Is Cali expensive to visit?
Cali is a smaller destination that attracts travelers with diverse styles, spending habits, and budgetary preferences. You'll find a wide array of accommodation options, such as luxury hotels, mid-range places, or budget-friendly hostels.
Cali can definitely get expensive if you let it, but you have options to reduce costs, including looking for discounts and coupons.
On average, budget travelers spend $12 (CO$47,442) per day, mid-range travelers spend $29 (CO$120,531) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $79 (CO$323,680) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Cali.
Within South America, Cali is a very affordable destination compared to other places. It is in the top 10% of cities in South America for its affordability. Very few cities in the region are as affordable as Cali.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Cali Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Cali?
The average Cali trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Cali travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Cali cost?
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
It's important to set realistic expectations for your travel budget in Cali. While many think they can cut costs for many things, the reality is that most people won't enjoy such a low-budget experience. Consider your preferences and travel style. Do you like resorts, hotels, vacation rentals, or hostels? Are activities and dining out a big part of your travel plans? Your answers will shape your budget and itinerary.
Who are Budget Travelers?
While you might think you're a budget traveler, without giving up many of your usual comforts, you'll likely need to spend more than the $12 per day that backpackers often spend.
Backpackers often work within this tight budget by staying in hostel dorms, eating fast food or street food, using public transit, and mainly visiting free attractions.
Fortunately, Cali features plenty of hostels, including Viajero Cali Hostel & Salsa School, La Sucursal Hostel, and The Pelican Larry Hostel. At hostels like these, you can find cheap dorm beds and a vibrant social atmosphere, though amenities are often scarce.
Could You Be an Average Traveler?
If you're a couple or a family on a fun getaway, you might want to choose a mid-range hotel, enjoy meals at well-liked restaurants, and visit the key museums and attractions that come with entry fees. It's common for visitors to Cali to seek out the major attractions, museums, and significant landmarks. Most activities are not free, after all. Therefore, it's realistic to plan on a daily budget of about $29 per person, per day.
There's a wide selection of hotels and vacation rentals in Cali. If you're traveling with others, sharing a hotel room with a partner, friend, or kids will help split costs and save money. When traveling as a family, look for hotels and restaurants that welcome children. Hotel Campestre Casa Santa Monica Pance is a great choice for kids, and City Express Plus Cali is another wonderful option. For more family and couple-friendly places to stay, check out our Cali hotel costs guide.
Want to Escape the Daily Grind in Style?
If you're looking for a high-end escape with every amenity and high-quality service, be prepared for daily expenses around $79. Staying in upscale hotels, enjoying meals at award-winning restaurants, indulging in lavish excursions, and utilizing taxis or private drivers in the destination will entail a more premium price tag. Also, higher-end tours are common with luxury travelers, such as Private Arrival or Departure Transfer: Alfonso Bonilla Aragón Airport - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Cali
In Cali, hotel prices can be quite surprising. Higher-end hotels offer more amenities and luxury, but come at a higher price tag, especially during the peak season. Off-season prices average around $35, but in peak season, they can average around $65. Prices generally range from $18 to $181, and hostels remain the cheaper option. Booking early or traveling during the low season can save you money, and you might find special deals along the way.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Cali for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $11 (CO$47,017). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $5.62 (CO$23,509) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Cali? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Cali include:
- Hotel Piaro In Apartastudios starting at $33
- Sonesta Hotel Cali starting at $55
- Movich Casa del Alferez starting at $66
- Travelers Suites Juanambu starting at $46
- Spiwak Chipichape Cali - Un Hotel Preferred starting at $98
If you avoid and go during the low or shoulder season, you'll find better hotel deals and fewer tourists.
Transportation Budget in Cali
Calculated from travelers like you
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On average, past travelers have spent $5.25 (CO$21,967) per person, per day, on local transportation in Cali. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Cali is significantly more than public transportation.
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Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$5.25
CO$21,967
You can reach Cali by bus from a few regional, national and domestic destinations. Expreso Bolivariano leaves Terminal de Transportes in Bogota regularly throughout the day and night with journeys taking between 10 and 12 hours to reach Cali. Tickets are priced between USD$20 and USD$25 depending on seat option, availability and time of departure. We recommend that you only travel with certified transport companies, such as Expreso Palmira, Bolivariano or Expreso Brasilia. These companies will bring you and your luggages safely and comfortably to your destination. You may bargain with other companies, but the trip may be very uncomfortable. Cali's International Airport Alfonso Bonilla Aragon is located 20 km northeast of the city and can be reached by bus or taxi. There are flights to and from Medellin, Bogota, Barranquilla, Santa Marta, Bucaramanga, San Andres, Pasto, Cartagena and some international destinations as well.
A few of the typical transportation options and hotel transfers include:
- Transfer Airport Private- Hotels North for $36 details
- Cali to Popayan Private Transfer for $272 details
- Private Arrival or Departure Transfer: Alfonso Bonilla Aragón Airport for $20 details
How much does it cost to go to Cali? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Cali will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Some typical prices for transportation in Cali are shown below. These are actual costs from previous travelers, and are representative of the amount you'll likely spend on transportation in Cali. Don't forget that your individual costs will vary based on how you get around, because hired cars such as taxis are often much more expensive than local public transportation.
Food Budget in Cali
Food is a major reason many people explore new destinations, so don't skip the chance to try local delicacies.
Calculated from travelers like you
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While restaurant and meal prices in Cali can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Cali is $14 (CO$57,913) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
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Food2
Meals for one day
$14
CO$57,913
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Cali is around $14 (CO$57913) per person, with previous travelers spending from $6 to $35. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Cali are as follows:
- Breakfast: $1 to $4
- Lunch: $2 to $6
- Dinner: $4 to $10
- Coffee: $1
- Fast Food or Street Food: $2
The cuisine of Valle del Cauca is delicious and varied. In Cali and around the department of Valle del Cauca, traditional dishes include chicken soup, arroz atollado, and tortilla soup. Pandebono, pandeyuca, and a wide variety of sweets are a specialty of Valle del Cauca cooking. Other highlights include chicken soup cooked over a wood fire and lulada, a drink made from pineapples and lulos. You will find good restaurants in the city that serve traditional food as well as high quality international dishes.
Many hotels provide breakfast at no additional cost, while others charge extra. The quality and price can vary widely from hotel to hotel. Knowing this ahead of time can help you decide if you should budget more. You might find the hotel's buffet is a worthwhile investment, or perhaps a nearby bakery or cafe could be a cheaper alternative.
Fill a water bottle rather than purchasing drinks constantly. It's a smart and eco-friendly choice.
Thinking about a tour? Check which meals are included beforehand. You might need to budget for some meals on your own, which can add to your expenses.
If you want to experience the culture in Cali, a food tour or cooking class is a great way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:
- Alameda Market Food Tour for $55 details
- A Taste of Authentic Afro-Colombian Culture: Dinner + Concert for $100 details
- Street Food Tour for $22 details
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Cali
Calculated from travelers like you
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Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Cali typically cost an average of $9.92 (CO$41,490) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
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Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$9.92
CO$41,490
Visit the Cristo Rey, Admittedly, a giant Jesus statue, not as grand as Rio's Christ the Redeemer, but impressive nonetheless. As it is located on top of a hill overlooking the city, the views are fabulous, and a visit can easily be combined with the nearby Andoke butterfly farm. This huge butterfly farm features over 15 elegant technicolored species. Wander around a series of pretty walking trails while knowledgeable guides explain the life cycles of these wonderful creatures. Another rather unusual sight, is the Gato de Tejada, a famous sculpture of a cat found in a park that pays tribute to famous Colombian artist Hernando Tejada. Local artists got together and sculpted another 15 feline statues in his honor after he passed away just a few years following the realization of his sculpture. Set atop a hill to the west of the historical center lies Iglesia de San Antonio, an impressive 18th-century church that contains a number of unique wood-carved religious artifacts. The church is surrounded by a park in which you will get excellent views of the city. Just down from the church lies Cali's historic center, the funky Barrio San Antonio. Within these charming colonial edifices are trendy cafes, happening bars, and upmarket restaurants, making it a perfect place to eat, drink, and simply discover. You must also stop at Cali's oldest church, the Iglesia de la Merced, a beautiful colonial cathedral on the Plaza Caycedo in the historic district.
A popular activity in Cali is to visit the Zoologico de Cali, a must for families and wildlife enthusiasts alike. Among the exotic animals on these expansive grounds are tigers, huge iguanas, monkeys, and pink Andean flamingos. Cali also has a few museums worth visiting. The Museo de Arte Colonial, in the monastery adjoining the cathedral, displays mainly colonial religious art. The Museo Arqueologico displays pre-Columbian pottery and artifacts from the various indigenous groups of the area. The Museo de Oro exhibits gold items from the Calima culture and the Museo de Arte Moderno La Tertulia displays modern art, sculpture, and photography. Those keen for a trip out of the city should go for a day tour of San Cipriano. Highlights include a ride on a tiny railway timber cart, a visit to an Afro community, tubing down a tranquil river, and the chance to swim under some cascading waterfalls. Or you can head to the Parque Nacional Farallones de Cali, a mountain park with diverse vegetation and wildlife. You can leave for a day excursions or hike to Reserva Natural Hato Viejo where you will find lodging, food, and guides to the park. You should definitely check out the archaeological sites of pre-Columbian civilizations at Parque Arqueologico De Tierradentro and Parque Arqueologico De San Augustin. Both are considered sacred sites and feature ancient monuments, statuary, tombs and burial mounds. Finally, your trip to Cali would not be complete without experiencing the city's most famous activity, salsa. Those who don't like to dance can watch a live performance, though the real action takes place within the city's steamy clubs.
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Cali. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- The Cali Street Food Walking Tour for $30 details
- Cali River Waterfall Tour (4 hours) for $59 details
- Cali private city tour for $120 details
Cali, Colombia
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.