Things to do & places to visit in Valle del Cauca Department, Colombia

Valle del Cauca Department #8 destination in Colombia 2023. The average rating score is 4.50 based on 13.1k traveler reviews, of 175 attractions. Timezone: America/Bogota, current date and time: Saturday, May 04, 2024, 17:09.

Top things to do (36)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Museo Aereo Fenix (591 reviews)
- Wonderful collection
Saturday: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums

It is the only civil aviation and railroad museum in Colombia. See 27 full size aircraft and 4 locomotives, four model airports and two giant working model railroad layouts. More than 4500 models, many in realistic dioramas and the largest collection of airline flatware. There is also a collection of 50 uniforms and flying suits, both military and civilian. See more..
5.0 Caliwood Museo de la Cinematografia (288 reviews)
- Very informative and interesting
Saturday: 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums

Caliwood Cinema Museum its located in Cali, Colombia. The newly opened museum is currently the only cinema museum in the country preserving the largest collection of theatre projectors, movie cameras, photo cameras, posters, and memorabilia. See more..
5.0 Bosque El Descanso (200 reviews)
- A MUST DO!
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas

Bosque el Descanso is a tourist site located in the department of Valle del Cauca, very close to the city of Cali. If you are a lover of ecotourism, if you are passionate about the green of the mountains, if you love an adventure between waterfalls and a walk through ecological trails that brings joy to your heart, then this is the perfect place for you. Come and enjoy waterfalls as a family, ecological trails, slides and natural jacuzzis, internal glamping in the forest, magical nights full of lights, a bonfire, and a view of the Farallones de Cali and Pico de Loro that is unparalleled. More than a place, Bosque el Descanso is an experience that will bring peace and well-being to your being. The sound of the Jordan River will accompany you in every corner of our forest. See more..
5.0 Eje Cafetero (Zona Cafetera) (83 reviews)
- Should do it once. Wont do it again
Points of Interest & Landmarks

Long planned trips mey end up in dissapointment. Not the case here. Everything we had expected and more. The trip from Bogota takes 6-7 hours depending on the route chosen and luck with truck traffic in the mountain passes. Once in the "Eje Cafetero" the roads are excellent and a delight to the traveller. We stayed in Yacurmana, a hostel with cabins in Santa Rosa de Cabal. If you need luxury this is not the place for you. If instead you are looking for a cozy place with home made breakfast and people looking to make you feel at home then definitely go for it. Alberto, the owner, will try to improve your stay day by day. Salento, Quimbaya, Filandia, Valle de Cocora are a must. A pleasure to the eye and a photographer's paradise. The food is fantastic. Make sure to try the "Patacon con trucha", fried plantane with trout. Two visits are needed to make this a complete experience. A visit to "Parque del Cafe" and a tour of a coffee plantation. We went to El Mirador near Filandia where we took the full package given by the owner himself. A tour of the coffee fields, the collection, toasting and grinding process and the criteria to select the best of the best. Great experience. Make sure to bring your camera and plenty of memory. See more..
5.0 El Nilo Pance (39 reviews)
- A fun and quiet day trip close to the city.
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas • Farms

El Nilo Pance located in the Farallones mountains just 7 kms from the sout of Cali, Colombia. We are a private place, that we open our doors to share the beauty and the nature that surround us. With direct access to the river, and the diversity of the nature. We offer a DAY plan, that includes: amazing typical Colombian dishes as Sancocho de Gallina made from organic farm raised on site chickens of course; also learn how coffee is processed by local growers, toasted and grinded to later enjoy it by the crystal Pance river. Also you can enjoy the view of the different bird species that come along our place, these mountains have 226 of different species you can enjoy, while you are here. Come and enjoy a day among Nature in this tropical paradise hosted by its owners! Please book in advance. See more..
5.0 Catedral de Nuestra Señora del Rosario del Palmar (31 reviews)
- Súper bella
Churches & Cathedrals

Es una de las magníficas Catedrales que existen en nuestro país. Realmente pasé por pura casualidad y cuando entré había una eucaristía, así que por respeto no pude tomar muchas fotos.
Es grande, limpia y con detalles muy lindos.

Frente está la Plaza de Bolívar y hay un señor muy gentil que vende un raspao delicioso.

Dejo algunas foticos que tomé.

Una visita obligatoria si estás en Palmira! See more..
5.0 VOX TOURS COLOMBIA (30 reviews)
- Conoce Buga con ellos.. Inigualable
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM Cultural Tours • Adrenaline & Extreme Tours • Bike Tours • Eco Tours • Private Tours • Food Tours • Self-Guided Tours & Rentals • Day Trips

Excelente experiencia. 20 de 10.Muy buen servicio. Recomendadisimo. Si vienes a Buga, no te lo puedes perder.. See more..
4.5 Zoologico de Cali (2.485 reviews)
- Amazing Zoo for kids & adults
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Zoos

We create unforgettable experiences to share our passion for life. See more..
4.5 Cristo Rey (1.429 reviews)
- A must see!
Monuments & Statues

I read previous reviews about Cristo Rey, with a particular interest in whether or not it could be hiked. Well, it can be hiked, but its its not for the faint-hearted. Its intense, if not gruelling and some areas leave you dangerously exposed to vehicles in blind areas (switcback turns), and takes about an hour and a half to summit from the city. There are cars that can take you down the hill, don't pay more than 30,000 pesos. With that said, I highly recommend it as it provides some breathtaking views that would be briefly witnessed by car. See more..
4.5 Iglesia de San Antonio (1.154 reviews)
- Small church on a hill
Saturday: 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM Historic Walking Areas

This is a small church built on a hill. It looks better from the distance and there are a lots of contrast around it. See more..
4.5 Gato de Tejada (1.118 reviews)
- Lovely riverside walk with artistic cat sculptures
Architectural Buildings

Cute little park alongside the river that you can leisurely stroll through admiring the different cat statues. Some are different like the Tejada one at the beginning but most are the same and then interpreted differently by each artist for a nice way to compare and contrast your favourites. The flora and fauna is also really lovely as is the bird watching section at the end of the walkway. Free and open to the public to enjoy! See more..
4.5 Iglesia La Ermita (611 reviews)
- Beautiful Baroque architecture
Churches & Cathedrals

We didn't go inside this lovely building but the outside is well worth a stroll over to see. It's got this beautiful blue/white facade which sort of shimmers in the sunlight and makes for spectacular pictures. If you're in for a Gram pic, this this is your place. See more..
4.5 Barrio San Antonio (375 reviews)
- Fantastic neighborhood
Neighborhoods • Scenic Walking Areas

This is one of the most beautiful areas of Cali. Fantastic old streets, colonial architecture, resaraunts, bars and street food. Just a great place to walk around and savor the atmosphere. The old San Antonio church and park surrounding it are the center of the community. I was there on an early Saturday evening, and the place was buzzing. Tonnes of families there with children, lots of traditional dance going on, great food and a fun place to watch the sun go down. Definitely worth spending at least a few hours here. See more..
4.5 Museo de la Cana de Azucar (366 reviews)
- Museo de la cana de azucar
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Speciality Museums

A museum that show the process of extracting sugar out of sugar cane. The museum is set outdoors among beutiful gardens. It is also has an hacienda, a colonial house from XVIII. See more..
4.5 Pance River (322 reviews)
- An extraordinary Beauty!
Bodies of Water

Wow what a beautiful River so peaceful and clean just hearing the sound of the water makes you feel you are in heaven! Got the opportunity to visit this river at night time and I must say I'm in love with this city. Our taxi driver Alexander Sepulveda was AMAIZING; he took us everywhere and waited for us so patiently i must also say that my great experience was thanks to Him! When in Cali must visit this river and the neighborhood! Counting days to go back! See more..
4.5 Basilica del Senor de los Milagros de Buga (303 reviews)
- Beautiful basilica
Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • Churches & Cathedrals

Well kept with lots of movement, organized visits, and mass services throughout the day. Amazing social contributions with the community and social help within the store “fundación Casa del Peregrino” the Hotel and Museum. Also at the offices you can get the blessed oil directly, that it has not been altered, reproduce or not real. Loved the history and the Basilica, a must see See more..
4.5 Reserva Natural Nirvana (192 reviews)
- Trekking up to the view point and lunch at the restaurant
Nature & Wildlife Areas

I took my two older children to my country Colombia for holidays. Nirvana is a place that I knew existed but never bother to visit. Family and friends have been there before and talked well about it. Since my children are older now I decided it was time to visit it. WOW just WOW such an amazing place. First we had lunch, typical Colombian food, food was well worth the money. After that we walked up the mountain to the highest view point where you can see all the beautiful Valle del Cauca. It took good 1-1/2 hours to get there, stopping here and there taking breaks and pictures. Stunning views and lovely weather. Recommended 100% We planning on returning there this year. See more..
4.5 Hacienda El Paraíso (172 reviews)
- Return to the past.
Points of Interest & Landmarks

It's an excellent place to visit. A look into the past of how families lived in Valle del Cauca. You can see the architecture of the time, the costumes and the objects they used. The writer of the famous novel "María" Jorge Isaacs lived on this farm. A beautiful place to learn a bit of history and visit as a family. See more..
4.5 Cerro de Las Tres Cruces (150 reviews)
- Good trek for a Couple Hours
Mountains

The Tres Cruces hike is nice for a good, tiring hour or so exercise. It's part rock climbing and part incline path. There are no signs so just ask the locals as you go for directions. It's best to go on weekend mornings while there are others on the path - though there are police stationed throughout. See more..
4.5 Ecoparque de las Garzas (134 reviews)
- Beautiful natural park in Cali
Saturday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Parks

This park is a beautiful small park in the South of Cali. It is about half mile of one trail where you can see turtles, iguanas, fish, birds, butterflies, etc Entry is free and the trail is shaded. Bring a snack or lunch and enjoy a family picnic. See more..
4.5 Museo de Arte Colonial y Religioso La Merced (131 reviews)
- Very Interesting and well put together
Spent 1-2 hours Art Museums

It is small, you can see it in an hour or less but worth it, every minute of it. You can also combine with the exceptional anthropology museum wich is right next door. See more..
4.5 Calima Lake (117 reviews)
- Paradise for wake style kite boarding in Colombia
Bodies of Water

If you're looking for flat water, big wind all year around to practice new moves, well Calima lake is the place to be in Colombia. See more..
4.5 Iglesia San Francisco (111 reviews)
- great church in the center of the city
Churches & Cathedrals

location looks like im in the 1970s walking around . best place to worship antique statues and view mass See more..
4.5 MUSA Museo Arqueologico (100 reviews)
- pre colombian reminder
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Speciality Museums

The MUSA houses the largest and most diverse collection of pre-Columbian ceramic pieces in Colombia, which are exhibited at its venues in Bogotá and Cali. The museum's collection shows not only the aesthetic variety of pre-Columbian peoples, but can also serve as a window to research their sophisticated ways of understanding and explaining life, death and the world. Today, we hold thirteen thousand objects representing the main cultures that inhabited the country: Tairona, Muisca, Guane, Quimbaya, Calima, Nariño, Sinú, Tumaco, San Agustín, Tierradentro, among others. See more..
4.5 Biblioteca Departamental Jorge Garces Borrero (90 reviews)
- Intelligent
Saturday: 8:30 AM - 6:30 PM Libraries

Ample spaces, magnificent collections. A wonderful library. They always have exhibits and sponsor many artists and lecturers See more..
4.5 Destino Dapa (90 reviews)
- Nice getaway!
Spent More than 3 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks

Data is only 20 minutes away from the city, you can enjoy cooler weather, lots of place to eat, and enjoy stunning views of the mountains, and the valley, clean air and quiet from the city. See more..
4.5 Plazoleta Jairo Varela (79 reviews)
- Nice square with a closed museum
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings

The square is very nice and it is having a museum of Jairo Varela which is closed until the next year. See more..
4.5 Iglesia La Merced (77 reviews)
- The altar is a must see
Architectural Buildings • Religious Sites • Churches & Cathedrals

This church also doubled as a museum! As the oldest church in Cali, it is still 80% of its original structure!! It has a quaint little pre Colombian museum offering beautiful pottery to ink rollers used for body painting. The alter is absolutely gorgeous. It’s very intricate in its detail and is definitely worth the peek inside. The security guard was very helpful in translating a little from English to Spanish for me. For about $4,000 pesos you can enter the museum. The church is free, just don’t walk in if mass is going on. See more..
4.5 Playa Juan de Dios (62 reviews)
- A place to reconnect with nature
Beaches

This place was recommended by friends a year ago. They talked about Juan de Dios a lot ... so I decided to ‘accept the challenge’ to go to a place without electricity or contact to modern civilization. After arriving everything started to exceed my expectations. The beach was absolutely beautiful, the main house was very well made embracing nature. After a couple of minutes Marco took us to our Bohio (A house made of wood elevated from the ground). The room has a bed with mosquito proof net, very useful at night. As other reviewers stated it is a place to relax, but there are many options to go on walking trails without a guide or a trip by boat to amazing waterfalls nearby. About the food: I am vegetarian, the staff had every meal prepared specially for me, no problem at all. Everyone else ate delicious fish based food. See more..
4.5 Centro Comercial Llanogrande (58 reviews)
- Great variety
Spent More than 3 hours Shopping Malls

There are certainly worse ways to spend a few hours. There's a nice relaxed atmosphere and it's especially nice to have a cold beer whilst your partners shopping. Good variety of shops all on one level. Traffic is never an issue in the area and there's plenty of parking. See more..