5-Day Valle del Cauca Itinerary: The Perfect Route

Are you planning a trip to Colombia and want to make the most of your time? Here is a 5-day route through Valle del Cauca, designed so you can experience the best of the culture, food and natural scenery of this unique department.

Day 1: Arrival and rhythm in Cali

Your trip begins in the “Sucursal del Cielo” (Heaven’s Branch Office), as Cali is known. Spend this first day getting used to the city and exploring the historic center. Visit La Ermita Church and take a walk along the Bulevar del Río.

In the evening, go to a salsa show or take a class. Cali is world-famous for its dancing, and you can’t leave without feeling the rhythm in your feet.

Day 2: Views and monuments

Go up Los Cristales hill to visit Cristo Rey and enjoy a spectacular view of the whole city of Cali. After a lunch of delicious Valle-style sancocho, head to the Gato de Tejada sculpture and stroll through the picturesque San Antonio neighborhood, ideal for a coffee and empanadas.

Day 3: Unwind in nature at Lake Calima

Leave early for Darién to visit the majestic Lake Calima. Here you can practice water sports such as kitesurfing and windsurfing thanks to its excellent winds all year round. We recommend finding good lodging for the night, as suggested in our guide to glamping in Valle del Cauca, or at a local hotel.

Day 4: Charming towns (Buga and Roldanillo)

Head to Guadalajara de Buga to visit the Basilica of the Lord of Miracles, an important pilgrimage site. Then continue to Roldanillo, home of the Rayo Museum and one of the best places in Latin America for paragliding.

Day 5: Return and shopping

On your last day, we recommend relaxing, buying traditional souvenirs such as manjar blanco and macetas (local sweets) or handicrafts, and getting ready for your flight home.

More information

To learn more about the other destinations and experiences this paradise offers, see our complete travel guide to Valle del Cauca, where we cover every corner of this beautiful department.