Toucan Spanish
Spanish Classes in Medellin & Cali, Colombia
Saturday
Bohemiam Vibes & Local DelightsExplora San Antonio y el bohemio Parque El Peñón, conversa con artesanos y disfruta de la gastronomía local mientras practicas el idioma en cada experiencia
Morning Activity
Today let's spend the morning exploring San Antonio, one of Cali’s most picturesque neighborhoods and the location of Toucan Spanish School in Cali. Step out of class and put into practice everything you've learned from your Spanish classes in Cali, Colombia.
San Antonio's cobblestone streets, colorful colonial houses, and artisan shops make it an ideal spot to practice conversational Spanish with local vendors. Try asking questions like:
¿Cuánto cuesta esto?
How much does this cost?
¿De qué material está hecho?
What material is this made of?
"¿Cuál es su producto más popular?
What is your most popular product?
Kick off the day with breakfast at Café Macondo, located in the San Antonio neighborhood. This charming and vibrant café offers a bohemian vibe and hosts various cultural events throughout the week.
Don’t miss La Linterna, an off-the-beaten-track, quirky print shop located in the historic San Antonio neighborhood. For nearly 100 years, this artist-owned studio has been designing and printing graphic arts posters using a printing press bought in 1928. Visitors can flip through the many posters and even watch the press in action, making it feel like a blend of art and craftsmanship that is quintessentially Cali.
Take the opportunity to practice your Spanish by asking about the printing process or the history of specific posters in the shop. It’s a unique spot for those interested in local art and culture and for sure you'll find the perfect souvenir to take home.
When you reach Parque San Antonio, you'll come across Colina de San Antonio, a beautiful colonial-era church that offers a picturesque view of the city. The serene park nearby is a popular gathering spot for locals, especially during the evenings and weekends. Here, you can often find people playing traditional Colombian music, performing impromptu dances, or simply enjoying the ambiance with friends and family.
It’s a great place to relax, observe local life, and even practice your Spanish by striking up a conversation with the friendly locals.
Afternoon Activity
For lunch, visit El Zaguán de San Antonio, nestled in the heart of the charming San Antonio neighborhood. This traditional eatery serves some of Cali’s most beloved dishes, like sancocho de gallina, a hearty chicken soup packed with local ingredients. Don’t forget to order a refreshing glass of champús — a traditional Caleño drink made with corn, pineapple, and spices.
From San Antonio, make your way towards the bohemian neighborhood of Parque El Peñón. Known for its eclectic mix of restaurants, cafes, and artistic vibe, this area is perfect for an afternoon of exploration. If you're lucky, you might see some artists at work, and you can ask them '¿Qué te inspira a crear esta obra?' (What inspires you to create this piece?).
On your walk stop by Café San Camilo to enjoy a coffee in a well-loved local spot known for its quality brews and relaxed ambiance. Try saying:
¿Qué lleva este bebida?
What is in this drink?
If you’re feeling peckish, grab a gelato at Montallegro, a beloved dessert spot offering a range of flavors made from fresh, local ingredients. Take this opportunity to learn the names of the different flavors in Spanish - ask the staff about their recommendations and try to describe your chosen flavors. It's the perfect treat while enjoying the artistic and relaxed environment of Parque El Peñón.
¿Cuál es su helado más popular?
What is your most popular gelato?
As you wander through the charming streets around Parque El Peñón, take in the colorful environment and soak up the laid-back atmosphere that makes this neighborhood unique. Makes you grateful for having chosen to study Spanish in Cali.
Evening Activity
Wrap up your Saturday with a cultural performance at the Teatro Municipal Enrique Buenaventura. Check the schedule for plays, live music, or traditional dance performances. Attending a show offers a fantastic way to improve your listening comprehension while immersing yourself in Cali’s rich artistic traditions. After the show, consider discussing the performance with friends to further practice your Spanish - talk about your favorite parts, the music, and the emotions conveyed, which will enhance both your language skills and cultural experience.
Alternatively, if there are no shows happening, start your evening at Antigua Contemporánea, a charming restaurant that blends Colombian flavors with a modern twist. The cozy ambiance and delectable dishes, like aborrajados (sweet plantains stuffed with cheese and guava paste) and carne a la parrilla (grilled meat), make it a memorable dining experience and provide an opportunity to discuss the unique flavors and ingredients with the staff in Spanish. You could ask
¿Qué ingredientes hacen este plato especial?
What ingredients make this dish special?
¿Tiene algún ingrediente típico de la región?
Does it have any typical regional ingredients?
Later in the evening, continue your exploration of Cali's rich salsa scene by heading to Zaperoco or Malamaña salsa bars, both of which are well-known for their vibrant atmospheres and unique salsa experiences. Zaperoco offers a lively, high-energy experience where locals and tourists gather to dance the night away, often featuring live music. Malamaña, on the other hand, provides a more intimate setting with a mix of traditional and modern salsa rhythms, perfect for those who want a slightly quieter yet equally authentic experience.
Visiting both places will give you a well-rounded understanding of the diversity within Cali's salsa culture and plenty of opportunity to practice Spanish.
Toucan Spanish
Independent Immersion Activities
Cali Experiences
