Why do people go to Cali Colombia, If there is a very high risk? “The only risk is that you want to stay”. This was the country’s previous slogan, and Cali was a big part of this motto.

People came to Cali, thinking they will find only salsa, and stay for three days. A year after will find out this cultural capital of the world, offers all in one place, nature, culture, dance, happy people. In numbers: 3 million people, 7 rivers, 546 species of birds, world-class salsa shows, classes, and parties. 

Cali is also, a Sports Capital of America, and an epicenter of African-pacific music and traditions. And what about the vibe? that laid-back friendliness of its inhabitants. “Cali has that something that you don’t feel in Medellin or Bogotá, you feel a small-town vibe in a big city” an ex-pat said.

But, is Cali a safe city at the moment?

Despite the city being blessed, Cali is now, at the beginning of 2023 Cali was getting better, as it went through a national strike that ended up as a civil crisis in 2021. The city found itself immersed for months in episodes of intense violence with participants from every background: indigenous, police, military, university students, civil rights movements, “Primera Linea” militants, international human rights committee, you name it.

This, plus lack of control from the city´s government brought a historically high death toll, public and private property vandalism, a bigger socio-economical gap and inequality, and a new sensation of fear grew among the Caleños and tourists. The government has recovered control as the city is back to normal and the constant sence of fear that was once felt, left from the streets. 

So now, how are the criminal rates in Cali Colombia?

Before I give you the next facts, I will like to state that I have lived in Cali for 25 years, never witness a murder, and yes, seen five robberies in all my life, but me, myself, I haven’t been the victim of a robbery, touch wood. The death rate is now among the highest in the country, with 3.2 homicides a day, and robbery has increased to an average of 46 robberies a day, according to calicomovamos.com. I know, this stat, might alarm you a little bit. But, like many places in the world, every city has these “red zones”, where you should never dare to go.

As well as Cali, Rio de Janeiro, for example, has an average of 9.8 homicides a day according to efe.com, and is still the third most visited city in South America.

These homicides in Cali are extremely rare to experience in a touristic place, they are more present in the “comunas” or slums (“favelas”) of the city.    

So, I agree with the statement that “Cali Colombia is safe for everyone that knows how to move around”, but definitely, at this moment we recommend you take extra care and follow my tips if you want to visit the main sights of the city and make the most of your visit, as the city is less safe than before at this moment.

For this reason, I will like to share some safety tips that will help you safely explore Cali Colombia (you might already know some of them)

Some safety tips:

Moving around: 

Don´t

– Walk while staring at your phone. Avoid using your phone while on the street sidewalks.

– “Dar papaya”: Something we Caleños use to refer to exhibiting expensive belongings while outdoors.

– Walk alone at night: After you get a better sense of the city gets easier to move around. In the beginning, try to move around in a group.

– Receive things from strangers in the street: There is a drug called scopolamine, that by inhalation will let you with no judgment or will, you will just follow orders.

Do´s

– Taxi: Call them if possible. Ask the owner of the hotel, bar, or restaurant to call it for you. 

– Transportation Apps: Uber, Didi, Beat, Way Cali, Cabify. 

– Take out only the necessary things, if you plan to walk a long distance: I only take with me my phone (if necessary), money: cash and one credit card (sometimes, prefer to take only cash), and my ID or copy of ID. I leave everything else at home. 

If you are going straight from point “a” to point “b” in a vehicle you may take more of your belongings.  

Safest touristic places to walk around in the city: Boulevard del Rio, Plazoleta Jairo Varela, Cat of the River, Tertulia Museum, Zoo of Cali, El Peñón

Safest neighborhoods: El Peñón, Santa Teresita, Santa Rita (west city area), Granada. This last one has had a spike in robberies recently, so walk with caution.

After all, If you just don’t want to bother about worrying or planning, then, the best way to fully discover the city upon your arrival in Cali in a comfortable and safe way, I think is by taking a City Tour. A three-hour experience to discover the city´s secrets and visit the main sights, while traveling in private transportation.

If you like to party, and want to discover the salsa world, you should definitely try la Topa Tolondra club, or learn about all ways to travel and dance in Cali.  

Before I finish, want to recommend the best things to do and visit while in Cali:

Best things to do and visit while in Cali:

• Cristo Rey Panoramic View.
• Cat of the River park. (Gato del Rio)
• La Ermita Church.
• Boulevard del Rio.
• Visit San Antonio Park.
• Zoo.

In essence, Cali has an abundance of natural and architectural landmarks to discover; museums, parks, squares, churches, monuments, and viewpoints, how are you going to miss them because someone told you it was not safe? Have they been there yet?