Colombian Pacific

What is there to do in Cali?
As you travel through the city, you can visit the banks of the Cali river and admire the architecture of churches like Ermita and other colonial era buildings that are true national monuments.

Don’t forget to visit key destinations like the Zoológico de Cali, the Barrio Granada, and the massive Cristo Rey, a statue similar to Rio de Janeiro’s Cristo Redentor, that watches over the city from the Cerro de las Tres Cruces.

Among its many tourist destinations, Cali also has a number of museums: The La Tertulia Museum, the Calima Gold Museum, and the La Merced Archeological Museum are a few of the most well-known.

You can also use your walks around Cali as an opportunity to sample some of the city’s traditional cuisine, with Spanish, indigenous, and African roots, giving each plate its own unique flavor. This cultural blend has resulted in delicacies such as arroz atollado (a type of seasoned rice with meat), empanadas vallunas (empanadas made with potatoes and shredded beef), sancocho de gallina (a type of chicken soup), sopa de tortillas (tortilla soup), aborrajado valluno (fritters made with plantains and cheese), tostadas de plátano verde con hogao (green plantain fritters with salsa), chuleta valluna (a type of pork milanese), and tamales (meat, beans, or other fillings wrapped in corn dough and steamed).

Cali’s cuisine also includes a great variety of sweets, thanks to the sugar cane that grows in the Valle del Cauca. Some of these sweets include manjar blanco (similar to dulce de leche), cocadas (coconut macaroons), cholado (a fruit-based dessert), and champús, a rich drink made with corn, naranjilla, pineapple, cinammon, and melado syrup.

Of course, one of the best things to do in Cali is party, especially in the Juanchito area, where there are plenty of places to dance and a unique atmosphere that will get you moving your feet.

Unique experiences
The Feria de Cali, which is help in December to ring in the new year to the rhythm of salsa, is one of the many undoubtedly unique experiences you can have while visiting the city. This stunning fair unites great artists of this genre who come together in a Superconcert.

The fair also offers cultural and sports events.

Other important celebrations include the Petronio Alvarez Pacific Music Festival, which takes place in August, and the World Salsa Festival.

Activities you won’t want to miss out on
If you want to learn to salsa dance, Cali is the place for you. Although it may seem difficult to learn due to the speed and coordination required for each move, in Cali there are many dance academies and schools to help you internalize some of the key steps.

You can also the wealth of nature that surrounds you in Cali by visiting the Hacienda El Paraíso, where Jorge Isaac’s María, one of the most memorable love stories of Latin American literature, takes place.

On Sundays, many of the locals travel to rivers like the Pance, where you can cool down and enjoy a quiet day of relaxation.

If you walk upstream, you’ll arrive at the Farallones Foundation camp, where you’ll find shelter and guides to show you around the park.

Recommendations
Getting to Cali is very simple, thanks fo the Alfonso Bonilla Aragón International Airport, which has flights to and from Colombia and other countries. If you are traveling from Colombia, you’ll find a good number of cheap flights with airlines like Viva Air and Wingo.
By land, you can use buses or a rental car to cover the 286 miles between Cali and Bogotá.
The most efficient way to get around within Cali is by using the Integrated Transportation System, known as MIO, which currently has 8 distinct routes that cover most of the city.
If you’re going to use this system, we recommend that you study maps of the city and familiarize yourself with these routes beforehand. That will also help you choose the best lodging for your stay. Remember that Cali has different types of hotels that fit all types of budget.
You can also use a taxi service. In that case, it’s best to call recognized companies or use their mobile applications.
Lastly, keep in mind that Cali usually has a very warm, humid climate, so it’s best if you bring comfortable, light, cool clothes. But don’t forget to pack some clothes that will give you the confidence you need to show off your salsa dancing skills during the intense Cali nights.
With these recommendations, you’ll be set to enjoy the inescapable charms of Cali. Let yourself go to the wonderful rhythm of salsa in the most welcoming place on Earth.

What is there to do in Chocó?
The Darién forest that merges with the beach and reaches out to the sea is the backdrop for many of the experiences you can have in Chocó, a department that offers you innumerable natural and cultural tourist attractions.

Among the primary places of interest, Cascada Sal de Frutas in Tutunendo and the Utría, Katíos, and Tatama national parks are particularly noteworthy.

There are also unspoiled forests and beaches in Chocó where you can admire the endless tropical biodiversity.

The department also has municipalities of great interest for tourists. Quibdo, the department’s capital, embodies the magic of the Colombian Pacific. The city, located on the banks of the Atrato River, has a boardwalk where you can enjoy magnificent sunsets. From Quibdo, you can also board small boats that will take you to nearby communities where you can enjoy local food and dance to the tones of a marimba.

Sapzurro, another interesting municipality, is a true paradise on earth with beautiful beaches, trails, waterfalls, and hot springs.

Nuquí is another traditional Chocoano town surrounded by scenic beaches framed by the rainforest. In the area, there are comfortable cabins facing the water that offer incomparable views.

Capurganá, a destination perfect for relaxation and getting in touch with nature, is also worth visiting. The main appeal of Capurganá is that it lets you forget about the everyday hustle and bustle of urban life, as there are no cars or motorcycles. The only methods of transportation are bicycles and boats.

Keep in mind that the department of Chocó is hemmed in on many sides by sea and ocean and traversed by multiple rivers, so much of the cuisine is centered around different types of fish, which are a real delicacy when accompanied by other local dishes such as sopa de queso (cheese soup), arroz clavado (a type of seasoned rice with sausage), borojó jam, postre de birimbí (a dessert made using corn), sancocho de mulata paseadora (a soup made of meats, tubers, vegetables, and different seasonings), and others.

Unique experiences
Watching humpback whales swim through the Pacific Ocean is yet another of the undoubtedly unforgettable experiences you can have while visiting Chocó.

Humpback whales can be seen between the months of July and October in Bahía Solano, one of the most frequently visited tourist destinations in Colombia, where forests, coral, mangroves, and diverse animal life come together to offer you an unforgettable experience in nature.

Humpback whales travel here over 5,000 miles from the Antarctic to give birth in the warm waters of the Pacific Ocean.

September 20th marks the start of Quibdó’s celebration of its patron saint, San Francisco de Asís, or “San Pacho,” as he is affectionately called by the locals.

The San Pacho Festival, named a World Heritage Event by UNESCO in 2012, will awe you with its colorful, rhythmic, joyful celebrations.

Activities you won’t want to miss out on
In Chocó’s different municipalities, you can enjoy countless activities such as recreational fishing, ecological hikes, bike tours, scuba diving, and bird and turtle watching, which are particularly enjoyable in such a unique place as this.

The area is also perfect for adventure tourism. Water sports like water skiing, surfing, and kayaking are all available.

You can also enjoy scenic natural hot springs thanks to the heat generated by the department’s volcanic activity.

And, if you want to end your trip with a party, Chocó has a wild night life, with bars and clubs that have the best beats this side of the Pacific.

Recommendations
The average temperature in Chocó is 80.6 °F, so pack for warm weather.
We also recommend that you travel with small bags, since the flight connections out of Quibdó usually only allow 10 kg (roughly 22 lbs) of luggage maximum.
We would also advise that you bring enough money (in cash) because ATMs aren’t always easy to find.
Finally, keep in mind that the Department of Health recommends that you get vaccinated for yellow fever before travelling through the Chocoano municipalities of Carmen del Darién, Juradó, Acandí, Riosucio, and Unguía.
With this advice, you’ll be able to enjoy the beautiful nature and rhythm of the Colombian Pacific in Chocó, a real gem of a department. What are you waiting for? Come discover this unique destination!

What is there to do in Pasto?
One of the many locations of tourist interest in Pasto is the city’s enchanting cathedral, with was opened in 1920.

The altars and chapels in the cathedral are true works of art. The cathedral is also home to a number of paintings and relics.

Other important churches you can visit while in Pasto include Our Lady of Mercy, the Templo de Cristo Rey, the Iglesia Santiago Apostol, the Señor del Río, and the Iglesia de San Andrés.

While you’re in Pasto, you should also visit the Plaza de Nariño, or the Plaza de la Constitución. It’s the most central square in Pasto, and in its center you’ll find a statue of leader Antonio Nariño.

The Plaza del Carnaval is also very important. It was created in 2003 to celebrate the Carnaval de Negros y Blancos and is the official starting location of the carnival’s parade.

If you’d like to learn more about the art and culture of Nariño, there’s no better place than the Museo Casa Taminango art museum.

You can also take a stroll through one of Pasto’s beautiful parks, including the Aurora, Chapalito, and Antanas parks.

The city also offers a wide variety of delicious local dishes, like cuy (guinea pig), fried and baked snacks, and trucha frita (fried trout); sweets and desserts, such as nariñense tamales (a type of sweet tamales), chilacuan (a type of sweet made from mountain papayas), quimbolitos (sweet, steamed cakes generally made with flour, eggs, butter, sugar, and milk), and helado de paila (a type of handmade ice cream); and drinks like champús (Lulo, pineapple, and corn), chichi (vodka, coconut, and pineapple), and hervido (made by boiling fresh fruit juice with sugar and an anise flavored liquor).

Unique experiences
If you want your trip to Pasto to be a truly unique experience, make sure to visit during the Carnaval de Negros y Blancos. The Carnaval de Negros y Blancos is a traditional festival celebrated in January each year. In 2009, Unesco added the carnival to its List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity for its emphasis the area’s multiculturality.

The city celebrates the carnival from the 2nd to the 7th of January, with the 6th marking the its culmination; a colorful, magical, legendary celebration full of dancing that is the pride of Pasto.

The festivities on the 6th include the famous Desfile Magno, a parade where you’ll be able to view impressive floats, some of which are up to 26 feet long. Most of the floats are designed by locals and reflect a great sense of creativity and fun.

Another important celebration in Pasto is Holy Week, which is celebrated with visits to the city’s main churches and processions and pilgrimages to nearby mountains.

Pasto’s anniversary is also a momentous occasion, as Pasto is both one of Colombia’s oldest cities and the capital of Nariño. It is celebrated with artistic, cultural, religious, and recreational events throughout the month of June.

Activities you won’t want to miss out on
Don’t forget to visit the Galeras volcano or, as it’s affectionately known thanks to its imposing height, the ‘Sleeping Lion.’

Around the volcano is the Galeras Volcano Wildlife Sanctuary, where you’ll find ravines, rivers, and four lagoons: the Negra, Verde, Telpis, and Mejía.

You can also visit La Cocha Lagoon, a volcanic crater lake where the island of La Corota is located. The lake can be crossed by boat from the town of El Encano, where wooden, Swiss-style homes adorned with flowers are visible.

The hotels in the area serve delicious smoked trout that you’ve got to taste for yourself.

The Archaeological Cemetery, located in nearby Santa Rosa, is another place you’ll want to visit during your stay. There you’ll find remains and ceramics from the QUILLASINGAS who once inhabited the area. The tombs are between 16 and 132 feet deep and have inspired many myths and legends.

Finally, you should also take a moment to see the stunning Las Lajas Sanctuary, a gorgeous basilica church built in the early 1900s. Located in the Guáitara river canyon, the Las Lajas Sanctuary is one of Colombia’s National Monuments.

Recommendations
In Pasto, you’ll find variety of hotels that cater to individual needs and budgets.
Keep in mind that the city has a mild and sometimes cool climate. We suggest that you bring along a jacket or coat.
The Antonio Nariño airport, located about 17 miles from the city, offers national flight connections that will help facilitate your travel.
Pasto also has an integrated transportation system that will assist you in traveling around the city without any complications.
With these simple recommendations, you’re ready to enjoy your trip to Pasto as much as possible! Get ready to feel the rhythm of Colombia’s cultural diversity. Don’t miss out on your opportunity to explore this beautiful city!

What is there to do in Buga?
Buga’s essence is in its historic center, which has many noteworthy structures from the 17th and 18th centuries. Such is the case with the city’s biggest attraction: the Minor Basilica of Our Lord of the Miracles, which is the fourth oldest in the country.

The basilica, which took 15 years to build and was inaugurated in 1907, has a museum that has become a true pilgrimage center, as it has a profound symbolic meaning that continues to narrate human searches for meaning and encounters with faith.

The basilica is also an architectural jewel in and of itself. From its terrace, you can enjoy the tile roofs typical of the colonial style that fills the historic city center.

Another important landmark in Buga is the old railway station, declared a Good of Cultural Interest. It is characterized by its colonial architecture and a small exterior plaza adorned with a compass rose.

Another relevant historic landmark in Buga is the Academia de Historia Leonardo Tascón, which houses paintings of Bugueño heroes; a letter written by the “Liberator,” Simón Bolívar, about his stay in Buga shortly before his death; and other documents and articles of historic and cultural interest.

Thanks to Buga’s strategic location, you can easily plan trips to other exciting locations near the municipality, such as the Reserva Natural Forestal Bosque de Yocoto (a forest and nature reserve), Calima Lake, Las Hermosas National Natural Park, Laguna de Sonso, El Vínculo (a dry forest nature park), and the hacienda El Paraíso, which was converted into a house museum that, today, is famous in this part of Colombia and is known around the world as the setting for the pivotal novel of Latin American romanticism: María, by Jorge Isaacs.

Sugar cane is also cultivated in this area and, because of that, the municipality’s cuisine offers a number of delicious sweets, such as manjar blanco (similar to dulce de leche), jaleas (jellies), and cristalizados de limón y naranja (crystallized citrus candy).

Unique experiences
As a destination characterized by its faith, Buga will surprise you with its way of commemorating Holy Week. Holy Week celebrations in Buga include impressive processions and other religious events that bring together over half a million visitors each year.

However, Buga, with its pleasant climate, is also synonymous with relaxation and beauty. The city offers a number of magnificent resorts where you can relax and enjoy yourself. One of them is the Balneario Casa Lago El Manantial, located in Vereda de Alaska.

The resort consists of a house in the middle of a large natural body of water, and also has ecological cabins available for groups or couples, as well as other facilities.

You should also visit the Laguna de Sonso Nature Reserve. The Laguna de Sonso is also referred to as the Laguna del Chircal. The Laguna de Sonso is the largest wetland in Cauca, and is one of the most important places in the area for bird watching, as it is has 162 species of birds, both local and migratory.

Activities you won’t want to miss out on
After strolling through the heart of this municipality, you can take a tour of places like Calima Lake, with its many exciting water sports, and Ginebra, a town famous for its sancocho de gallina (a type of chicken soup).

In many places near Buga, you can participate in recreational fishing, a favorite activity among tourists.

There are different establishments with natural or artificial lakes where you can test your skill with a fishing rod.

Generally these establishments are idyllic and quiet, surrounded by a wealth of natural scenery. Some of the species you can catch while fishing include tambaqui, brycon, and tilapia.

Recommendations
Buga is only an hour from Cali, and the easiest way to get there is by taking a bus that leaves from the Cali transport terminal. So, it you are spending a few days of your vacation in Cali, take some time to visit beautiful Buga.
As you plan your trip, remember to pack for warm weather, although it wouldn’t hurt to bring along a jacket to wear at night, too, since the temperature can drop to 50 °F.
A pair of comfortable shoes is a must for exploring the best spots around the municipality.
Keep in mind, last of all, that Buga offers a wide range of hotels located in the city’s historic center and surrounding areas.
Remember these recommendations and you’ll be able to enjoy the rhythm of Buga, a city full of history and devotion with adventures for all tastes. We’ll see you there!