Updated: · by Frank Spitzer
Cali Colombia Travel Itinerary 7 Days
This 7-day Cali itinerary covers the main attractions and experiences of the destination. Below: full day-by-day plan, route map, and practical notes. We build longer or custom-length trips on request.
Good for: travelers who want a focused Cali stay with hand-picked hotels and a private guide.
Cali Colombia Trip Summary
Day 1 – Cali
Day 2 – Cali
Day 3 – Cali
Day 4 – Cali
Day 5 – Cali
Day 6 – Cali – Kilometer 18 – Cali
Day 7 – Cali
Planned Places
Cali
Cali is the third-largest city in Colombia and is also the capital of the Department of Valle del Cauca. Located at 1080 meters (3339 feet) above sea level and with an average temperature of 26 ° (78 ° F). It is known as the Capital of Salsa. Many tourists from all over the world have come to the city to take salsa dancing classes. One of the best things to do in Cali is to enjoy the famous salsa circus show, Delirio. Highlights in the Valle del Cauca include the great biodiversity and range of Flora and Fauna. Destinations such as the Pance River with its crystal clear waters and the Farallones National Natural Park, an area of great importance for ornithology with steep mountain ranges, cloud forest, and many water sources. San Cipriano is a town renowned for the journey in the wooden railway carriage called “Brujitas”, and Buenaventura city, where Colombia’s largest international port is located.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Cali
Arrival to Cali
You will be picked up at the airport in Cali and driven to your hotel.
The bilingual guide will be waiting for you at the exit of the airport.
Accommodation
Here you will find the best hotel recommendations in Colombia.
Day 2: Cali
Half Day Cali Salsa Tour
You will begin your experience in the Salsa Capital of the World, at Plaza Jairo Varela (the salsa square). Now, find yourself dancing under the biggest trumpets on the planet and even playing an instrument yourself.
Next, you will continue your way playing a giant piano with your feet, where you will learn how the “caleños/as” meet for the first time in their youth on a dance floor at home. You will learn how these salsa dancers become a couple as you toast with a traditional juice that will refresh your palate. Now, stroll along the riverbank, where you can admire the street art of the “Cantante de los Cantantes”.
To finish, connect with the roots of a salsa family: the first salsa orchestra of the city. There, you will listen to their family history while admiring their unique collection of instruments that you can play, as well as have fun dancing.
Day 3: Cali
Full Day Cali City Tour
Discover the amazing Cristo Rey which is located at 1440 meters above sea level where you will have an excellent view of the city. Descending down the mountain you will learn the famous story of the city’s founder, as well as visit the cat park on the banks of the Cali River: “El Gato del Rio” and its cats, to walk and marvel at an open-air art exhibit, completely covered by a roof of tree branches and surrounded by birds.
Next, you will learn why Cali is the salsa capital of the world, with a style all its own: the salsa caleña, your feet will dance to the salsa beat through the old part of the city, to enjoy the afternoon breeze while you connect with the roots of the city.
Day 4: Cali
Salsa Dancing Workshop
You will have a two-part dance class (2 x 55 minutes) with a professional dancer, learn how to dance Salsa Caleña and learn more about what this incredible genre has to offer. In the evening, if you wish, you can immerse yourself in the nightlife of Cali, and apply everything you learned during your class.
Delirio Night Show
This amazing event will start at 21:30. Delirio is an immersive cabaret experience that combines Cali salsa, circus and music to experience a unique night of history, culture and exuberant moments. On the last Friday of every month, it takes place at Carpa Delirio, where you will enjoy an unforgettable night of dance and celebration.
Fundación Delirio emerged in Cali in 2006 with the purpose of becoming the focus of the best salsa in the world, celebrating life and building a festive identity. For this reason, an upholstered dance floor was built in which more than 350 people give life to their art.
The event will end at 02:00. However, the driver will be ready to pick you up whenever you wish.
Day 5: Cali
Salsa Dancing Workshop
You will have a two-part dance class (2 x 55 minutes) with a professional dancer, learn how to dance Salsa Caleña and learn more about what this incredible genre has to offer. In the evening, if you wish, you can immerse yourself in the nightlife of Cali, and apply everything you learned during your class.
Day 6: Cali – Kilometer 18 – Cali
Birding in Valle del Cauca Kilometer 18
You will visit the following bird observatories in the company of a specialized bird guide
Doña Dora: Located at km 18 of the best places for bird watching in Colombia; it has 421 reported species and is the 2nd destination with the highest number of species in Valle del Cauca.
San Felipe: Natural Reserve Located at km 18 on the road to el mar, the spectacular rainforest surrounds the entire property from the top of the western mountain range. It is home to more than 170 species of birds that can be easily photographed.
San Felipe Birding a place for foreign and national birdwatchers and photographers. Relax in nature, enjoy bird watching and connect with this natural sanctuary with an open heart.
You will visit 4 birding trails where you can be in contact with nature comfortably.
La Florida: Located at km18 on the road to el mar. In this place you can find a great variety of bird species to be photographed at a very close distance. It is also specially covered to take wonderful pictures respecting nature.
Bosque de Niebla: Located via el mar and before reaching km 18 we find the village of El Saladito, gateway to one of the most amazing natural treasures that Cali has: The cloud forest of San Antonio. This amazing micro-world is home to hundreds of bird species typical of the Pacific zone and the Andes Mountains, about 260, and is also home to a great biodiversity of flora and fauna, and amazing and beautiful orchids.
Day 7: Cali
Departure Cali
You will be picked up at the hotel and driven to the airport in Cali.
Very Important Info to Know Visiting Colombia
Tips & Tricks for travelers visiting Colombia
Medical advice and recommendations for travelers visiting Colombia
Climate and weather overview for Colombia
Related Itineraries
Need a different length or focus? Browse other Pelecanus itineraries:
- Shorter Cali trips: 4 days · 5 days · 6 days
- Try another destination: Bogotá 7d · Medellín 7d · Cartagena 7d · Coffee Triangle 7d · Santa Marta 7d
Want a custom length? Tell us your dates and we’ll build it.
References
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World Salsa Capital at 1,000m, 25°C constant. Fly into CLO Palmira. Signature experiences: salsa class + clubs in Juanchito, Cristo Rey panoramic statue, San Antonio neighborhood, Pacific coast gateway, Petronio Álvarez Festival each August.
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