Why Cali Is the Hottest Spot for Dating in Colombia (And How You Can Win Big)
Explore the Best Places to Meet Women and the Insider Tips You Won’t Find Anywhere Else
Cali is Colombia’s third-largest city and is often called the “Samba Capital of Latin America.” It’s known for its lively dances, fun social atmosphere, and exciting nightlife.
If you want to meet local women or explore the dating scene in Cali, it’s important to understand the city’s culture and habits.
In the summer of 2022, I spent two weeks in Cali. Based on my time there, I wrote this guide to share tips for men interested in dating in this vibrant city.
What to Expect
The women in Cali gave me mixed impressions. In terms of appearance, fewer people here have European ancestry, which may not suit everyone’s tastes. However, many women are into dancing or sports, so they often have fit and curvy bodies.
During my two-week stay in 2021, I dated several women and had four intimate encounters, all on the first date. Women in Cali are confident, fun, and open to casual relationships, which makes dating feel easy and natural. If you’re looking for relaxed or short-term relationships, Cali is a great place.
Meeting Women During the Day
Cali offers a rich cultural and natural environment, making it a great place to meet girls during the day. Since the weather is very hot, it’s important to be prepared with sunscreen and to choose indoor, high-traffic locations for approaching.
1. Shopping Malls
Shopping malls in Cali are great places to meet girls during the day. Here are some recommended options:
Unicentro Cali: A high-end shopping mall located in the wealthy Jardín neighborhood. It’s beautifully decorated and a great spot to meet local middle-class women.
Jardín Plaza Shopping Mall: Not far from Unicentro, a good alternative.
Cali Shopping Mall and Palmetto Plaza Shopping Mall: These malls are closer to the city center and near the San Andrés neighborhood, making them a good choice if you’re staying in that area.
2. Outdoor Spots
Parque de los Gatos (Cat Park): One of Cali’s most iconic parks, known for its sculptures and lush environment. It’s a great place for a walk, relaxing, and chatting. You can bring a girl here for a casual stroll or sit on a bench to enjoy a leisurely time together.
San Antonio: This historic neighborhood is the cultural heart of Cali. You can explore old churches, enjoy local art and crafts, or spend time in a café with a girl. The street atmosphere and warm sunshine make it a perfect spot for a relaxed afternoon.
It’s also a popular area for tourists, so you can meet many backpackers from Europe and the U.S. It’s a great place for those who only speak English.
3. Cali’s Museums and Art Galleries
If you’re into art, consider visiting some of Cali’s museums or art galleries to meet people:
La Tertulia Museum (Cali Museum of Modern Art): A place filled with modern art, perfect for those who love art and culture.
Museo De La Salsa: Known for its exhibits and history, this museum is a great place to learn about Cali’s salsa dance culture and history.
Note: Cerro de Cristo Rey (Christ Mountain) is not highly recommended for hiking during the day, as it’s quite large and the sun can be very strong.
Enjoying Cali’s Nightlife
Cali’s nightlife is full of energy, especially for girls who love Latin dancing, making it a great place to meet them.
At night, the girls are very easy to talk to. Language isn’t a big problem because if you approach them in an interesting and fun way, most of the girls will give you a lot of attention.
Since there are many nightclubs, bars, and taverns in Cali, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to hook up with someone.
1. Salsa Dance Halls
Cali is famous for its unique salsa culture, and many girls love to dance here. Going to a salsa club allows you to enjoy great music and show your appreciation for the local culture.
Zaperoco: This is one of the most popular salsa clubs in Cali. The atmosphere is lively, and many people come here to dance and make friends. If you’re not a dance expert, that’s okay! Dancing with a girl is still a great way to socialize.
Living Club: Another one of the most popular salsa clubs in Cali, with a more upscale vibe and an entrance fee.
La Topa Tolondra Nightclub: Another well-known salsa bar, loved by both locals and tourists. Here, you’ll meet very enthusiastic local girls and experience authentic Latin nightlife.
2. El Barrio del Peñón (Peñón Neighborhood)
This is one of the trendiest and most popular nightlife areas in Cali, with many bars, restaurants, and small clubs. Whether you want to casually chat with a girl or dance with her, it’s a great place to visit.
Online Dating in Cali
In Cali, like in other big cities, using dating apps is also a good choice, especially for those who are not good at approaching girls in person.
My Ultimate Guide to Creating the Most Seductive Online Dating Profile in 2024
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Bumble: Bumble is also a popular dating app in Colombia, but women have more control on this app, making it suitable for men who prefer to be approached by girls.
Facebook Dating: Many gringos don’t know about this app, but a lot of local girls use it, so there is less competition, as long as you can have conversational Spanish.
Tinder: This is one of the most popular dating apps. You can quickly match with local girls, make initial contact, and see if they’re interested in meeting.
However, personally, I’m not a huge fan of Tinder because there are too many prostitutes, sex workers, gold diggers, and Instagram promoters. It requires some effort to sort through them.
For more tips for dating apps, please check:
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Extra Tips for Dating in Cali
Girls may ask you to pay for their taxi fare
Cali’s transportation isn’t the best. There’s no subway, only buses, and because the city’s infrastructure is not very developed, many girls may ask you to call a taxi for them.
This is common in Cali and doesn’t mean they are “gold diggers.” It’s just how things work in the city.
So, don’t be surprised or feel suspicious. If a girl asks you to take a taxi or use Uber to pick her up, that’s totally okay.
It’s a good idea to be ready for this, as it’s just part of Cali’s transportation system. The city doesn’t have a fast subway like Medellín does.
Tips for Planning Dates
For a date, I recommend keeping it simple with coffee. Most girls who are genuinely interested won’t say no to this. Colombia is known for its coffee, so not only is the coffee great, but many coffee shops are also charming and cozy.
Try to pick a coffee shop near your accommodation. It makes things easier and creates a comfortable atmosphere.
If the girl lives far away, you can offer to call a taxi or Uber for her. The cost won’t be too much, and it shows that you’re thoughtful and considerate.
Be Humorous and Confident
Girls in Cali are usually confident, and they really like humor. When talking, keep things light and fun. Don’t be too serious or stiff.
You can also show your value by talking about your travels and what you know about the local culture. While it may seem tempting to show off your money, most girls won’t care much about how much you have. They will judge you by how fun it is to be with you. Having money can help, but it’s not the most important thing.
Be Direct
It’s important to approach girls directly, without beating around the bush, whether it’s during the day or at night. Most girls in Cali are used to being approached all the time. If you don’t make your intentions clear from the start, things won’t go well.
Before approaching a girl, make sure she isn’t with a boyfriend or husband. If she is, it could cause problems for you.
Learn to Dance Salsa
If you know how to dance a little salsa, it’s a big plus. Girls in Cali are great dancers, and dancing with them is a fun and intimate way to connect. Cali girls like to date people who enjoy Latin culture and music.
Showing interest in the local dances, music, and food will bring you closer to them and help you make a good impression.
English and Language Tips
If you speak Spanish, you’ll have a much better chance in Cali. Most people here don’t speak much English, and the girls I meet usually only speak Spanish. But they are friendly and open, so even if your Spanish isn’t perfect, you can use a translation app to help.
If you can speak Spanish well, you’ll be able to talk more easily, and the girl will feel closer to you. This will definitely improve your chances of success.
Conclusion
Cali is a lively and energetic city with a unique culture and fun nightlife. It’s a great place to meet girls and go on dates.
Overall, Cali is a city with a lot of character. The weather is hot, and the girls are open and direct. While it may not be as safe as some other cities in Colombia, if you want to hook up, Cali is a very efficient place. Whether you meet girls online or in person, the chances of success are high.
If you find the girls in Cali especially attractive and feel they match your preferences, this city is definitely worth a try. For anyone looking for new experiences, Cali is a great choice.