world. The intricate twists and turns are enough to confound anyone with two left feet. Regardless, we continue to admire the talented people who have mastered this dance. In fact, there is an entire city in Colombia which claims to be the salsa capital of the world: Cali.
Alvaro Osorio
Once you get a glance at the skilled feet and hips of the citizens of Cali, you will truly understand why it is considered the salsa capital of the world. This view might even urge you to start investing in salsa lessons.
Cali: A Branch of Heaven
In the midst of a valley lies a city bordered by mountains to the west and a river to the east. As the only major city in Colombia with access to the Pacific coast, Cali is an obvious destination for those who wish to explore the country’s west side.
One of this city’s greatest characteristics is that it is not a typical touristic destination. Instead, Cali is a booming metropolis in which you can enjoy city life without the hassle of tourist traps. Tourists can easily become travelers in Cali by engaging in activities involving the locals such as visiting nightclubs, bars, restaurants, and sights.
The most famous sight in Cali is Cristo Rey, or Christ the King, a tribute statue to Jesus Christ. Similar to Rio de Janeiro’s Christ the Redeemer, Cristo Rey is situated atop the Hill of the Crystals. The trip to the monument is not exactly the most convenient to reach since there are no bus routes that go there. The best way to reach Cristo Rey is by either renting a car or taking a cab. Once there, however, it becomes obvious the experience is worth the trip. The hill atop which Cristo Rey sits offers arguably the most spectacular view of Cali and its vicinities.
Museum fans are definitely in for a treat while in Cali. The city offers its visitors a plethora of options from which to choose. These include the Travelers’ Choice winner Museum of Cane Sugar, La Tertulia Museum of modern art, Caliwood Museum of Cinematography, and Aero Phoenix Museum among others. With such a myriad of options, the culture lover is certainly not to get bored in Cali.
Colombia’s Party Central
As a whole, Colombia is known for its extravagant and versatile party scene. The country’s ultimate party central, nonetheless, is Cali. This may come as no surprise given the city’s reputation as salsa capital of the world. Since you find yourself in this flavorful city, you might want to start your trip by seeing a Delirio salsa show. Called by many as the Cirque du Soleil of salsa, Delirio’s shows incorporate expert salsa dancers in a mystifying combination of dance, circus acts, and a lively orchestra. A Delirio show will certainly be a booming start to your Cali experience.
If Delirio’s shows give you a case of happy feet, there’s no need to worry! You are in the salsa capital of the world, after all. Salsa parties are everywhere to be found in this city. The city has an entire strip dedicated to after party-style nightclubs and bars; it’s called Menga. The establishments located on Menga are open until 6 am, so you can be sure to party until the wee hours of the morning. One of the most popular nightclubs in Cali, Living Nightclub, is located in this particular strip. Living Nightclub’s neon colors, flashing lights, and booming music will make even those of you with two left feet dance the night away.
For a more traditional salsa experience, visit Zaperoco Bar. It is there where you can enjoy a night of live salsa music among salseros from all over the world. It is no wonder Zaperoco is considered one Cali’s best salsa bars. Another suggestion to quench your thirst for salsa is Tin Tin Deo. Similarly to Zaperoco, Tin Tin Deo is among Cali’s best salsa bars. You’re likely to encounter both locals and foreigners exploring their salsa dancing talents at Tin Tin Deo.
On the other hand, if all this salsa is making you dizzy you could pay Route 66 a visit. Not THAT Route 66, but rather a rock and roll-themed bar in Cali. Route 66 is famous for its live rock concerts in which bands cover 80s, 90s, and current rock music.
Cali for Foodies
Perhaps the people of Cali are such great salsa dancers as a form of exercise due to their magnificent cuisine. Cali’s gastronomy is as unique as its cultural landscape. The city’s indigenous, Spanish, and African ancestry have had a strong impact on the cuisine.
While in Cali, it is imperative to try the sancocho de gallina, or chicken soup. Don’t be fooled by the name. This isn’t the chicken soup you drink when you’re sick. This particular soup contains chicken, cilantro, onions, tomatoes, corn, plantains, yucca, and potatoes. Colombians don’t necessarily drink it only when they’re sick, but on normal occasions as well. Another Cali must-eat are the pandebonos. These flour and cheese bagels are often enjoyed for breakfast with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate. No trip to Cali, or even Colombia, is complete without trying pandebonos.
If you’re seeking a Colombian fast food variation on a well-known dish, you must try Colombian hot dogs. Don’t be fooled, however. They’re not simply a bun with a sausage in the middle. These succulent hot dogs are adorned with cheese, tiny chips, pineapple spread, ketchup, mayonnaise, mustard, and pink sauce (a combination of ketchup and mayonnaise). You can get your hot dogs with all or some of these toppings. Either way, they’re delicious and will certainly make you question all the times you’ve sworn the hot dog stand next to your house was the best in the world.
Whether you’re looking for an unforgettable salsa experience, delicious food, or just friendly locals, Cali is a can’t-miss Colombian destination.
Alvaro Osorio
Once you get a glance at the skilled feet and hips of the citizens of Cali, you will truly understand why it is considered the salsa capital of the world. This view might even urge you to start investing in salsa lessons.
Cali: A Branch of Heaven
In the midst of a valley lies a city bordered by mountains to the west and a river to the east. As the only major city in Colombia with access to the Pacific coast, Cali is an obvious destination for those who wish to explore the country’s west side.
One of this city’s greatest characteristics is that it is not a typical touristic destination. Instead, Cali is a booming metropolis in which you can enjoy city life without the hassle of tourist traps. Tourists can easily become travelers in Cali by engaging in activities involving the locals such as visiting nightclubs, bars, restaurants, and sights.
The most famous sight in Cali is Cristo Rey, or Christ the King, a tribute statue to Jesus Christ. Similar to Rio de Janeiro’s Christ the Redeemer, Cristo Rey is situated atop the Hill of the Crystals. The trip to the monument is not exactly the most convenient to reach since there are no bus routes that go there. The best way to reach Cristo Rey is by either renting a car or taking a cab. Once there, however, it becomes obvious the experience is worth the trip. The hill atop which Cristo Rey sits offers arguably the most spectacular view of Cali and its vicinities.
Museum fans are definitely in for a treat while in Cali. The city offers its visitors a plethora of options from which to choose. These include the Travelers’ Choice winner Museum of Cane Sugar, La Tertulia Museum of modern art, Caliwood Museum of Cinematography, and Aero Phoenix Museum among others. With such a myriad of options, the culture lover is certainly not to get bored in Cali.
Colombia’s Party Central
As a whole, Colombia is known for its extravagant and versatile party scene. The country’s ultimate party central, nonetheless, is Cali. This may come as no surprise given the city’s reputation as salsa capital of the world. Since you find yourself in this flavorful city, you might want to start your trip by seeing a Delirio salsa show. Called by many as the Cirque du Soleil of salsa, Delirio’s shows incorporate expert salsa dancers in a mystifying combination of dance, circus acts, and a lively orchestra. A Delirio show will certainly be a booming start to your Cali experience.
If Delirio’s shows give you a case of happy feet, there’s no need to worry! You are in the salsa capital of the world, after all. Salsa parties are everywhere to be found in this city. The city has an entire strip dedicated to after party-style nightclubs and bars; it’s called Menga. The establishments located on Menga are open until 6 am, so you can be sure to party until the wee hours of the morning. One of the most popular nightclubs in Cali, Living Nightclub, is located in this particular strip. Living Nightclub’s neon colors, flashing lights, and booming music will make even those of you with two left feet dance the night away.
For a more traditional salsa experience, visit Zaperoco Bar. It is there where you can enjoy a night of live salsa music among salseros from all over the world. It is no wonder Zaperoco is considered one Cali’s best salsa bars. Another suggestion to quench your thirst for salsa is Tin Tin Deo. Similarly to Zaperoco, Tin Tin Deo is among Cali’s best salsa bars. You’re likely to encounter both locals and foreigners exploring their salsa dancing talents at Tin Tin Deo.
On the other hand, if all this salsa is making you dizzy you could pay Route 66 a visit. Not THAT Route 66, but rather a rock and roll-themed bar in Cali. Route 66 is famous for its live rock concerts in which bands cover 80s, 90s, and current rock music.
Cali for Foodies
Perhaps the people of Cali are such great salsa dancers as a form of exercise due to their magnificent cuisine. Cali’s gastronomy is as unique as its cultural landscape. The city’s indigenous, Spanish, and African ancestry have had a strong impact on the cuisine.
While in Cali, it is imperative to try the sancocho de gallina, or chicken soup. Don’t be fooled by the name. This isn’t the chicken soup you drink when you’re sick. This particular soup contains chicken, cilantro, onions, tomatoes, corn, plantains, yucca, and potatoes. Colombians don’t necessarily drink it only when they’re sick, but on normal occasions as well. Another Cali must-eat are the pandebonos. These flour and cheese bagels are often enjoyed for breakfast with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate. No trip to Cali, or even Colombia, is complete without trying pandebonos.
If you’re seeking a Colombian fast food variation on a well-known dish, you must try Colombian hot dogs. Don’t be fooled, however. They’re not simply a bun with a sausage in the middle. These succulent hot dogs are adorned with cheese, tiny chips, pineapple spread, ketchup, mayonnaise, mustard, and pink sauce (a combination of ketchup and mayonnaise). You can get your hot dogs with all or some of these toppings. Either way, they’re delicious and will certainly make you question all the times you’ve sworn the hot dog stand next to your house was the best in the world.
Whether you’re looking for an unforgettable salsa experience, delicious food, or just friendly locals, Cali is a can’t-miss Colombian destination.