Cali: The Salsa Capital of the World

• HelloHola
  [oh-la]
• GoodbyeAdiós
  [ah-dee-ohs]
• YesSí
  [see]
• NoNo
  [noh]
• Please/You're welcomePor favor/De nada
  [por fah-vor/deh nah-dah]
• Thank youGracias
  [grah-see-as]
• Excuse me/SorryPerdón/Lo siento
  [pair-dohn/loh see-en-toh]
• How are you?¿Cómo estás?
  [koh-moh ehs-tahs]
• Fine. And you?Bien. ¿Y tú?
  [byehn. ee too]
• Do you speak English?¿Hablas inglés?
  [ah-blahs een-glehs]
• I don't understandNo entiendo
  [noh ehn-tee-ehn-doh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMe gustaría ver el menú, por favor
  [meh goos-tah-ree-ah ver el meh-noo, por fah-vor]
• I don't eat meatNo como carne
  [noh koh-moh kahr-neh]
• Cheers!¡Salud!
  [sah-lood]
• I would like to pay, pleaseMe gustaría pagar, por favor
  [meh goos-tah-ree-ah pah-gar, por fah-vor]

• Help!¡Ayuda!
  [ah-yoo-dah]
• Go away!¡Vete!
  [veh-teh]
• Call the Police!¡Llama a la policía!
  [yah-mah ah lah poh-lee-see-ah]
• Call a doctor!¡Llama a un médico!
  [yah-mah ah oon meh-dee-koh]
• I'm lostEstoy perdido/a
  [ehs-toy pair-dee-doh/dah]
• I'm illEstoy enfermo/a
  [ehs-toy ehn-fehr-moh/dah]

• I'd like to buy...Me gustaría comprar...
  [meh goos-tah-ree-ah kohm-prar]
• I'm just lookingSolo estoy mirando
  [soh-loh ehs-toy mee-rahn-doh]
• How much is it?¿Cuánto cuesta?
  [kwan-toh kwehs-tah]
• That's too expensiveEsto es muy caro
  [ehs-toh ehs moo-ee kah-roh]
• Can you lower the price?¿Puedes bajar el precio?
  [pweh-dehs bah-har el pree-see-oh]

• What time is it?¿Qué hora es?
  [keh oh-rah ehs]
• It's one o'clockEs la una
  [ehs lah oo-nah]
• Half past (10)Y media (10)
  [ee meh-dee-ah (deez)]
• MorningMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• AfternoonTarde
  [tahr-deh]
• EveningNoche
  [noh-cheh]
• YesterdayAyer
  [ah-yehr]
• TodayHoy
  [oy]
• TomorrowMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• 1Uno
  [oo-noh]
• 2Dos
  [dohs]
• 3Tres
  [trehs]
• 4Cuatro
  [kwah-troh]
• 5Cinco
  [seen-koh]
• 6Seis
  [says]
• 7Siete
  [syeh-teh]
• 8Ocho
  [oh-choh]
• 9Nueve
  [nweh-veh]
• 10Diez
  [dyehs]

• Where's a/the...?¿Dónde está...?
  [dohn-deh ehs-tah]
• What's the address?¿Cuál es la dirección?
  [kwal ehs lah dee-rehk-see-on]
• Can you show me (on the map)?¿Me puedes mostrar (en el mapa)?
  [meh pweh-dehs moh-strahr (ehn el mah-pah)]
• When's the next (bus)?¿Cuándo es el próximo (autobús)?
  [kwan-doh ehs ehl prohk-see-moh (ow-toh-boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un boleto (para ...)
  [oon boh-leh-toh (pah-rah)]

Santiago de Cali, commonly known as Cali, was founded on July 25, 1536, by Spanish conquistador Sebastián de Belalcázar. It was established during the early period of Spanish colonization of the Americas, serving as a base for further expeditions into Colombia's interior.

During the colonial period, Cali became an important administrative and commercial hub. The indigenous population, primarily the Cauca Valley tribes, were significantly affected by Spanish colonization. The legacy of these indigenous groups is still evident in the region's cultural practices and place names.

In the 19th century, Cali and the Cauca Valley experienced a boom in sugarcane production. The fertile land and favorable climate made the region ideal for sugarcane plantations, leading to economic growth and the establishment of numerous haciendas.

In the late 20th century, Cali became infamous as the headquarters of the Cali Cartel, a powerful drug trafficking organization. The cartel played a significant role in the global cocaine trade during the 1980s and 1990s, shaping both the local and international perception of the city.

Despite its troubled past, Cali has undergone a cultural renaissance. The city is renowned for its vibrant salsa music and dance scene, hosting events like the World Salsa Festival. Cali's cultural institutions, including theaters, museums, and art galleries, contribute to its rich and diverse cultural landscape.

In recent decades, Cali has emerged as a major economic and industrial center in Colombia. Investments in infrastructure, education, and technology have spurred growth. The city's strategic location near the Pacific Ocean has also enhanced its role as a key trade hub.

The Cali Fair, or Feria de Cali, is one of the most significant cultural events in the city, held annually from December 25 to 30. The fair features parades, concerts, and the famous Salsódromo, a salsa parade that attracts dancers and visitors from around the world.

San Antonio is one of Cali's oldest and most picturesque neighborhoods. Known for its colonial-style houses, cobblestone streets, and vibrant arts scene, San Antonio offers a glimpse into the city's historical and cultural heritage.

Cali, located in southwestern Colombia, is accessible via Alfonso Bonilla Aragón International Airport (CLO), which serves both domestic and international flights. The airport is approximately 15 kilometers from the city center. You can reach the city via taxi, airport shuttle services, or rental cars. Direct flights from major cities like Bogotá, Medellín, Miami, and Madrid make it convenient for international travelers.

Cali has a variety of transportation options. The MIO bus system is an affordable and extensive public transit network that covers most areas of the city. Taxis are widely available and can be hailed on the street or booked through apps like EasyTaxi and Uber. For a more local experience, you can use the 'chiva' buses, colorful open-sided buses often used for short trips and local tours. Renting a car is also an option, but be aware of heavy traffic and limited parking in the city center.

The official currency in Colombia is the Colombian Peso (COP). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and shops. However, smaller vendors, especially in local markets, may only accept cash. ATMs are plentiful in urban areas, but it's advisable to withdraw cash in advance if you plan to visit rural areas. Always carry some small bills and coins for minor purchases.

While Cali is generally safe for tourists, it's essential to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night, especially in unfamiliar areas. Some neighborhoods, such as Aguablanca, Siloé, and parts of the city center, have higher crime rates and should be avoided, particularly after dark. Keep your belongings secure and be cautious with your valuables in crowded places. Stick to well-lit, populated areas and use reliable transportation options.

In case of emergency, dial the national emergency number 123 for immediate assistance. Cali has several hospitals and clinics, including the Fundación Valle del Lili and Clínica de Occidente, known for their high standards of care. Pharmacies are readily available for minor health issues. It is strongly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For police assistance, look for the local 'Policía Nacional' stations.

Fashion: Do dress comfortably but modestly. Avoid flashy jewelry and expensive accessories that may attract unwanted attention. Religion: Do respect local religious customs. When visiting churches, dress conservatively and speak softly. Public Transport: Do be mindful of your belongings and avoid using public transport late at night. Don't eat or drink on public buses. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. It's polite to address them with 'Señor' or 'Señora' followed by their last name. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes like 'sancocho' and 'empanadas'. Don't refuse food when offered, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Cali like a local, explore the city's vibrant salsa scene. Visit dance clubs and take a salsa class. Head to local markets like the Alameda Market for fresh produce and traditional Colombian foods. Attend a football match at the Estadio Olímpico Pascual Guerrero to feel the local passion for the sport. Don’t miss out on a walk through the San Antonio neighborhood, known for its colonial architecture and artisan shops. Engage with locals; they are generally friendly and eager to share their culture.