If you’re in Cali, it’s for a good reason! You want to discover all the facets Colombia has to offer! And you’re right.
Cali is ideally located for enjoying a region between mountains and the Pacific Ocean, between heritage and natural riches, between indigenous and Afro-Colombian culture, between villages with whitewashed walls and breathtaking landscapes.
In this post, we give you some ideas of what to do around Cali, and there’s something for everyone: mountain walks, rivers and beaches to swim in, sites and cultures to discover, and even a ride in a Brujita!
Disclaimer: we apologize in advance for any grammatical or syntactic errors, as our native language is not English (we're a Colombian-French couple), so we hope you'll forgive us and still enjoy the information we share with you! Please note that all the information on our blog is based on our own experience, and is checked and updated regularly.
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Pance
What to do around Cali
Hiking, swimming in rivers and access to Los Farallones National Park, Pance is an ideal place to get some fresh air and enjoy nature around Cali. There’s plenty of bird-watching, fish-filled waters and a wide variety of fruit trees and flora.
Rio Pance
The Rio Pance is a traditional weekend family outing for Cali’s residents. It seems that since the dawn of time (or rather, the construction of Cali), families have been coming to take a dip in the waters of the Rio Pance to escape the city and indulge in the national sport of “Paseos de olla”, or when you come with your cooking pot to cook a meal by the river. In Cali, for example, you can make a Sancocho de Gallina with your feet in the water!
For the lazier ones, there are often plenty of restaurants or vendors on the road where you can buy something and eat it by the water. But as you can see, the swimming spots on the Rio Pance can quickly become a real fairground.
Pueblito Pance
Pueblito Pance is a small village about 1h30 from Cali, nestled on the banks of the river of the same name and gateway to Los Farallones National Park. Located on the latitude of the La Vorágine road, it’s a little less crowded than Ecoparque, as it’s a little further from Cali. The Rio current is stronger here, and the water temperature colder than further down the valley.
There are a number of nature trails, but it’s important to remember that this is still a village with facilities, restaurants and accommodation. In fact, it’s possible to sleep here, so as to be ready in the morning for the climb to Pico de Loro!
Ecoparque Pance
This is the easiest place to get to from Cali to enjoy the Pance river, and inevitably the busiest, especially at weekends!
There are restaurants, public toilets, stores, children’s playgrounds and an artificial lake for safe bathing with the little ones. Located at the bottom of the valley, the river is wide and the current not very strong, which also attracts families.
The Chorrera del Indio
The Chorrera del Indio is a 30 m-high waterfall located between La Vorágine and Pueblito Pance. Access to the site is subject to a fee and includes access to an artificial swimming pool (with river water) for bathing. The site is equipped with changing rooms and picnic tables, as well as food and drink available on site.
How to get to Pueblito Pance
- Bus: From the transport terminal (Calle 30), take the Recreativos 1A bus, which ends at Pueblo Pance.
- Journey time: 1h30
How to get to the Eco parque
- Bus: Take the Mio to Universidades station, then the A14B bus towards La Voragine and ask for the Ecoparque stop.
Where to stay Pueblito Pance
Pance
Hostal
Hostal Casa Batara
Double room : $0 to $100.000 COP
Here’s the perfect place to spend a night at Pueblito Pance before climbing Pico de Loro! Recommended by our friend Victoria, the owner is an avid hiker and knows the Los Farallones NP by heart, so you can go there with your eyes closed.
Los Farallones National Nature Park
What to do around Cali
Los Farallones Natural Park is located on the outskirts of Cali, accessible from the village of Pance. It features traditional Andean mountain landscapes and is home to a rich fauna, including spectacled bears, pumas, anteaters, monkeys and other marsupials and numerous bird species.
The most popular hike is to the summit of Pico de Loro (2860 m). This is a one-day hike, starting very early in the morning. It is possible to sleep in Pance for those who want to save some sleep time.
Beware, even if it’s a day trek, it’s still quite demanding. We start at 1600 m and arrive at 2800 m, i.e. a 1200 m ascent with some steep passages, but the view from the summit is worth the effort!
A guide is required for the hike to Pico de Loro, and there is normally a maximum quota of people allowed in to regulate the impact of tourism.
Prices and information on Los Farallones Natural Park
Cañón del Anchicayá
7 natural swimming pools.
Access: Queremal (vía antigua a Buenaventura)
Opening hours: Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Booking: Corporación CORTUCAN – WhatsApp +57 321 887 2718
Pico de loro
Challenging 9km hiking trail (round trip)
Max. altitude: 2860m
Ascent: 1000m D+ (gradient)
Access: Pance
Times: Monday to Sunday, 6 a.m. to 8 a.m.
Not suitable for children under 12.
Price: free
Guide fee: $41.300 COP per person
Booking required at least 3 days in advance by contacting the following e-mail addresses: interpretespance@gmail.com or ecoturismo.farallones@parquesnacionales.gov.co
Peñas Blancas
Challenging 9km hiking trail (round trip)
Max. altitude: 2900m
Ascent: 1000m D+ (gradient)
Access: Pichindé (vereda Peñas Blancas)
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. – Not suitable for children under 12.
Guide required
Booking: Maritza Jaramillo (Whatsapp +57 3175277185) / Sra. Lilia (WhatsApp +57 3158208052) / Jilverth (WhatsApp +57 321 7841021)
Burbujas
Natural swimming pool in the River Pance
Access: Pance
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
How to get to Pance / Los Farallones
Bus: From the transport terminal (Calle 30), take the Recreativos 1A bus to the Pance pueblo.
Travel time: 1h30
Timetable Cali – Pance: 4:30am – 6am – 8:30am – 12pm – 2pm – 4pm – 6pm
Timetable Pance – Cali: 6.15 a.m. – 8 a.m. – 10 a.m. – 1.30 p.m. – 3.30 p.m. – 5.30 p.m. – 7.30 p.m.
Where to stay Pueblito Pance
Pance
Hostal
Hostal Casa Batara
Double room : $0 to $100.000 COP
Here’s the perfect place to spend a night at Pueblito Pance before climbing Pico de Loro! Recommended by our friend Victoria, the owner is an avid hiker and knows the Los Farallones NP by heart, so you can go there with your eyes closed.
Other parks around Cali
What to do around Cali
Cali is one of the most famous bird-watching destinations in the world. It is said that there are over 500 different species of birds in the region, which can be observed both in the city itself and in the many natural areas surrounding Cali.
Finca Alexandria
Finca Alexandria, 30 minutes from Cali, is one of the region’s best-known estates. It’s a great place for birdwatching and eating, so you might as well take the opportunity to get out of town!
Andoke
Less than 10 kilometers from downtown Cali lies Andoke. It’s a natural area whose main mission is to provide environmental education. It’s a great place to observe dragonflies and, above all, butterflies, with almost 15 different native species.
Bichacue Yath
A magical place, sure to delight young and old alike. A forest straight out of a fairytale, imagined by two nature-loving artists. Take a stroll to learn about the importance of nature, and discover some surprising imaginary creatures along the way!
San Cipriano
What to do around Cali
Perhaps you’ve seen the TV show“Des trains pas comme les autres “? San Cipriano, a 2-hour drive from Cali to the Pacific coast, is a must-see if you’re in the area.
First of all, San Cipriano is an opportunity to discover an atypical Afro-Colombian village. What’s more, it’s a natural park managed by the native community. A natural and refreshing stopover where you can bask by the river, walk through the jungle and cool off with a swim in a truly sublime setting.
But San Cipriano is also the experience of taking the “Brujita”! A motorcycle towing a platform on rails with benches or plastic chairs on top, and off you go for an adventure! It’s a dream come true at night.
Practical info San Cipriano
- Accommodation: between $30.000 and $40.000 COP per night for basic accommodation.
- Guide: around $40.000 COP to discover secret corners of the natural park.
How to get to San Cipriano
- Bus: From the Cali terminal to Buenaventura, get off at “Cordoba”.
- Fare: $20.000 COP one way
- Brujita: From Cordoba, take the Brujita to San Cipriano
- Fare: $10.000 COP return
Pacific beaches
What to do around Cali
We’ve already told you all about it in our post “Where to see whales in Colombia“! Head for Buenaventura to discover the beaches around Cali, in other words, the Pacific Ocean beaches closest to Cali. Just off the port of Buenaventura are the beaches of Juanchaco, Ladrilleros and La Barra.
These are black sand beaches, typical of the Pacific coast, where you can enjoy warm water and a popular atmosphere. A classic outing for Cali locals, it can get crowded at weekends. But the beaches are large, and you’ll always find a quiet spot to relax once you’ve passed the plastic deckchair areas.
July to October is humpback whale migrationseason! The beaches off Buenaventura are a good base for excursions to observe the giant cetaceans! An unforgettable experience.
Juanchaco is also the gateway to the Uramba / Bahia Malaga Natural Park. This magical place is famous for its waterfall, which falls from the jungle directly into the waters of the bay. A community association manages the park, offering accommodation and day trips.
How to get to Buenaventura’s beaches
Take a bus to Buenaventura
- Bus: From Cali Terminal to Buenaventura
- Duration: 3 hours
- Fare: $30.000 COP one way
- Departures: every 15 min (Corredor del pacifico, )
Then go to the Muelle Turistico to take a lancha to Juanchaco
- Lancha: From Muelle Turistico de Buenaventura to Juanchaco→ Duration: 1h30
- Fare: $75.000 COP round trip
- Departures every 2 hours (Bahia Mar)
Where to stay in La Barra, Juanchao and Ladrilleros
Juanchaco
Hostal
Hostal Liliana
Double room : $0 to $100.000 COP
Liliana’s hostal in Juanchaco is an explosion of color! The walls of this clean and welcoming hostal in the center of the village are filled with joy.
Juanchaco
Hostal
Pacifico Hostel
Dormitory : $25.000 to $50.000
Pacifico Hostal has made a name for itself among travelers. An inexpensive option in Juanchaco, on a huge plot in the jungle, wooden cabins, a relaxed atmosphere, a great classic that everyone comes back delighted with!
Ladrilleros
Hostal
Surf House Estilo Libre
Dormitory : $25.000 to $50.000/Double room : $0 to $100.000 COP
A hostal where surfing is at the heart of the activity on the beaches of Ladrilleros and the surrounding area! We offer lessons, good advice and a warm welcome.
Ladrilleros
Hostal
Blue House
Dormitory : $50.000 to $100.000/Double room : $250.000 to $300.000 COP
A waterfront hostal right on the beach, offering a variety of accommodations to suit all comforts, a Ladrilleros classic where many travelers gather. A two-night minimum reservation is required.
Hostal
Pacheco Guesthouse
Double room : $0 to $100.000 COP
Typical accommodation on the Colombian Pacific coast, a wooden shack open to the 4 winds, a bed, basic, simple, but what counts is the warmth of the welcome and… the location: feet in the sand facing the Pacific Ocean!
Buga
What to do around Cali
Located 70 km north of Cali, Buga isn’t the best-known of Colombian destinations, but it’s well worth a visit to discover its colonial architecture, including its famous Basilica.
Historical center
Buga was one of the first towns built by Spanish colonists, and its historic center still bears the marks of that era. But if Buga attracts thousands of visitors every year, it’s above all for the Señor de los Milagros Basilica, which is the object of a pilgrimage dedicated to the “Cristo negro”, supposed to perform miracles.
A stroll around Buga is an opportunity to enjoy the local atmosphere, especially in the Parque Cabal, and to discover other monuments in the city, such as the San Pedro Cathedral.
Lago Calima
Located 30 minutes from Buga, Lago Calima is a huge artificial lake where you can enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities, including kite surfing (it’s windy!), water skiing and sailing. It’s one of the Caleños’ traditional weekend outings.
Roldanillo and the Omar Rayo Museum
We’re a long way from Cali, but while we’re here we’ll tell you about this village because it’s the birthplace of one of Colombia’s best-known painters: Omar Rayo, known for his abstract, geometric paintings. In Roldanillo, you can visit the museum dedicated to his work, with several hundred of his works.
How to get to Buga
- Bus: From the Cali bus terminal to Buga
- Duration: between 1h and 1h30
- Fare: approximately $9.000 COP
- Companies: Expreso Palmira, Codetrans Palmira, Lineas de la Fe..
- Departures: Every 20 min from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m
Where to stay in Buga
Buga
Hotel
Chrisban Hotel Boutique
Double room : $150.000 to $200.000 COP
A very well-located hotel with beautiful patios overlooking the Buga basilica. In the center, a small, pleasant swimming pool, quality services and top-notch staff!
Buga
Hotel
San Julian Hotel
Double room : $150.000 to $200.000 COP
A perfectly located hotel just a stone’s throw from the Basilica, clean, air-conditioned, attentive staff, and with a swimming pool to top it all off, what else?
Buga
Hostal
Buga Hostel
Double room : $0 to $100.000 COP
An inexpensive, well-located hostal with a great terrace and… a bar that brews its own craft beers! Si Si !! Bunk beds only.
Popayan
What to do around Cali
Known as the white city, Popayan is a plunge into the region’s colonial past . With its whitewashed houses, Popayan’s homogeneity is striking and typical of the region’s towns and villages. Popayan may look like a village, but it’s actually a university town with over 250,000 inhabitants!
Historical center
Popayan’s main attraction is a leisurely stroll through its historic center, where you can admire the city’s most emblematic monuments: the Clock Tower, the Humilladero Bridge, the Parc de Caldas..
A city of culture and gastronomy, you’ll want to try the local specialities: spicy empanadas de pipián, aplanchados sweets or corn-based carantas… and there are plenty of museums to discover : the University Natural History Museum, the Casa Museo Negret, the Casa Museo Mosquera, the Museo de Historia Nacional, etc.
Morro de Tulcán
Accessible on foot from the center of Popayan, this small pyramid-shaped hill is a sacred site for the indigenous Pubenenses. In pre-Columbian times, ceremonies were held here in honour of the gods. It is also believed to be the site of an indigenous cemetery.
How to get to Popayan
- Bus: From Cali bus terminal to Popayan
- Duration: between 2 and 3 hours, depending on the company
- Fare: between $15.000 and $25.000 COP
- Companies: Expreso Bolivariano (2h), Expreso Palmira (2h30), Velotax, CootransHuila, Cootranar, Sotracauca, Trans Ipiales..
- Departures: every 10 minutes
Where to stay in Popayan
Popayan
Hotel
Hotel La Plazuela
Double room : $150.000 to $200.000 COP
We’ll take you up on that sublime patio alone! Hotel La Plazuela is located right in the center of Popayan, for those seeking the comfort of a hotel and a beautiful colonial house.
Popayan
Hostal
Caracol Hostel
Double room : $0 to $100.000 COP
Here’s a hostal where you’ll feel like you’re in for a treat… Perfectly located, quiet, calm, clean and welcoming – just what the traveler in search of rest is looking for in a hostal in Popayan, isn’t it?
Popayan
Hostal
Araracuara Hostel
Double room : $0 to $100.000 COP
The decor of the Araracuara Hostel leaves no one indifferent: it’s lively, colorful and festive, just like the atmosphere of this hostal in the heart of Popayan. That said, if you’re looking for a place to rest, this may not be the best place 😉
Silvia
What to do around Cali
It’s impossible to talk about Popayan without mentioning Silvia. If you’re looking for the tranquility of a small Cauca village, welcome to Silvia, home of the indigenous Misak people (also known as Guambianos).
Here, indigenous culture permeates the village (the majority of the local population are Misak), and the Tuesday market is an opportunity to melt into the colorful atmosphere of Guambiana culture.
But Silvia isn’t just about the market! On the contrary, we recommend staying at least one night to soak up the local atmosphere and learn more about this ancestral culture.
Cultural immersion
Seeing tourists come to Silvia for just a few hours, take photos of the market and leave without asking for a second thought, Viviana, a young Misak (Guambiana) native, decided to set up her own agency to change the paradigm.
She offers a real immersion in the Misak culture of Silvia, and for us it’s the best way to discover this village, its history, the Misak community and its traditions. It was an unforgettable encounter for us, and we’d like to recommend it to you 100%!
Contact Viviana for a Misak Cultural Immersion in Silvia
How to get to Silvia
- Bus: From Popayan Bus Terminal to Silvia
- Duration: between 1h30
- Fare: approximately $10.000 COP
- Departures: every 30 min
Where to stay in Silvia
Silvia
Finca
Homestay in Silvia
Double room : $0 to $100.000 COP
This is Viviana’s home where we stayed during our visit of Silvia. 100% recommended if you want to share indigenous Misak culture and Vivian offers cultural tours so… gogogo!
Silvia
Finca
Posada Nakku
Double room : $0 to $100.000 COP
Posada Nakky offers small self-contained apartments in traditional Silvia houses at very reasonable prices! On the garden side, the view of the surrounding mountains is enough for the traveler.
Puracé National Nature Park
What to do around Cali
Puracé National Park is a must-see while you’re on the Popayan side. You’re getting pretty far away from Cali, and this might be a good time to think about continuing on. But the Puracé Natural Park is one of the most accessible parks for discovering the famous Paramos, ecosystems where thousands of Frallejones proudly sit!
Nearby, you’ll also find the Coconuco thermal baths, where you can relax in the thermal waters after your hike! (Admission: $20.000 COP)
Practical info Puracé natural park
- Park entrance: $25.500 COP
How to get to Puracé
- Bus: From Popayan Bus Terminal to Cruce de la Mina or El Crucero
- Duration: between 1h45
- Fare: around $10.000 COP
- Departures: 5 a.m. to 5 p.m
From El Crucero / Cruce de la Mina, walk 1 km to Pilimbalá, the park entrance.
