Highlights of Valle del Cauca

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By Richard McColl

Valle del Cauca has something for every taste and whim, including Malpelo, little more than a rock with a naval base on it in the middle of the Pacific that was declared a UNESCO site in 2006 to protect the abundant marine life that makes the surrounding water their home. Back on the mainland and in reach for those travelers without unlimited wedges of cash are the resort towns of Juanchaco and Ladrilleros, where during the season (July-Oct.) humpback whales can be observed from the shore breaching with their young. If you are staying inland and don’t fancy passing through Buenaventura, there’s still plenty to do, including visiting the beautiful and opulent estancias and the ornate antique churches and modernity of Cali. Around about Cali there are many options such as Lake Calima and Parque Nacional Natural Los Farallones de Cali for camping hiking and aquatic sports. If you can be in Cali for December then be sure to party with the best of them during the Feria de Cali.