Why Cali May Be the Most Underrated Big City in Latin America

I've traveled 60+ countries and lived in Denmark and Colombia.

And after spending more than a decade in Cali, I've come to a conclusion that might surprise some people:

Cali may be one of the most underrated cities in Latin America.

Before anyone gets upset, let me be clear.

It's not perfect.

I probably wouldn't move here if my goal was to build a corporate career, climb the ladder, or chase the highest salary possible.

And if you're raising young children, there are probably other places I'd consider first.

Like any Latin American city, Cali has its challenges.

But that's not what makes it special.

What makes Cali special is the quality of life that is available here, even on a modest budget.

The weather is warm all year.

You can have breakfast outdoors in January.

You can hike in the mountains before work and have dinner on a terrace in the evening.

Within 30 minutes, you can be swimming in a river in Pance, hiking through cloud forests, or mountain biking in the surrounding hills.

The city is surrounded by nature, yet still offers everything you need.

The food scene gets better every year.

The restaurant quality has improved dramatically over the past decade, while prices remain surprisingly affordable compared to North America and Europe.

Healthcare is excellent. A doctor's appointment that might take weeks elsewhere can often be arranged in a matter of days. Even with specialists.

Domestic help is accessible to many people.

Fresh fruit is available year-round.

And perhaps most importantly, people still make time for life.

Friends meet for lunch.

Families spend Sundays together.

Conversations aren't always rushed.

For retirees, digital nomads, entrepreneurs, and people who can work remotely, Cali offers something increasingly difficult to find in many parts of the world:

A comfortable lifestyle without the constant pressure, expense, and stress that often comes with larger cities.

Maybe that's why so many visitors arrive planning to stay for a week and end up extending their trip.

Or coming back again.

And again.

What do you think?

Is Cali underrated, or am I biased after all these years?

Saludos,

Patrick
EXSTR Apartments