Street Directions & Barrios
Finding Your Way Around
One can find his/her way around Cali comparatively easily if he/she keeps in mind the relatively simple (and usually – but not always – uniform) plan on which the city is constructed. The streets, which run roughly north and south, that are parallel to the mountains against which the city is nestled, are called Calles. These are numbered consecutively starting with the Calle 1. Thus, the higher the number of the Calle, the further it is from the mountains.
The streets, which run roughly east and west, that is perpendicular to the mountains and at right angles to the Calles, are called Carreras. These are also numbered consecutively, increasing as one goes south from the river. To the north of Carrera 1, the streets are also numbered consecutively but with the addition of the word Norte after it. There are some exceptions to this plan involving a few diagonal streets, called either Avenidas, Diagonales, or Transversales, and very few streets bear names rather than numbers, but these should not be serious impediments in roughly locating where one is. Addresses are written with the name of the Carrera or Calle on which the site is located. The street numbers are written in two hyphenated numbers, the first indicating the nearest, the lowest numbered, cross-street (Calle or Carrera, as the case may be). For example, Carrera 7, No 28-60 is located on Carrera 7 between Calle 28 and 29. Similarly, Calle 11 #4-92 is located on Calle 11 between Carreras 4 and 5. The last number (-60 or -92) indicates the number of meters from the corner to the entrance, in other words, the house number.
A good suggestion is to get to know the barrios (neighborhoods) in town. All barrios or neighborhoods have a name, and one can usually find their way around much easier with this basic understanding. In addition, it’s good to know that there is basically one major street in the city called Calle Quinta, or simply La Quinta. This will be your major avenue from one section of the city to the other.
Barrios
CIUDAD JARDIN
Ciudad Jardín is a high-end neighborhood located in the south of Cali. The vast majority of the area here is composed of nature; hence a large number of parks and ecological reserves. It is also known for its modern commercial areas, shopping malls, and business-oriented centers. Brand new restaurants and shopping opportunities become one of the make Ciudad Jardin one of the most sought-after “barrios” in town for foreigners. It is located close to several universities and private schools, including Colegio Bolivar.
SAN ANTONIO
Located in the West part of the city, San Antonio is recognized as one of the most traditional and colorful “barrios”. Throughout the years San Antonio has kept its simple yet always charming identity. Famous not only for its beautiful architecture, San Antonio has become an important reference for foreigners visiting or planning on staying for long stretches. Restaurants, theatres, and the “Parque de San Antonio” gather hundreds of locals and tourists every weekend, offering different dining experiences and cultural entertainment. Here you will find a different kind of shopping. Products made by true artisans using natural elements are well known. Many houses located here serve as workshops for different kinds of artistic productions, such as paintings, photography, clothing, and jewelry.
SANTA RITA and SANTA TERESITA *IN THE WEST
These two “barrios” are considered by many as two of the best places to live in Cali. Their closeness to the river guarantees a wonderfully fresh and windy weather almost all year round. Recognized as peaceful and quiet, these two neighborhoods are near to the zoo, one of the best in South America and natural reserves are close by as well. Museums, restaurants, and parks also abound around here. Transportation here works in an excellent way and many of the buses you get here will take you all over town, including the south, downtown, and the north.
See the links below for more information.
http://wanderingtrader.com/travel-blog/visiting-cali-colombia-2nd-impressions-of-the-salsa-capital/
http://thedancingirishman.wordpress.com/2012/05/30/what-i-love-about-cali-colombia/
http://www.sanpedroscoop.com/2012/09/cali-colombia-now-this-citys-got-some-pizazz-part-one.html