Cali, Colombia is the 3rd largest city in the country and is the only major city with road access to the Pacific Coast! Afro-Pacific Colombian communities live and thrive throughout the whole Colombian Pacific coasts and In Cali. Many traditions connecting us to the diaspora have been passed down from generation to generation. 

On this 2 day itinerary of the lay of the land, we will explore Afro-Pacific Colombian culture at its finest with some traditional Colombian holiday cheer! 

1. Hotel Spiwak (This hotel is above the Chipichape Mall and I believe it includes breakfast.) https://goo.gl/maps/VmBuixNG9iNwTcNN7 
2. Hotel Spirito By Spiwak (They’re located across the street from Spiwak Hotel and have easy access to the mall. They’re from the same owners as Spiwak Hotel.) https://goo.gl/maps/9mbF4UTYoEpRPhGK9 
3. Marriot (They have some of the best brunch and breakfasts around. Overall best on the list) https://goo.gl/maps/nr27ugDnmqj5vuGT7 
4. Hotel Movich Casa de Alferez https://goo.gl/maps/mfJ6D5hH9RA5rdmd6  
5. Now Hotel (Decent breakfast, huge rooms with balconies, in the Granada area. Close to ATMS and dozens of restaurants. Starbucks and Hooters are a block away.) https://goo.gl/maps/vwFCKpaLWAMBdtJd8 

Day 1 Activities Cali Edition  

• Breakfast at the hotel
• Afro Colombian Marimba and Viche Tasting class. (Everyone will learn to play local Afro-Colombian instruments with Professor Gregory Nassym, who will also give us a Viche tasting. It’s a traditional drink from the Pacific coast made from fermented sugarcane.) This is a 2-hour class.  https://www.instagram.com/nassymgregory/ 
• Lunch at a local restaurant in  Puertas del Sol, where we join other expats who are living and thriving in Cali. We only do this activity on Fridays because we must let the cooks know how many people will join us. This is a local Afro-Colombian neighborhood on the east side of Cali. This would be an immersive day with a history lesson on the east side of Cali and the neighborhood.  Mi Sazon Restaurant.  https://goo.gl/maps/JV2GxkJxQTVUyaj77  

Black Downtown Walking Tour 

This walking tour consists of learning about the impact of Afro-Colombians who established themselves in and around Cali, Colombia.

Alameda Farmers Market

This tour consists of a typical lunch and a walk through a 55-year-old Farmers market where many Afro-Colombians sell their products daily. 

San Antonio/Cristo Rey /Parque del Gato

You can't say you came to Cali, Colombia, and didn't visit these iconic spots!

San Antonio is the first neighborhood that was established in Cali. Preservations of the colonial days can be seen on the façades of the homes. Modern street art can be seen around some parts of the area.

Cristo Rey is Cali's copy of Cristo Redentor in Rio de Janeiro. Currently, it is closed for upkeep and modernization of new lookout points. Also construction of easier access points for disabled people. 

Parque del Gato de Tejada

The tradition of taking a picture in front of this huge bronze cat is one tradition that every tourist does when visiting Cali.  Walking through the park in the evenings or at night you capture the essence and warmness of Cali.