Cali: Salsa, City History and Culture

Cali offers a variety of reasons to visit: city history, salsa, art, nature, and local cuisine. If you’re looking for a hotel in Cali, first consider which of these interests you want to shape your stay.

Bulevar del Río: Open Space and Orientation

Bulevar del Río is a large public space on the banks of the Río Cali, which runs along one side of the boulevard, making it a pleasant place to spend time outdoors. Beneath the boulevard runs the 686-meter-long Túnel Mundialista de la Avenida Colombia. It is the longest tunnel in the country within an urban area. Puente Ortiz is also part of the boulevard’s history: its original structure is on display there in a showcase. The bridge once connected central Cali with the north of the city. At the entrance to Barrio San Antonio, the boulevard meets Carrera 4 at Calle 5. The riverfront, tunnel, and bridge structure offer different starting points for exploring urban design and history in this part of Cali.

Squares and Cali’s History

Plaza Jairo Varela is named after Jairo de Fátima Varela Martínez, the founder, musician, and composer of Grupo Niche, who was also known as Jairo Varela. The name connects the square with a musician and a well-known group from Cali. The history of Plaza de Cayzedo can be traced through its changing name: until 1813 it was called Plaza Mayor, from 1813 to 1913 Plaza de La Constitución, and since 1913 Plaza de Cayzedo. This sequence of names offers a concrete historical reference as you explore the city’s development.

Learn and Experience Salsa

In Cali, salsa is not just a subject for music lovers; it can also be an activity during your stay. The city has more than 100 salsa schools. Classes range from basic steps to improving existing skills with experienced instructors, and cater to different skill levels. The number of schools may change, so check which providers and classes are currently available in advance. This will help you decide whether a salsa class fits your travel plans.

Art, Nature, and Culture in Comuna 20

The MIO Cable tourist route in Comuna 20 offers locals and visitors a space for culture and recreation. Across its four stations, it features around 600 graphic exhibits, including exhibitions, murals, and stained glass. The subjects include transportation, music, and nature, as well as myths and legends from Cali and, in particular, Comuna 20. These themes offer insights into the city’s and neighborhood’s diverse cultural influences.

Jardín Botánico de Cali was founded in 2001. Its aims include protecting and studying the flora of Valle del Cauca, as well as providing environmental education. Parque de Las Novias del Gato is now home to 20 cat sculptures, each representing different characteristics of women from Cali and Valle del Cauca. Together, these themes offer two distinct ways to explore nature and artistic expression in Cali.

Museum and Food Culture

Museo Departamental de Ciencias Naturales Federico Carlos Lehmann brings together biological subjects such as landscapes, fauna, and flora with anthropological topics and archaeological finds from their respective locations. Its main exhibition takes visitors through some of the habitats of Valle del Cauca and shows ecological and cultural changes in the department. One condition is important for planning your visit: the museum has been closed to the public since August 10, 2026, while safety assessments are pending.

For homemade food in Cali, Galería Alameda is an important place to visit. Its culinary offerings include soups and sudados. Food and local cuisine thus complement the historical, cultural, and nature-related themes you can take into account when planning your trip. Whether you plan your stay around salsa, city history, or art, these highlights offer a concrete starting point for finding hotels in Cali.

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