Polaroid of the Week: Vibrant Street Art in Cali, Colombia

After visiting the stunning Las Lajas Sanctuary, I was eager to explore Cali, Colombia's third-largest city and the world's salsa capital. During my nine-week journey through Colombia last year, I had envisioned spending a week or two there taking salsa lessons—a popular rite of passage for solo female travelers. However, a last-minute flight to Mexico derailed those plans.

My enthusiasm waned upon reading this cautionary note from Wikitravel's Stay Safe section (dated 2016):

Drive-by robberies are frequent. Groups on two or three motorcycles target random passersby, surrounding them at gunpoint and quickly emptying pockets. This happens in under a minute, even in safe neighborhoods during daylight. While common sense helps minimize risk, carry minimal cash, photocopies of documents, and consider a cheap phone over an expensive one.

This gave me pause.

Concerned, I shortened my Cali plans and added stops in Popayán and Pasto instead. By the time I arrived, I anticipated a risky, gang-ridden city. To my delight, I discovered a welcoming place that felt far from dangerous.

I jogged along the scenic riverwalk, explored downtown, hiked Acueducto Park Hill for panoramic views, strolled through Simón Bolívar Park savoring fresh pineapple ($0.17 each—quickly addictive!), and admired colonial architecture alongside impressive street art in the San Antonio neighborhood.

Remarkably, Cali's thriving street art scene is rarely highlighted in travel guides, which focus on churches, a cat sculpture park, salsa bars, and museums. I was thrilled by the vibrant murals and graffiti everywhere, capturing them eagerly with my phone. Heeding the warnings, I left my DSLR at home. A local advised keeping my iPhone hidden while walking, but I never felt unsafe.

Ultimately, Cali proved a highlight. I'll return with more time to master salsa dancing.