San Antonio

The basics

The 19th-century Colombian writer Jorge Isaacs was San Antonio’s most famous former resident, and today the neighborhood remains a creative hub, home to many of the city’s artists, writers, photographers, and designers. Once you’ve strolled around the colorful shops and galleries, watched the musicians and storytellers (cuenteros) in the hillside park, and learned a few steps of Colombian salsa, be sure to stick around for dinner—San Antonio is considered the gastronomic center of Cali. If you want an insider’s perspective of the area, some guided tours of Cali pass through here.

Things to know before you go

• San Antonio is the perfect place to wander aimlessly, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes and plenty of sunscreen.

• The streets of San Antonio are mostly cobbled and can be uneven, so they may be difficult to navigate in a wheelchair or with a stroller.

• Look out for the outdoor theater near San Antonio Church, where regular performances take place.

How to get there

San Antonio is within easy reach of Cali’s downtown, only about 15 minutes on foot from Caycedo Square or 10 minutes by taxi. Buses A02 and A06 service the area and stop throughout the enclave, whose small size makes it easy to explore in a couple of hours.

When to get there

San Antonio is great to visit either morning or night, as coffee shops and bars keep you satiated all day. During the Cali Fair (Feria de Cali) at the end of December, the city erupts into celebration; head to San Antonio this time of year to find live music, parades, and salsa dancing until the early hours.

What to eat in San Antonio

During your time in Cali’s culinary capital, be sure to sample freshly roasted Colombian coffee in one of the many quirky cafés, which often serve a cup of Joe alongside pandebono, a melt-in-the-mouth cheese bread. Other signature dishes to try here include empanadas and the hearty sancocho de gallina (chicken and vegetable stew).