Things to do in Southwest Colombia
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Kukaramakara
This big disco is famous for its live music, usually salsa. Come early if you want a table, or hang out on the 2nd-floor interior balcony, looking down at the band below.
reviewed
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El Sotareño
In the center, El Sotareño is a 40-year-old classic, and plays tango, bolero and ranchera (traditional music of Mexico) on scratched old vinyls.
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Palo Santo
For late night disco visit Palo Santo, where the crowd dances on table tops to Colombian crossover. It is COP$7000, 15-minute taxi ride from the center.
reviewed
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Restaurante M
Set inside a small but stately home, this all-white extravaganza serves up fine Asian fusion cuisine, from classic beef teriyaki to salmon stuffed with plantains.
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Teatro Guillermo Valencia
It is worth strolling past the early 20th-century Teatro Guillermo Valencia. Ask nicely at the box office and they may give you an ad-hoc tour.
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Estadio Pascual Guerrero
The America de Cali (www.america.com.co) fútbol team plays in the city at Estadio Pascual Guerrero. The Mio passes right outside it.
reviewed
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Cinemateca La Tertulia
For more thought-provoking fare, check the program of the Cinemateca La Tertulia, which generally has two shows daily from Tuesday to Sunday.
reviewed
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Capitán Nirvana
A good bar on Calle 20 (along the stretch known as Av de Estudiantes), which is the place for rock ’n’ roll in Pasto (the name is a reference to Metallica).
reviewed
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Pizza Manía
Owned by an expat German woman, this small shopfront sells great, freshly made pizza. She even makes her own chorizo, and on weekends, lasagna from scratch.
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Millenio
For late night disco visit Millenio, which plays techno in a warehouselike space. It is COP$7000, 15-minute taxi ride from the center.
reviewed
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Teatro Experimental de Cali
Founded by Enrique Buenaventura, considered the father of Colombian theater, this continues to be one of the city's most innovative theater companies.
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Restaurante Carambolo
This chic bar-restaurant attracts the city's movers and shakers with its nouvelle Mediterranean cuisine, upscale Bohemian dining area, and slick bar.
reviewed
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El Fogón
The set menu at lunch time is good value (COP$4000) but dinner (COP$14,000) is overpriced. El Fogón also serves as a central landmark in the town.
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Andina Peña Bar
On the weekends, don’t miss the live, amplified Andean panpipe music at Andina Peña Bar. Get here before 10pm if you want a seat.
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ADN
If you’re into contemporary art, try Cali’s leading contemporary art gallery, ADN. There’s a small cafe and bookstore on-site.
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Territorio Libre
Territorio Libre is a rocking disco opposite El Fogón – in the chilly wee hours it lights a small bonfire out back.
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Peña Bar Killa Raymi
For a taste of Ecuador, Peña Bar Killa Raymi hosts live, amplified panpipe musicians, and has a great atmosphere.
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Bar La Iguana
For salsa, try Bar La Iguana, which cranks the volume on weekends and shows videos on a large projection screen.
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Torre Mudéjar
Adjacent to the Capilla de la Inmaculada is this unsual brick bell tower, one of the best examples of Mudejar art in Colombia.
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Lugar a Dudas
Attracting large crowds for its weekend art-house screenings is Lugar a Dudas. It serves coffee and snacks.
reviewed
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Restaurante Brahama
The place to come if you’re in dire need of a vegetarian meal. The thick chocolate pancakes are reportedly excellent, too.
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Sambacaramba
The newest Juanchito hot spot, it attracts a sexy, younger crowd with a rocking sound system and plush, terraced seating.
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El Faro
El Faro is a groovy small bar four blocks up the hill from the plaza that sometimes hosts live music.
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La Cosecha
This reliable grill restaurant does great beef and chicken dishes on an open-air grill, and has Club Colombia on tap.
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Centro Comercial Valle de Atriz
Centro Comercial Valle de Atriz, about 1km from town, has a number of discos (plus a movie theater).
reviewed