Valle del Cauca

Valle del Cauca is a department in the Pacifica region of Colombia.

The countryside of this region is for the most part considered out of bounds for tourism as of 2010, due to the many landmines and activity by armed groups such as FARC-EP. See the Stay Safe section of this article.

Cities

• 1 Cali – the capital of the department, with a large number of attractions and known for its night life and salsa dancers
• 2 Buenaventura – biggest port on the Pacific side
• 3 Buga – old colonial town with a much visited church
• 4 Ladrilleros – beach town with possible whale watching.
• 5 Palmira – the "agricultural capital of Colombia" is Valle del Cauca's third largest city with a beautiful cathedral
• 6 San Cipriano – small village where you can enjoy the river and nature, accessible with a motorbike-propelled vehicle that utilize the train tracks.

Other destinations

• 1 Lake Calima
• 2 Uramba Bahía Málaga National Natural Park
• 3 San Cipriano

Get around

Call for a taxi to pick you up or rent a car. If you want you can use the MIO, the system of mass transportation.

See

• Cali Zoo is famous for its variety and beauty.
• "El Senor de los Milagros" in Buga is a very old and interesting church.
• Lago Calima. A big artificial lake with beautiful farms and resorts, popular for windsurfing and kitesurfing for its steady wind.

Do

• "La Feria de Cali", the biggest festival in Cali, which is celebrated every December.

Eat

• Cali Plaza Hotel Restaurant A favorite hang-out for international tourists, free Wi-Fi. Calle 15 Norte No. 6N-37 - Granada Barrio - Zona Rosa - 57 2 668 2611 - mail@caliplaza.com "http://www.caliplaza.com"

Sancocho de Ginebra, Cholados in Jamundi, Tostadas in Vijes, and every small town has delicious restaurants that any tourist will enjoy.

Drink

Aguardiente.

Stay safe

Personal safety in the Valle del Cauca Department is a major priority, especially in the rural areas near the cities of Pradera, Florida, and Palmira. As of 2010 the guerrilla movements FARC and ELN had a heavy presence in many rural areas. These armed groups have for decades been notorious for killings and kidnappings throughout the country. Always travel with a trusted native Colombian when traveling anywhere in the department. Also stay on main highways, especially during the night. Never travel alone.

Valle del Cauca is an area classified as "do not travel" by the Australian Dept. of Foreign Ministry due to the extreme amount of violence in the region. This travel warning was issued in December 2010.

As of December 2010 the U.S. State Department warned against travelling to Valle del Cauca and Cali.