Best Cities for Food Lovers in Cali, Valle del Cauca, Colombia
1. Santuario de la Flora y Fauna de Cali
A unique natural reserve offering guided tours of its diverse flora and fauna, including exotic fruits like guayaba and lulo, which are used in traditional Colombian cuisine.
- Wildlife Encounters: Get up close to native wildlife while exploring the reserve.
- Guided Tours: Knowledgeable guides share interesting facts about the local ecosystem and its edible plants.
- Local Cuisine Integration: Gain insight into how these unique fruits are used in traditional dishes.
2. Mercado El Peñon
A bustling market offering a wide variety of fresh local produce and traditional Colombian street food.
- Fresh Local Produce: Discover a vast array of fruits, vegetables, and spices used in Colombian cuisine.
- Street Food Stalls: Savor traditional dishes like arepas, empanadas, and bandeja paisa.
- Authentic Local Experience: Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of a bustling local market.
3. Parque Arvi
A large ecological park with hiking trails offering a chance to taste traditional indigenous dishes at community restaurants.
- Indigenous Cuisine: Experience the rich culinary heritage of Cali's indigenous communities.
- Hiking Trails: Explore stunning natural beauty while hiking through the park.
- Community Restaurants: Support local businesses by dining at community restaurants within the park.
4. La Tierra de Los Colores
A cooking school offering hands-on Colombian cuisine classes, using traditional recipes and techniques.
- Hands-On Cooking Classes: Learn to cook traditional Colombian dishes under the guidance of experienced chefs.
- Traditional Techniques: Gain insights into the unique techniques used in Colombian cuisine.
- Cultural Immersion: Immerse yourself in Colombian culture through cooking and learning about its history.
5. El Mercado de Aguacatala
A market specializing in seafood, offering fresh catches of the day and traditional Colombian dishes prepared on site.
- Fresh Seafood: Discover a variety of fresh seafood caught daily.
- Traditional Dishes: Taste delicious seafood dishes prepared using traditional recipes.
- Local Interaction: Engage with local fishmongers and vendors.
6. El Parque del Perro
A lively neighborhood known for its vibrant street food scene, particularly its famous 'sandwich de chucho' (hot dog sandwich).
- Street Food Variety: Explore a wide variety of Colombian street foods.
- Iconic Dishes: Taste the famous 'sandwich de chucho' in its birthplace.
- Lively Atmosphere: Experience the energetic and welcoming atmosphere of El Parque del Perro.
7. La Casona
A restaurant specializing in traditional Colombian dishes, using locally sourced ingredients.
- Local Ingredients: Enjoy dishes made with fresh, local ingredients.
- Traditional Recipes: Taste authentic Colombian cuisine prepared using traditional recipes.
- Diverse Menu: Discover a wide variety of dishes from different regions of Colombia.
8. Casa de las Artesanías
A craft market offering traditional Colombian handicrafts, including artisanal food products like chocolate and coffee.
- Artisanal Food Products: Discover unique, locally made food products.
- Cultural Immersion: Learn about Colombian culture through its artisan crafts and food products.
- Unique Gifts: Find special gifts to bring back home.
9. La Espiral de la Tapa
A tapas bar offering a variety of Colombian tapas, along with local beer and wine.
- Tapas Variety: Discover a wide variety of traditional Colombian tapas.
- Local Beverages: Enjoy local beer and wine while tasting tapas.
- Social Atmosphere: Meet locals and fellow travelers in a friendly, social atmosphere.
10. El Parque del Cafe
A coffee plantation offering tours and tastings of its high-quality Arabica coffee.
- Coffee Tours: Learn about the coffee production process on a guided tour.
- Tastings: Sample various types of Colombian Arabica coffee.
- Coffee History: Gain insights into the history and significance of coffee in Colombia.
11. El Parque del Lulo
A park dedicated to the lulo fruit, offering tours, tastings, and recipes using this unique Colombian fruit.
- Lulo Tours: Explore the cultivation process of the lulo fruit on a guided tour.
- Tastings and Recipes: Sample various dishes made with lulo, and learn how to prepare them yourself.
- Unique Fruit Experience: Discover the taste and culinary potential of this lesser-known Colombian fruit.
12. El Parque del Pan de Bono
A park dedicated to the traditional Colombian bread 'pan de bono', offering tours, tastings, and recipes.
- Pan de Bono Tours: Learn about the history and making process of pan de bono on a guided tour.
- Tastings and Recipes: Sample various dishes made with pan de bono, and learn how to prepare them yourself.
- Unique Bread Experience: Discover the taste and cultural significance of this traditional Colombian bread.
13. El Parque del Chontaduro
A park dedicated to the chontaduro fruit, offering tours, tastings, and recipes using this unique Colombian fruit.
- Chontaduro Tours: Explore the cultivation process of the chontaduro fruit on a guided tour.
- Tastings and Recipes: Sample various dishes made with chontaduro, and learn how to prepare them yourself.
- Unique Fruit Experience: Discover the taste and culinary potential of this lesser-known Colombian fruit.
14. El Parque del Miel
A park dedicated to honey production, offering tours, tastings, and recipes using various types of Colombian honey.
- Honey Tours: Learn about the process of honey production on a guided tour.
- Tastings and Recipes: Sample various types of Colombian honey, and learn how to use them in recipes.
- Unique Honey Experience: Discover the diverse flavors and uses of Colombian honeys.
15. El Parque del Sancocho
A park dedicated to the traditional Colombian stew 'sancocho', offering tours, tastings, and recipes.
- Sancocho Tours: Learn about the history and making process of sancocho on a guided tour.
- Tastings and Recipes: Sample various types of sancocho, and learn how to prepare them yourself.
- Unique Dish Experience: Discover the taste and cultural significance of this traditional Colombian stew.