Cali, Colombia

Cali is a major city in Colombia, located on the Cali River in the Valle del Cauca Department, about 458 kilometers southwest of Bogotá. It lies in the Cauca Valley, near the Pacific Ocean, and serves as an important transportation and commercial hub in western Colombia. The Alfonso Bonilla Aragón International Airport serves the city.

Founded by Sebastián de Belalcázar on July 25, 1536, Cali is a historic city with a rich cultural heritage and a vibrant atmosphere. Today, it is both a center of industry and a thriving tourist destination known for its music, festivals, and warm hospitality.

Culture and Education in Cali
Cali has numerous museums, parks, shopping centers, restaurants, monuments, sports facilities, and historical landmarks. The city hosts various events and festivals throughout the year, most notably the Feria de Cali, an annual celebration of salsa music, dance, and other local traditions.

Cali is also home to several major educational institutions, including the University of Valle, Universidad Autónoma de Occidente, and Universidad Icesi.

Modern Landmarks in Cali
The Cali Tower (Torre de Cali) is the tallest building in the city and one of the tallest in Colombia. Located at latitude 3.459000, longitude -76.529000, this 44-story skyscraper was built between 1978 and 1984 and stands 186 meters (610 feet) tall. It is one of the city’s most recognizable modern landmarks.

Museums and Art in Cali
- El Gato del Río, designed by Colombian artist Hernando Tejada, is a large bronze sculpture and a beloved tourist attraction. Inaugurated on July 3, 1996, it is located at 3°27'05.0"N, 76°32'35.3"W. The statue measures 3.5 m × 3.4 m × 1.95 m.

- The La Tertulia Museum, founded on March 9, 1956, is one of Cali’s art museums. It features an auditorium, gardens, and an open-air theater. Located at 3°27'00.9"N, 76°32'43.5"W, the museum’s collection includes over 2,000 artworks by Colombian and Latin American artists.

- The Calima Gold Museum of the Bank of the Republic honors the Calima culture. Established on May 9, 1991, it is located near the Municipal Theatre Enrique Buenaventura. The museum houses a collection of Pre-Columbian jewelry, traditional crafts, and ancient artifacts.

Sports and Events in Cali
- The Estadio Olímpico Pascual Guerrero, inaugurated on July 20, 1937, is one of Latin America’s most iconic sports venues. With a capacity of 37,000, it hosts football matches, concerts, rugby games, and other major events. The stadium has hosted many international competitions, including the 1971 Pan American Games, the 2021 Junior Pan American Games, and the 2022 World Athletics U20 Championships.

Other notable attractions in Cali include:
- Parque del Ingenio
- Acuaparque de la Caña
- Coliseo El Pueblo
- Monumento a la Resistencia
- Parque Artesanal Loma de La Cruz
- Iglesia La Ermita
- Centro Comercial Chipichape
- Plaza de Caicedo
- Parque Simón Bolívar
- Teatro Calima
- Parque Natural Bataclán