BestInCali

First-Time Cali Pack

Everything you need for your first days in Cali - safe, vetted, and ready to book

Safety Vetted
Curated by Locals
Beginner Friendly

Why We Created This Pack

Planning your first trip to Cali can be overwhelming. Which area is safe? How do I get from the airport? Where do I experience salsa without feeling lost? This pack answers all those questions with vetted, beginner-friendly options you can book right now.

STEP 1

Airport → Your Area

Safe, reliable transfers

Recommended

Private Transfer (Easiest)

Door-to-door service, meet & greet, English-speaking driver

$25-30 USD
Fixed price
No haggling
Air conditioned
Reliable
Book Transfer

Yellow Taxi (Safe)

Official airport taxis - agree on price before getting in

50,000-70,000 COP ($15-20)
Cash only
Some English
Safe
Ask for "taxímetro"
No booking needed - pay on arrival

Bus (Budget)

Public MIO bus to Granada - for experienced travelers only

2,500 COP ($0.70)
Cash only
No English
Can be crowded
Daytime only
No booking needed - pay on arrival
STEP 2

Find Your Base

Safe neighborhoods, vetted stays

Budget: Hostel in Granada

Social vibe, meet other travelers, safe location, free breakfast

$12-25/night
Social areas
Wifi
Kitchen
Walking distance to everything
See Hostels
Recommended

Mid-Range: Boutique Hotel San Antonio

Quiet neighborhood, Colombian breakfast, rooftop views, helpful staff

$40-70/night
Private bathroom
Breakfast included
Safe area
Local charm
See Hotels

Upscale: Modern Apartment Granada

Full kitchen, workspace, fast wifi, doorman security, gym access

$80-150/night
Full kitchen
Workspace
Fast wifi (50+ Mbps)
24/7 security
See Apartments
STEP 3

First Salsa Night

Beginner-friendly clubs & classes

Recommended

Salsa Class + Club Night

1-hour beginner class at 8pm, then guided club experience with locals

$35-45
English instruction
No experience needed
Meet other beginners
Safe group
Book Salsa Experience

Drop-In at Tin Tin Deo

Famous beginner-friendly club in Juanchito - go on Friday/Saturday

20,000-30,000 COP ($6-9) cover
Live salsa band
Locals are patient
Safe neighborhood
Taxi recommended
No booking needed - pay on arrival
STEP 4

Must-Do Activity

Experience the best of Cali

Recommended

Coffee Farm Day Trip

Visit a working coffee farm, learn the process, taste fresh coffee

$45-65
Hotel pickup
English guide
Lunch included
6-7 hours
Book Coffee Tour

Cali City Walking Tour

Explore San Antonio, street art, local markets with a guide

$25-35
Small group
English guide
Food stops
3-4 hours
Book City Tour

Farallones National Park Hike

Cloud forest hike with waterfalls - nature escape from the city

$50-70
Transportation
Guide
Lunch
Full day
Book Hike

Need Help Planning?

Chat with Valen, our AI guide, for personalized recommendations based on your preferences, budget, and travel dates.

Open Valen Chat

Safety First

All recommendations are vetted for safety and beginner-friendliness. However, always exercise common city precautions: don't flash valuables, use official taxis at night, and trust your instincts. If something feels off, it probably is.