On our last trip, we finally went to Cali, and it’s fair to say that the city surprised us, and in a good way! During our stay we were lucky enough to meet Natalia, a Caleña who offers guided tours of Cali like no other!
It was the perfect opportunity to try this out for yourself, and to be accompanied by a local on a tour of Cali– what could be better? We think we’ve been very lucky, and that our impression of Cali would probably not have been the same without the day we spent with Natalia.
As you know, we love meeting the locals and having enriching, human experiences, and well, Natalia’s visits combine all that. So we’re delighted to be able to offer you guided tours of Cali that will help you discover the city of salsa in a whole new way.
These tours are available from the moment you arrive in Cali! For all Natalia’s tips and tricks for the rest of your stay in the salsa capital of the world!
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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Cali City Tour with a local guide
English-speaking profesional guide
When you visit a city in general, you want to know more about its history, monuments, etc., but also about its people, traditions and little secrets!
This guided tour of Cali does just that. We were lucky enough to visit the center of Cali with Natalia and learn more about this city with its rich and tumultuous history.
With Natalia we wandered through the iconic sites of downtown Cali while listening to the stories of the elders and locals. What we liked best about this tour of Cali was that, being with a local, we felt more confident about discovering the center. You can discover streets, places and stories that you wouldn’t discover on your own, and it’s a great way to interact with other locals.
What you can discover on your tour of Cali
Natalia’s guided tour of Cali’s historic center will take you through the architectural complex of the Merced church, where very different architectural styles come face to face. You’ll discover the superb riverside landscaping, the Bulevar del Río and the Gato del río, the Paseo de las aves and pass by the famous Museo de la Tertulia.
The tour also includes a visit to the monument to Jairo Valera, Cali’s most famous salsa singer and composer and the opportunity to uncover the little secrets of the San Antonio district round off an emotionally-charged guided tour of Cali!
City tour prices
- Duration: approx. 4 hours
- Price for 2 people: $350.000 COP ($175.000 per pers.)
- Price for 3 people or more: $130.000 COP per pers.
- Transportation during the tour is included in the price
Popular Salsa tour
Guided tours in Cali
Cali is the Salsa capital of Colombia, and this music is truly part of the DNA of the city and its people! So what could be better than discovering real, popular salsa with the locals?
Thanks to Natalia and her knowledge of the popular places where salsa has been traditionally danced in Cali for generations, we were lucky enough to experience a truly magical moment .
With her Salsa in Cali Tour, you’ll discover places that are difficult to discover on your own as a tourist, and understand the history and importance of Salsa in Cali. Emblematic places of Cali salsa, where you can meet traditional “bailadores” dancers and share unique moments.
Good to know
To do with a local guide
For those of you who think “I’m going to go into this neighborhood on my own, guides are useless”! We don’t recommend walking alone in the Obrero district without being accompanied by a local. Firstly, for safety reasons. And secondly, because the Salsotecas have their own social codes which you need to know to respect the area.
What you can discover on the Salsa Tour in Cali
The tour begins in the Obrero district, one of Cali’s most popular neighborhoods, where salsa has always played an important role. You’ll visit the Nellyteca and/or other places in the area. These are popular lounges where traditional salsa is danced , and where dancers (mostly older) gather from 4pm onwards to dance, have a few drinks (or more) and have a good time.
Afterwards, enjoy the atmosphere of one of Cali’s oldest and most representative dance halls: La viejoteca de Pardollada, near the bus station.
The tour continues in the open air around the Boulevar del rio, where you’ll enjoy a tasting of the local gastronomy in a nice local place. And finally, Natalia will take you to the terrace of the Mulato Cabaret, a place that has gained a lot of fame thanks to its salsa shows: El mulato y su swing latino, 11-time world salsa champions!
Salsa Tour prices
- Tour duration: 4 hours
- Price for 2 people: $490.000 COP ($245.000 per pers.)
- Price for 3 or more people: $180.000 COP per pers.
- Price includes transportation, local food and beverage tasting. Price does not include: Entrance fees and individual drinks in the places visited.
Get in touch with a local guide
English speaking tour in Cali
Responsible tourism
Natalia is a Caleña who is very sensitive to her city’s culture and committed to providing authentic experiences. Natalia’s tours enable visitors to better understand the complexity of Caleña history and society, while meeting the locals. Her tours include visits to places that are not necessarily tourist attractions, to promote understanding and cultural exchange. For us, going beyond clichés to meet the locals is part of responsible tourism.
Where to stay in Cali
Cali, Granada
Hotel
Hotel Casa del Hidalgo Cali
La Casa del Hidalgo is located close to the Rio Cali in the Granada district. With its refreshing swimming pool and Turkish bath, this hotel offers a tastefully decorated ambience. A good option, highly rated by travelers.
Cali, Granada
Hotel
Leclerc Hotel Boutique
A boutique hotel in the Granada district, perfectly located and offering quality service. Good breakfast, warm welcome and comfortable rooms, what else?
Cali, Miraflores
Hostal
Oasis Cali Hostel
L’Oasis is a classic budget hostal with an established reputation. You’ll find the good atmosphere of a hostal in the Miraflores district
Cali, San Antonio
Hotel
Moonshine Hotel
The Moonshine Hostel is a great option for those who want a nice double room with a great terrace all to themselves! Ideally located in San Antonio, the Moonshine was our second accommodation option in Cali during our stay.
Cali, San Antonio
Hotel
Hotel Magic Garden
This is where we stayed during our stay in Cali, and we recommend it with our eyes closed! Superbly located right next to the park in the San Antonio district, Cali’s best neighborhood, it feels like home, the breakfasts are top-notch and the view from the terrace is brilliant.
Cali, Miraflores
Hotel
Blue Garden House
If you’re looking for a hotel on a quiet street and in a quiet neighborhood, far from the hustle and bustle of the city, Jardin Azul is surely an option for you. A simple, clean hotel in the Miraflores district, with the sweet advantage of a small swimming pool! And in Cali’s heat, that’s something to be appreciated!
Cali, San Antonio
Hostal
Hostal Ruta Sur
A hostel recommended by our readers, located near San Antonio Park in a superb colonial house. Friendly staff, cleanliness, comfort and above all peace and quiet! Lots of private rooms available, and a dormitory area too. No restaurants on site, but the neighborhood is full of them!
Getting around Cali
Bus terminal transfer
Cali bus terminal
- Website: terminalcali. com
- Address: Calle 30N 2AN-29
- Phone: 57 (2) 668 3655
- Mail: info@terminalcali.com
Cab to/from the Bus Terminal
The Bus Terminal is about 15 minutes by cab from downtown Cali.
Airport transfer
CaliAlfonso Bonilla Aragón Airport (CLO)
- Website: aerocali .com. co
- Address: Cali, Valle, S.A.
- Tel: 57 (2) 280 1515 / 57 (2) 441 7041
- Email: acliente@aerocali.com.co
Cab to/from airport
The airport is about 50 minutes by cab from downtown Cali
- Fare: approximately $60.000 COP
- Official cab company: Asotaba: 57 (317) 648 1269
Bus to/from the airport
The airport is about 40 minutes from the bus terminal
- Fare: approximately $7.000 COP
- Companies: Expreso Siglo XXI : ( 57 (2) 666 3086) / Rápido Aeropuerto: ( 57 (2) 668 0648) / Líneas Cónsul : ( 57 (2) 668 7450) / Expreso Palmira
Appreciate your recommendations and information! Definitely is helpful and appreciated! Hope all is well and thank you for your putting this information out for us! Stay blessed
Hola Jordan! Thanks for your message! Happy to help 😊