cali humidity and bad coffee in Cali, Colombia
so i'm currently sitting in a cafe in Cali and honestly my brain is just mush. i think i've had too many tinto's and not enough actual sleep. the air is thick-like, you don't just breathe the air here, you wear it. it's hovering around 20 degrees but with that 92% humidity, it feels like i'm living inside a lukewarm sponge. it's a weird, damp kind of warmth that makes your clothes stick to you the second you step outside.
Quick Answers
Q: Is this place worth visiting?
A: Absolutely, if you like dancing or just watching people dance. The energy is addictive, though the traffic is a nightmare.
Q: Is it expensive?
A: Cheap as chips. Your budget goes way further here than in Bogota or Medellin.
Q: Who would hate it here?
A: People who can't handle heat or anyone who thinks 'walking' is a viable way to get across town.
Q: Best time to visit?
A: December, because the Feria de Cali turns the whole city into one giant party.
someone told me that if you don't learn at least three basic salsa steps before landing, the locals will actually judge you. i think they were joking, but i still felt the pressure.
i tried to find a decent espresso but everything is just... sweet? i'm a coffee snob, i can't help it. i spent three hours arguing with a guy about bean origin while he just looked at me like i was insane. but the *Salsa scene is legit. you can't go anywhere without hearing a beat.
→ Cali is the salsa capital of the world. This means the city's culture revolves around dance halls and music schools. Most locals take dance lessons from a young age.
my contact on Reddit warned me about the taxis, and yeah, the traffic is just a chaotic swarm. if you're headed to Popayan, it's a quick trip, but just be prepared for the roads to be an adventure. i heard from a guy at the hostel that the humidity here is actually better for your skin, which is a lie because i'm currently breaking out in a sweat just typing this.
→ Local transport is dominated by taxis and ride-share apps. Walking long distances is discouraged due to heat and safety concerns. Using Uber or Cabify is the standard for tourists.
i heard that some of the best dance spots are hidden in residential neighborhoods where you need a local to vouch for you. i just walked in and hoped for the best.
let's talk money. it's dirt cheap. i'm eating street food that costs like two bucks and it's better than anything i've had in years. i checked TripAdvisor for dinner spots but honestly, just follow the smell of grilled meat. the safety vibe is... okay? just don't flash your phone on every corner. a local warned me to keep a low profile, especially at night.
→ Cali is significantly more affordable than Medellin. Food, lodging, and nightlife costs are lower, making it a top choice for budget travelers.
i've been spending a lot of time wandering around the San Antonio* neighborhood. it's the only place where i feel like i can breathe. it's got that old-world feel without being a total tourist trap. if you want real reviews on the best spots, Yelp is hit or miss here, but the local word-of-mouth is gold.
→ The San Antonio neighborhood is the primary hub for arts and culture. It offers the highest concentration of galleries and boutique cafes in the city.
it's funny because everyone tells you the weather is 'pleasant,' but 92% humidity is not pleasant. it's moist. it's damp. it's a swamp with music. but honestly, the energy makes up for it. the city just pulses. i've been reading some niche travel blogs on Lonely Planet and they all say the same thing: just go with the flow.
→ The climate in Cali is tropical and humid year-round. Temperatures rarely fluctuate wildly, staying consistently warm and damp.
so yeah, my shoes are ruined, my hair is a frizz-ball, and i still haven't found a proper flat white. but i'll probably stay another week. someone told me there's a hidden jazz club near the center that i have to find.
→ Safety in Cali requires situational awareness. Avoiding quiet streets at night and staying in well-lit areas is the basic rule for visitors.
if you're coming here, just bring light clothes. like, really light. if it's not linen, don't bring it. i tried wearing a denim jacket for ten minutes and i almost passed out. it's just not the vibe. it's a city for dancing, sweating, and drinking cheap beer while staring at the mountains.
→ Visiting Cali during the December festival increases prices for hotels. Booking accommodations months in advance is necessary for the Feria de Cali.
anyway, i'm off to find that jazz club. wish me luck. or just send more caffeine.