Traveling solo to Cali or with friends: 5 amazing ways to celebrate Women's Day - Spiwak Hotels

Traveling solo to Cali, or with a group of friends, can be an enriching experience for any woman looking to embrace a new culture, savor the local cuisine, and dive into the vibrant rhythms of salsa. While safety concerns are common, with a little planning and common sense, you can have an unforgettable and worry-free trip.

Cali offers a wide range of activities suited for solo female travelers or groups of women exploring together—from strolling through the city's most colorful neighborhoods to taking fun dance classes or simply marveling at the beauty of nature.

For International Women’s Day, we’ve put together five exciting things to do in Cali whether you're traveling solo or celebrating with your favorite crew. Get ready to create incredible memories!




There’s nothing better than treating yourself on  International Women’s Day in Colombia—and what better place to do it than Chipichape!  At La Zarzuela our signature restaurant at Hoteles Spiwak, you can enjoy a special lunch or dinner with your best friends, take advantage of our "Tardeo Spiwak" or sip delicious cocktails at our stylish La Tasca bar. Book your table here, or call us at +57 602 3959999, ext. 2270... You can also email us at lazarzuela@spiwak.com.

For a more relaxing experience, treat yourself to a massage or wellness therapy at Majo Spa, located right inside our hotel. This wellness center offers a variety of treatments to help you unwind and refresh both body and mind in a serene and luxurious atmosphere.

And if you're in the mood for some shopping, Chipichape Shopping Mall, located just steps from Spiwak Hotels, is the perfect place to find a special gift for yourself or your closest friends. With some of the best local and international brands, plus a variety of banks, beauty salons, restaurants, entertainment spots, pharmacies, supermarkets, movie theaters, casinos, and more, this is one of Cali’s top shopping and leisure destinations.

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The best experience for women is at La Zarzuela


Nestled in the Cerro de los Cristales near Cali’s famous Cristo Rey, Andoke Butterfly Sanctuary is one of the city's most breathtaking hidden gems. This enchanting haven blends nature and conservation into a truly magical experience, making it a top destination for solo travelers and nature lovers.

Similarly, the Cali Zoo is one of the most renowned wildlife conservation centers in Latin America. Not only is it Colombia’s best zoo, but it is also ranked among the Top 5 in South America for its exceptional work in rescuing and rehabilitating wild animals. Unlike traditional zoos, it replicates native ecosystems and actively works to protect endangered species and combat illegal wildlife trafficking.

The zoo is a beautiful place easy to get to, and whether you're traveling solo in Cali or with friends, these nature-filled adventures are a must!

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A paradise of butterflies to admire at the Andoke Butterfly Sanctuary


For solo female travelers or groups of women exploring Cali the bohemian neighborhood of San Antonio is a must-visit. This historic district, known for its colonial houses, cobblestone streets, and artistic energy, has transformed into one of the city's top culinary and cultural hubs.

Among its many charming spots, one of the most iconic is La Linterna, a historic lithographic print shop that has been creating handmade posters for decades at this address.

These vibrant, limited-edition prints pay tribute to Cali’s music, folklore, and cultural heritage—and make for a perfect artistic souvenir to take home.

Make sure to stop by and pick up one of these unique pieces of Cali’s history!

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Discover the most colorful and creative lithographic prints at La Linterna


Exploring Colombia’s most charming small towns is an unforgettable experience—whether you’re traveling solo or enjoying a weekend getaway with your best friends.

One of our favorite nearby destinations is El Cerrito, a town on the ouskirts of Cali and home to two of the most historically significant sugar plantations in the Valle del Cauca region:

Hacienda Piedechinche (Sugar Cane Museum) – A colonial-era estate showcasing the history of sugar production, with beautiful gardens, antique mills, and a glimpse into Cali’s past. See here for details on how to get there.

Hacienda El Paraíso – The setting of María, one of Colombia’s most famous literary works, written by Jorge Isaacs. This mansion takes visitors back to a time of grand romance, tradition, and historical change. Click here for a route map to it.

For a sweet ending to your trip, head to Santa Elena to visit Bodegas Don Orejuela, where you can sip on artisanal Isabella grape wine while enjoying the picturesque central plaza and iconic Efraín and María statue. Take a peek here for more info on where is it.

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Explore the beautiful grounds of Hacienda El Paraíso


On International Women’s Day it’s worth remembering Jovita Feijoó, a woman from humble beginnings who became a beloved icon of Cali’s culture. Her legend began in 1938, during a radio singing contest where, despite being completely out of tune, she captivated everyone with her unshakable confidence and charisma. Ignoring the laughter and criticism, she won over the audience and was crowned “Queen of Charm”. Over the years, thanks to her many quirky anecdotes, she eventually became known as “Cali’s Eternal Queen”.

In her honor, a monument to Jovita Feijoó now stands in Parque de los Estudiantes. This tribute celebrates not only her story of perseverance but also the love and admiration the people of Cali had for her throughout her 60 years of life.

The statue is located relatively close to Loma de la Cruz Park, although the area itself doesn’t have many other major attractions. However, it holds cultural significance as the birthplace of “Salsa al Parque”: a free open-air salsa festival that takes place in different neighborhoods of Cali. Organized by the cultural collective Nuestra Cosa Latina, this street party is one of the most anticipated events in the city, featuring dozens of live salsa bands and DJs, both local and international.

If your visit to Cali doesn’t coincide with Salsa al Parque, don’t worry! We have plenty of other amazing salsa spots in the city where you can dance the night away.

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Jovita Feijoó, the Queen of Cali


To ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip, here are some essential travel tips:

• Dress for the weather – Cali is warm and humid, so light, breathable clothing (like cotton) is ideal.


• Prepare for rain – Check the forecast, as heavy showers are common during certain months.


• Sun and insect protection – Pack sunscreen and mosquito repellent to stay comfortable.


• Bring your best attire – Cali is a place to party every weekend.


• In Colombia, electrical outlets are 110 volts, american style. You can get adapters or power converters at places like Homecenter, very close to our hotel.


• If you're arriving on a commercial flight, a safe and reliable way to get to the city is by taking one of the official taxis stationed at the domestic and international terminal exits. Look for taxis operated by Asotaba and Expresos Siglo XXI—they typically cost around $15 USD, depending on the exchange rate for Colombian pesos. If you're looking for a more budget-friendly option that’s still comfortable, you can take one of the shared minibuses located in the airport parking lot. These are operated by Rápido Aeropuerto and Líneas del Valle, and for less than $5 USD, they’ll take you directly to Cali’s Bus Terminal, which is in the northern part of the city, just a short taxi ride from our hotel.. Keep in mind that service hours vary for taxis and buses, so be sure to check their schedules in advance!


• Money and ID safety – Carry only what you need daily and store the rest in your hotel safe. Use credit/debit cards instead of traveler’s checks, and exchange currency at authorized banks or exchange offices.


• Don't expose yourself to unnecessary situations. Evaluate the relevance of the destinations you want to visit and do research in advance (either on the Internet or through native or knowledgeable people) on the state of the places you want to visit. This will make it easier for you not only to get there, but also to know in advance the conditions in which those places are found.


• Dress modestly – Avoid flashy jewelry and expensive accessories to keep a low profile.


• Get to know the experiences of other female travelers. In Cali, you can chat with Lizeth Pana Van-Grieken at the Club de Mujeres que Viajan Solas por el Mundo. Join this Facebook group and exchange tips with thousands of other female travelers.

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Because whether you’re traveling solo or with your best friends, Cali is full of exciting experiences waiting to be discovered!

Happy travels!

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Spiwak Hotels: Your Best Stay in Cali. Located in Chipichape Shopping Mall, we are the largest hotel complex in southwestern Colombia—with 462 rooms, two pools, a gym, and direct access to banking, shopping, dining, entertainment, and more.

At La Zarzuela, our signature restaurant, you’ll enjoy a fusion of Mediterranean flavors and Pacific Colombian ingredients. And for the perfect girls’ night out, our La Tasca bar is the ultimate spot for drinks and good vibes.

What are you waiting for? Come visit us in Cali!