Santiago de Cali, Colombia

Santiago de Cali, Colombia
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Cali-from-cristo-rey-2.jpg
Author: C arango


Santiago de Cali is the third largest city in Colombia. It is often known simply as Cali. The city located in the central western part of the country covers 564 sq km (217 sq mi) and has a population of 2.2 million people, within a metropolitan area of 2.8 million people. It is 997 m (3,271 ft) above sea level, and is today one of the fastest growing cities in the country.

Iglesia la Ermita in Santiago de Cali
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:La_Ermita_Cali_-_Vista_trasera.jpg
Author: marplar


Cali was founded by Spanish conquistador Sebastián de Belalcázar on 25 July, 1536. The area until then was inhabited by Arawak-speaking natives. The town was just a small village surrounded by haciendas until the 18th century. The haciendas were controlled by a ruling class of elites.

On 3 July 1810 the people of Santiago de Cali rose against Spanish rule and established its own junta. The governor of Popayan sent an army to suppress the uprising, but they receive assistance from the junta in Bogotá. In 1811, the royalist army was defeated, paving the way for the declaration of independence.

Iglesia de San Francisco, Cali, Colombia
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Iglesia_de_San_Francisco_2.jpg
Author: Alejandro El Tecnorrante


Cali experiences a tropical savanna climate. Due to its high altitude, the temperature here is lower than in the lowlands, averaging about 24°C (75°F), with a temperature range from 19°C (66°F) to 30°C (86°F). April is the wettest month here, receiving 123 mm (4.84 in) of precipitation.

Cali has a well-preserved historic center with many heritage buildings. The city center is at La Plaza de Caicedo, a public square surrounded by historic buildings. The city's vibrant economy is reflected in its many shopping malls, fashionable outlets, restaurants and nightclubs.

Street in Cali, Colombia
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Calle_de_La_Escopeta,_Cali,_Colombia_01.jpg
Author: Diego Carrejo Murillo

Visiting Santiago de Cali

Alfonso Bonilla Aragón International Airport (CLO) is located 16 km to the northeast of Cali. The third busiest airport in the country, it receives flights from Bogotá, Guayaquil, Lima, Miami, Panama City and Quito, among others.

Places of Interest in Santiago de Cali

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