What to See in Cali. Iberia’s New Colombian Destination, by Iberia Cabin Attendant Robin Muñoz, a Cali Native

Born in Colombia where half his family still lives, and resident in Spain, Iberia cabin attendant Robin Muñoz has dual nationality. “I feel very lucky to have the two nationalities and feel a little like a representative of the two prettiest countries in the world,” he says. 

We asked for his recommendations of what to visit in Cali, and this is what he told us.   

Best views: From the lookout platform, or mirador, of the Torre de Cali, the city’s tallest tower, you have a sweeping view of the city of Santiago de Cali. And if you’re a sporting type, I recommend you go cycling or jogging on the Cerro de la Tres Cruces [Hill of the Three Crosses) to get panoramic views. The three crosses, by the way, are said to have been built to exorcise Buziraco, a demon that prowled the city wearing a black hat.

A walk: My favourite is around the historic San Antonio quarter, with its many craft shops and restaurants, and also a lovely view of the city.

A Museum: La Tertulia is a different kind of museum where dialogue is encouraged along with pedagogical exploration. For Caleños it’s an institution and the place to see visual arts. And I should also mention the sugarcane museum, the Museo de la Caña de Azúcar, showing the history of the sugar industry in a setting famous for its beautiful gardens. Next to the Hacienda Piedechinche, it’s regarded as an historical and natural treasure of the Cauca Valley.

Shopping: The are two giant shopping malls, the Chipichape in the northern part of the city and the Jardín Plaza in the south, You can find everything at both and at quite reasonable prices.

Dining: The hot spot today is the Cantina La 15. It serves delicious Mexican food with live shows. I also love La Zarzuela, especially for breakfast, and Antigua Contemporánea with its spectacular décor.

For Children: The Cali zoo is a great choice –it’s Latin America’s fourth most important zoo, and boasts a number of educational programmes to promote the preservation of biodiversity and raise environmental consciousness.

Not to be Missed: Cali is regarded as the world capital of salsa dancing, and you should definitely check it out. If you don’t dance, they’ll be happy to teach you in La Pérgola Clandestina. Another salsa hangout with a very international crowd is Topa Tolondra.

And you shouldn’t miss the experience of swinging –in a real swing– over the green ocean of the Cauca valley. Check out the Columpio Mágico de Bello Horizonte.

In December Iberia will be resuming its direct Madrid-Cali flights, so now you know...