Hostels in CALI, COLOMBIA

Captivating Cali - Colombia’s Cultural and Commercial Centre

Santiago de Cali or just Cali is the capital of the Valle del Cauca Department and is Colombia’s No. 3 largest city. It was founded in 1536 by the Spanish conqueror Sebastián de Belalcázar.

History
Cali was founded by Spanish conqueror Sebastian de Belalcazar on July 25th 1536. In part, the name Santiago de Cali was given to honor Saint James the apostle (or Santiago in Spanish), who is venerated on his feast day on July 25. The word Cali is said to be of Quechua origin, and was believed to have been brought by the Yanaconas Indians who came to Cali from Quito where they served Sebastián de Belalcázar. This can be borne out by the fact that geographically Quito is very near Cali.

Popular Places and Monuments
Cali is a large city that offers a wide variety of historical sites, entertainment and shopping, and cultural fare. The legendary Granada district, along with Parque del Perro and Zona Rosa are perhaps the best nightlife areas and offer upmarket shopping in Cali. Downtown, you can feast on the central square and beautiful churches such as those of San Francisco, La Merced and the Monument of Cristo Rey, or a 42 m high statute of Christ, and another of Sebastian de Belalcazar. The riverfront here and the zoo are also worth a visit.

Several museums such as the Museo Arquologico La Merced, the science museum and the Museo Religioso y Colonial de San Francisco depicting religious art are worth exploring.

If you are an outdoorsy person, go windsurfing, kite surfing or mountain biking or spend time at some of the silver and pristine beaches here. Play basketball, soccer or watch a bullfight in one of Cali’s arenas.

Getting Around
The best way of getting around Cali is to use its public transportation- its taxis and buses or even its bus transport system called MIO. Taxis are both affordable and reliable if you take an official cab with a meter. Alternatively, you could rent a car for day trips, though driving in Cali is not recommended because it is unsafe.

Places of Entertainment
Cali is known for its delicious food or Mecato, and includes such as Cholados, empanada and pandebono, besides exotic fruits like chontaduro and borojó. After an exhausting day out, you can try any of these restaurants for a typical Calian meal: El Solar, Pacífico for seafood, Tizones for steaks and seafood, Ringlete for Colombian delights and El Patio Verde for local cuisine.

Accommodation Options
Accommodation of all kinds and budgets are available in Cali—from youth hostels, guesthouses and bed and breakfast places to hostels, budget hotels and business and international hotels.

Currency
The currency used here is the peso. If you would like more news of this, why not check out the local newspapers?

Group accommodation in Cali | Cheap hostels & budget hotels