Cali
Santiago de Cali, simply referred to as Cali, is a city in south western Colombia and the capital of the Valle del Cauca Department. With a population of 2,068,386, Cali is the third largest city in the country. It is a magnet and a catalyst inside Colombia due to its industrial and commercial development, and has one of the fastest growing economies and infrastructures in the country, because of its geographical location near the Pacific coast. Cali was founded on July 25, 1536 by the Spanish conquistador Sebastián de Belalcázar.
Cali is a modern city situated in a broad and fertile valley, in which sugar plantations and sugar mills have been the engine of its development. In old haciendas you can appreciate the romantic past of the first hacendados, such as El Paraíso, which was the setting for the novel María, and Piedechinche Hacienda that houses the Sugarcane Museum.
The city of Santiago de Cali is recognized as the sports capital of Colombia. It is the first Colombian city to have hosted the Pan American Games, 1971 Pan Am Games, also because this region has won the National Olympic Games more than any other region in Colombia. The city also counts with one of the most developed sport infrastructures in the country and many sporting events have taken place in the city, including the World’s Roller Speed Skating Championships in 2007.
Location
Cali is located on the Cauca Valley to the west of the Cauca River and to the east of the Western Mountain Range near the hills known as Farallones de Cali. The city rests approximately 1,000 meters (3,280 ft.) above sea level and its topography is fairly flat. Approximately 100 km west of Cali and over the Western Cordillera, lies the port city of Buenaventura on the Colombian Pacific coast; to the northeast are the industrial town of Yumbo and the city of Palmira, where Cali’s international airport, the Alfonso Bonilla Aragón (CLO), is located; the colonial city of Popayán is two hours south by car in the Cauca department.
Geography
Santiago de Cali is located in a valley. The city is completely bordered by mountains to the West, Los farallones are the closest to the city. The Eastern part of the city is bordered by the Cauca river, North and South both are extended plains, in the first one you can find the industrial city of Yumbo part of Cali’s metropolitan area, to the south you can find Jamundi, also part of the metropolitan area. The city is mainly plain, but there are zones mostly on the west that are mountainous, there are also some elevations practically inside the city; like San Antonio and La Loma de la Cruz, both these are tourist sites. There are several rivers that descend from the Western Mountain Range and empty into the Cauca River those rivers pass through the metropolitan area of Cali. In the western part of the city the Aguacatal River flows into the Cali River, which continues on to the Cauca River. In the south the rivers Cañaveralejo, Lilí, and Meléndez flow into the CVC south channel, which also empties into the Cauca River. Farther south, the banks of the Pance River are a popular place for recreation and leisure.
Climate
The local climate is semi-tropical as the western mountain range screens the flow of humidity from the Pacific coast towards the interior of the country. In the afternoons Cali enjoys a fresh cross breeze that originates in the west and blows east. The western mountain range rises from an average of 2,000 meters above sea level in the northern part of the city to approximately 4,000 meters to the south. Because of this variation in altitude, the weather in the northwest portion of the city is drier than in the southwest. The average annual precipitation varies between 900 mm to 1,800 mm depending on the metropolitan zone for a citywide average of approximately 1,000 mm. Cali’s average temperature is 24°C (74°F) with an average low temperature of 19°C (66°F) and a high of 30°C (86°F).
Due to its proximity to the equator there are no major seasonal variations. However, locals refer to the dry season as the city’s ‘summer’ period and call the rainy season ‘winter’. There are typically two rainy seasons: from April to May and from October to November. Regardless, rain can be expected to fall at any point during the year nourishing the city’s permanent green and lush vegetation.
Historic district
Santiago de Cali offers historical areas with cultural variety and other attractions. In downtown Cali, you can find many historical churches like La Merced and La Ermita. Cali contains a well preserved Historical Centre, the most important zone is La plaza de Caycedo, considered the centre of the city, which is a square surrounded by many historical and modern buildings like El edificio Otero, La Catedral and El Palacio de Justicia. This plaza is very close to other touristic places, like the Saint Francis church (in Spanish, Iglesia de San Francisco), the Municipal Theatre and La Merced church. The city is also very rich in monuments, parks, squares and museums, the most emblematic sculptures are Cristo Rey with 42 meters, located upon a mountain range; Sebastian de Belalcazar, founder of the city and Las tres Cruces, a place of pilgrimage during the days of the Holy Week.
Regular tourism
There is a variety of nightclubs and restaurants. In the city you can find whole districts dedicated to tourism, for example Granada, one of the most traditional districts in Cali, full of gourmet restaurants, fashion stores and boutiques. Another spot to visit is along ‘La Avenida Sexta’ or the 6th Avenue, with many types of nightclubs, as well as restaurants and hotels. The Granada area is usually called the “zona rosa” or ‘chic zone’, and is located in the north very close to Chipichape mall. In recent years the restaurant industry has boomed, ranking Cali very close to Bogota in first-class restaurant options.
Main tourist sites:
Plaza de Cayzedo:It was a tradition in early Colombian towns to create a ‘central’ square in honor of the town’s hero; which in most cases turned to be El Libertador Simon Bolivar. Cali’s hero was Joaquin de Cayzedo y Cuero, a fighter for the republic. In the earlier town’s years, everything revolved around what in 1813 would be called the Cayzedo Square.
Parque del Perro: Located in the San Fernando neighborhood, this is one of the most popular zones in the city, full of restaurants and bars. Whether you want to party or just to have a nice dinner, you will find where to pass nice moments. The park actually has a dog’s monument.
Sebastian de Belalcazar’s monument: This is the most visited and popular monument in the city, here you can find regional foods like “Mazorca asada,” a roasted corn. The monument is famous due to its pointing finger to a part of the city, while its face is looking to another direction; in fact this posture meant that the conquistador is leading his expedition.
Cali River: One of the most peaceful zones in the city, the river is located in the west and is surrounded by restaurants, hotels and museums like “La Tertulia,” an art museum.
Cristo Rey: A religious monument located on a hill that offers the best view of the city.
San Antonio: It is the most traditional neighborhood of Cali. In the colonial age, it was the extension of the downtown. Although it was divided by ‘La Calle Quinta’ (Fifth street), it conserves its traditional aura which makes it an inevitable step on the visit. The whole neighborhood is on a hill, and at the top you will find the San Antonio Park, the icing on the cake. Guaranteed!
Juanchito: Although many would prefer to keep it away from the list, Juanchito has become famous for being the hub and centre of nightclubbing and partying, one of the best loved recreational activities of ‘caleños’, an expression of their happy, friendly and uncomplicated manner. This area of Cali (which in fact belongs to another municipality), may well have the largest number of discotheques and nightclubs in the country. It all started in the sixties, when Salsa started winning the hearts of‘caleños’. Some did not like the idea of suggestive dances, but for the majority it became a cult, and Juanchito their temple. To get there, ‘caleños’ must cross a bridge over the Cauca river, this action has been immortalized by the music, Salsa of course.
Cali Zoo: Ranked in the top 5 of Latin American zoos. It has became most than a place where to see animals, it does research and has some formations. Its location could not be more wonderful, alongside the Cali river, just where valley and mountains come together.
Farallones de Cali: A part of the city seats on hills belonging to the Colombian western chain mountain. Beyond these hills there is a full new world, which is protected by the Colombian government. It is the Farallones de Cali National Park. Although Caleños have not yet fully discovered it, in the recent years it has boomed as a tourist destination for a full range of activities: mountain climbing and walking, paragliding; nature watching of its rich natural and life environments; breaks and visits to cooler weather and nature, just minutes away from urban areas.
Medical Tourism: According to recent Lonely Planet guides of Colombia, Cali has recently become famous for being a prime destination for people seeking cheap cosmetic surgery. Cali’s surgeons are famous in Colombia to have shaped some of the country’s most beautiful women. There have been no significant reports of problems in this area, but Lonely Planet advises proper research before pursuing such an idea.
Economy
Cali and the Department (province) of Valle del Cauca conform one of the principal commercial centers in Colombia. The city is a national and international point of exchange. Cali has a privileged geographical location due to its proximity to Buenaventura port city which is the Colombian main port on the Pacific ocean. The city’s economy is marked by its history which is reflected in the many sugar plantations of the area, which are part of the legacy of the ‘haciendas’ culture (estates culture).
Since 1940, Valle del Cauca’s PIB has grown at twice the average rate of the country, according to DANE statistics. In 1997 the regional PIB growth rate slowed, not even reaching 1%. In 1999 countrywide recession affected specially the regional economy, and PIB decreased -4% annually. Since then the economy has behaved erratically.
Industrial development is remarkable for a regional economy; the north of the city is the most industrialized district. The city of Yumbo, located on the northern limit of the city is a major industrial hub for many corporations, like Colombia’s beverage producer Postobón S.A. and Bavaria brewery.
The Economy in 2006-2007
More recently, the city’s economy is rising at a faster pace. The construction industry is the perfect example of such a rising as there are many residential developments booming all over the city. Moreover, commercial development is also on the rise; nowadays there are many commercial-centers or “malls” and shopping centers at the construction stage, and most of the ones already built are expanding or remodeling their existing locations.