Charting a route from Medellín through the coffee region to Cali, then crossing overland into Ecuador and Quito, I found myself pausing in Cali for a day. The hostel staff were relentless with their warnings: “Be careful! Don’t flash your phone around during the day—it’s just not worth the risk.” With that ominous sense of caution hanging in the air, I decided to play it safe after checking into the hostel, especially at night—no unnecessary adventures for me!
[Crying with laughter][Crying with laughter]
The next day, I ventured out by taxi to the city center. There, amidst the bustling streets, police presence reassured me as I navigated popular tourist spots. Still, I kept my guard up, snapping quick photos before tucking my phone safely away. While Cali carries an undercurrent of unease, it feels significantly milder compared to Rio de Janeiro in Brazil.
For those looking to groove, Cali is famous for its salsa scene. La Topa Tolondra stands out as a top recommendation. Head there in a group after 10 PM, when the energy truly ignites. After brushing up on some basic moves at the hostel (about an hour), I hit the dance floor, throwing caution to the wind. A great partner can make all the difference here, and locals—many of whom are phenomenal dancers—often invite visitors to join them. It’s a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the culture.
If you’re planning the bus journey from Medellín to Cali, here’s what you need to know:
Bolivariano operates a reliable service departing at 10:30 PM 🚌 and arriving in Cali by 6:30 AM. You can book tickets online via Busbud for 65,000 COP plus a 5,000 COP service fee, or purchase them directly at the station.
Booking online offers the added perk of free seat selection—a nice touch for long journeys. This marked my first experience riding a nighttime long-distance bus in South America, and I had reservations about cleanliness and comfort due to limited reviews. However, upon boarding, I was pleasantly surprised: plush, spacious seats provided ample legroom, and with only about a dozen passengers, half the seats remained empty.
It felt like traveling in luxury compared to Europe’s Flixbus. The terminal itself was spotless, and the ticket-checking staff couldn’t have been friendlier. Though the bus was delayed by 15-20 minutes, pre-departure security measures—including a staff member filming passengers inside the bus—instilled a reassuring sense of safety.
This trip has profoundly reshaped my perception of Colombia. Taking taxis proved seamless; if someone assists you, they’re likely just seeking a modest tip for helping communicate with the driver in English. Meters are used consistently, so there’s no fear of being overcharged. Street vendors offer fair prices without targeting tourists, and the warmth of the people makes every interaction memorable.
Colombia, you’ve won me over!
