Cali Travel Guide

The San Antonio historic quarter sits on a gentle slope west of downtown Cali, Colombia, and is one of the city's oldest neighbourhoods. Its narrow streets keep colonial-era houses with colourful facades, wrought-iron balconies and cobblestones, while the Church of San Antonio at the top of the hill is the local landmark. Today the area is filled with cafes, craft shops and galleries; it is quiet and photogenic by day and a relaxed haunt for young people at night. Small but rich in the history and everyday life of Cali, it is an easy walk or short taxi ride from the centre and suits an hour or two of strolling.

Cali Zoo lies in western Colombia beside the Cali River, surrounded by greenery, and ranks among the larger zoos in South America. Built along a valley, the park is divided into ecological zones and houses hundreds of species from Colombia and beyond, with native birds, primates and big cats among the highlights. Trails link rainforest, wetland and grassland settings, so visitors can watch animals and learn about Colombia's rich biodiversity at the same time. It is close to the city centre and suits families or a half-day outing; allow a few hours and note that Andean afternoons often bring rain.