Where to go in Cali?

[Ken2]

Hey guys,

First, I must admit that I'm a little surprised that I'm going on this trip just having learned about Cali in November.  I was persuaded early on with all the stories.  Anyway, I got my tickets today and am really looking foward to the trip.  I leave in 2 weeks!!!  Having heard about all that Cali has to offer, how could I not go and see for myself?
 
My question: I have a question about what sights to see while in Cali.  I have spoken with the gal I'm meeting and she has some ideas.  However, Im very oranized and want to create a "schedule" if you will, of some nice places to see.  I am aware of a few places, but am open to any suggestion/ideas.

There is a place outside of Cali about 2 hours away called (San?)Ciprano-  Any one been there- via the shuttle train along tracks that are no longer being used.  You go thru the rain forest by a shuttle, built by the locals to take you to your destination.  The rain Forest being your main reason for the trip. Anyone been on this adventure? Cathedrals and Museums are ok, but is there more to see?  Say hiking, someone mentioned horseback riding sometime back also.?  

thanks,

Ken

[TexasRob]

... in response to Where to go in Cali?, posted by Ken2 on Apr 4, 2002

Hi Ken,
I posted about the horseback ride and hiking up to Tres Cruces.  The horseback ride is something I would not recommend right now.  It is a fun ride though.  If you do find it is safe and you go, be sure to take some dry clothes and shoes.  The last part of the ride is up the middle of a cold clear river.  Be sure and take something waterproof to put your passport in.  Also be sure and get one of those waterproof one time use cameras.  I would sugest hiring a driver to take you and wait for you.  I could not get a taxi to come out and get me.  I caught a ride in the back of a farm truck.  That ended up being much better than a taxi ride anyway.  

I would not worry about hiking up to Tres Cruces.  It is well patrolled by the army.  You will find someone selling water half way up and then again at the top.  Again be sure to take a camera.  The last half of this hike is a leg burner.  One very important note... there are several very beautiful ladies doing this trail in groups of 2 or 3.  From the looks of them they do it often.  

I will be in Cali from April 12 to April 24.  

Have a great time!!

[Cali vet]

... in response to Where to go in Cali?, posted by Ken2 on Apr 4, 2002

I've been wanting to go to San Cipriano too. Supposed to be great swimming in clear pools. I think it's on the other side of the Fallarones de Cali on the way to Buenaventura. The problem at the moment is that that route passes through Dagua which has had a lot of guerilla-AUC fighting recently on it's outskirts and some guerilla roadblocks along the highway nearby. I took that route to Buenaventura a couple of months ago but it was OK then. You'd want to check carefully with the authorities before going that way right now. Your girl should be able to do that. Another destination about the same distance and considerably safer is the Parque del Cafe. I wrote about it in a trip report a ways down this page. It's pretty comercial with some dumb attractions but also has some nice pathways through native forest habitat. If you do go to San Cipriano please write it up as I'd like to hear about it.

[Slowandtru]

... in response to Re: Where to go in Cali?, posted by Cali vet on Apr 4, 2002

I just returned from a five week stay in Cali. Would not recommend the Coffee Park trip right now...or anywhere else for that matter. It's a shame too, I went there before Christmas and had a great time going just about everywhere...including the Coffee Park, but this last trip my Novia was afraid for us even to try for Buga...a place we love.

Guys, there is much more violence going on than you hear about over here. My Novia is a university professor and is in contact with friends in universities all over Colombia. Every single one of them advised HER not to take a trip to any of the places we normally go...and DEFINITELY not to attempt it with a gringo. While I was there this last trip reservoirs were poisoned, electric power stations blown up, roadblocks and kidnappings right at the Cali city limits, Senators kidnapped and murdered and the Archbishop of Cali was assassinated. Blackhawks flying overhead every night and troops and police everywhere. Luz (my girlfriend) had to be one of the officials at the elections and she would not even take her car for fear that it might distract her in case she had to run. That is the atmosphere of fear right now.

I am tied into some very knowledgeable people in Cali. The consensus is the same with all of them including the Americans I know who have lived there for years; keep a low profile and stay within the city. Lifelong residents are extremely wary of travel to even the closest of tourist areas. We didn't even make a trip to El Paraiso this time. Last time I got a case of the old "Army Bush Jitters" as we were heading to the Sugar Cane Museum and we went to El Paraiso instead. The next day we found out that the paramilitary had killed thirty farmers in front of their wives and children within spitting distance of where I got the jitters. So pay attention to your gut instincts and don't press for a trip or anything else in Colombia right now. Stay cool and flexible. The city is pretty safe if you stay out of the bad areas and away from the Discos with a reputation. Travel from Cali to anywhere is a risk. I had planned to stay longer but the boredom of being limited to such a short leash drove me to come back early and bring my Novia with me. If you decide to go keep your eyes open and know who you are 'venturing forth' with. There is plenty to keep you occupied in Cali proper if you haven't been there before. Know your taxi driver if possible and stay off of buses if at all possible. Lots is going on right now. Keep your wits about you and don't think for an instant that Colombia is the United States. The residents are concerned and very careful. Make sure that you are too.