I was excited to discover Cali and learn about their food, people, and the beautiful places to visit. After a 15 hour flight from Washington D.C., I finally arrived to the Alfonso Bonilla Aragon Airport where I was welcomed by Jhon Jairo Salas, of FENALCO - CALI EXPOSHOW Belleza, Salud y Moda.

Let’s Begin the Journey in Cali

Santiago de Cali, situated on a valley called the Cauca Valley (Valle del Cauca) and, known as “Cali� is Colombia’s third largest city Founded in 1536 by Sebastian de Belalcazar, this valley is located towards the west of a river called River Cauca. The region covered by the city is almost plain. The Western Mountain Range is situated to the west of this city of Colombia. One of the questions travellers often ask themselves is ‘What should I pack?’ My best advice is to pack light, bring comfortable clothes and shoes. The weather in Cali is semi-tropical with no major seasonal variations, a diverse region of coast, foothills and outstanding views of the Andean cordillera. In the month of October, average temperatures are between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Regardless, bring an umbrella and a light rain jacket since rain can be expected at any point during the year.

Where to Stay

The InterContinental Hotel is about 25 minute’s away from the airport. The hotel is conveniently located in downtown, with many amenities such as a spa, a beauty salon, heath fitness center, an outdoor pool, a bar, various restaurants, and even a casino. Cali is known for its distinctive Latin flavor and the warmth of its people (the caleños), who welcome everyone with a common phrase con mucho gusto (with pleasure). Vibrant music, the classic rumba and a host of restaurants and bars bring the city alive at night, (like the nearby neighborhood “El Peñón�); relaxing activities such as the peaceful Cali river views also abound. If you wander around “El Peñón�, you must try the watermelon martini at Penelope Martini Bar, an upscale bar located on a terrace in the Rock area of the city of Cali. It is located about two blocks away from the hotel. If you are looking for a less crowed atmosphere stop by Prana SPA, located in Avenida 8, there you will enjoy a world of relaxation and comfort with the best alternatives to balance the mind, body and spirit. If you have more days to venture Cali, head to Cali NOW hotel, designed and owned by the architect Sandra Freiye. The hotel is centrally situated in the Granada neighborhood, and only a few steps away from boutiques, restaurants, nightclubs, bars, clinics, cinemas and ecological walking areas.

Where to Eat!

Cali is a town full of street vendors; while you are enjoying the sight of the city, you can choose from the variety of local snacks such as Chontaduro (palm fruit), known by the native population of the Colombian sea coast. It has been used as a food source for centuries. This fruit is eaten after boiled in salted water; however, it may be peeled and dressed with salt and honey. You can also treat yourself with Mamoncillos, these grow on a tree and are sold in bunches like grapes. You can get these succulent little sour-sweet fruits from most street vendors by the Cali river. After touring the Hacienda Piedechinche and the sugar cane museums, I was surprised with a refreshing traditional drink called Jugo de Lulos o Luladais. It is made of the pulp of the local fruit lulo mixed with water, sugar and ice cubes. After emerging yourself in the sweet world of sugar cane, head to the local restaurants to experience ancestral flavors, aromas and wonderful colors. Each restaurant has unique dishes prepared with a distinctive touch that one cannot forget. Pacífico Restaurant is located in Granada. This outdoor old house courtyard provides open space and vegetation.“The French left strong gastronomic roots in the area,� says chef and astronomic critic Kendon Mc Donald. “Eat there to experience the last 50 years of Cali history.� Pacifico Restaurant is known for its assortment of great fish and seafood; you can also enjoy the famous Pan Pacific, the Crab Wheels Garlic, or the Coconut Dessert.

Other Things to do while in Cali

Did you now that Cali is also known as the Capital de la Salsa? In fact, Colombia has some of the best salsa dancers in the world with a very particular “caleño� style. A must do, take a salsa lesson at one of the most famous dance schools “Swing Latino�; house of many world champions. The dance academy is in one of the most exclusive neighborhoods of Cali, Versailles. Swing Latino is a shield against violence, typical of the popular areas, keeping kids of all ages to stay off the streets. Swing Latino has risen from the marginalized “barrios� - to conquer new horizons. Around the city you can appreciate the many colonial buildings, such as the Teatro Municipal built in 1927, and the San Antonio Chapel built in 1747. The famous neighborhoods of Cristo Rey, Sebastian de Belalcázar, San Antonio, Centro Historic and, Granada Gastronomic Zone, brings a display of colorful theme. I hope that you find time to explore Cali, and discover the incredible places you can visit in this beautiful and interesting city.

About CALI EXPOSHOW

Every year, the Federación Nacional de Comerciantes (FENALCO) Valle del Cauca, (National Retail Federation), celebrates the Cali Exposhow with the purpose of promoting Cali as the most important health and tourist destinations in the country. Since 1991, Rosa Jaluf de Castro, president of Valle del Cauca FENALCO, has been the creator and manager of the Cali Exposhow, which began in 2001 Jaluf de Castro has been president of Junta Nacional de FENALCO and president of the Junta Directiva of Cali Chamber of Commerce. During this time she has advocated for ongoing development projects of the city and the region, including support to build the Events Center “Valle del Pacifico.� Each year the Cali Exposhow creates over 10,000 jobs, promotes $20 million in sales, and welcomes more than 170,000 visitors along with 700 journalists who provide daily coverage of the 45 fashion presentations that showcase the best Colombian fashion designers. International special guests such as the Italian designer, Robert Cavalli were present this year. During the trip, he launched his Fall-Winter 2011 collection, and presented a retrospective of his 40-years of career which included gowns that were worn during concerts and awards ceremonies by famous Latinas like Shakira and Jennifer Lopez. Today, the Expo highlights and promotes the industry of health, beauty and fashion, and a growing city that is progressing and projected to the future.