A local’s guide to Palmira | Juan

After years of volunteering, I have formed a network of friends around the world! Naturally, each possesses a wealth of knowledge about their cities–that is, where to find the best traditional food, attractions worth visiting and how to stay safe or not get ripped off. 

One such friend of mine is from the country which is quite a hot topic at the moment–its capital was recently featured in Nat Geo Travel! Meet Juan, your local tour guide to Palmira, located in the much-talked-about country, Colombia!

As our local guide to Palmira, tell us about your city

Official language: Spanish

It’s nickname is Palmira Señorial.  All the cities have nicknames. Palmira is a very big city but it started small. It’s located next to Cali (“La Sucursal del Cielo”)–the capital of Salsa.

Palmira is in the middle of one of the valleys of the Andes cordillera (mountain range). The city though is very flat. People like to cycle there. It’s like Holland but less civilised.

Avid cyclists, I hope you’re taking notes! As a professional pedestrian, I think I’ll manage.

The soil is very rich. We used to be the larder for Colombia because we don’t have any seasons. Palmira used to have the monopoly on many crops. Two hundred years ago, sugar cane was introduced and it overtook the fields.

What are the people in Palmira like

Loud! He says with a rather cheeky grin. The culture is loud. On the Pacific coast there’s an African influence mixed with people from the mountains.

We’re loud but warm.

Juan has a radiant but reflective look about him. He admits that he misses the heat and loudness of home. Being from the Caribbean, I think I can relate!

What’s the best time of the year to visit Palmira

August because every city in Colombia has a party! [It] doesn’t depend on the weather. [There are] no seasons.

There’s also a long weekend in Palmira in August where there’s a street party…theatre in the streets, music, food and people out on horses. The streets are closed and it’s impossible to drive. There’s a parade and everyone gets drunk.

Palmira August 2019? Count. Me. In.

What’s the worst time of the year to visit Palmira

May and September is the rainy season, although September is beautiful. The trees lose their leaves and blossom pink, yellow, purple and white flowers. It’s called the Guayacan tree–Guayacan is also the name of a salsa band!

What are some of your favourite things to eat in Palmira

He looks up, smiles and seems very nostalgic again.

Pandebono (cheese and tapioca buns)…Sancocho, which is a thick chicken soup with yucca, plantain and corn. It’s always served with rice, flat fried plantain, avocado and salad.

Champus, a drink made with corn and Lulo, a hairy fruit and non-Colombians often don’t like it.

[Also, a] savoury fruit, Chontaduro.

As for a restaurant idea…

There is a popular place to eat right now. It’s in the urban part, up the mountain. The air is fresh. It’s called Casa del Sol.

Oh, oh and we have the best hot dogs in the world!

Wait, what?! What about Germany’s Frankfurter, Denmark’s Pølse or New York City’s hot dogs?? That’s quite the claim!

No, it’s true. People freeze our hot dogs and take them with them.

Juan’s recommendation for the BEST hot dog in the world…Billo’s

Describe the nightlife in Palmira

He smiles again. I think I could easily create another post on the meaning behind all these smiles!

Good? He pauses as if recounting far too many crazy nights out. It was good but actually things have changed for the better.

Palmira was the second dangerous city in the world years ago but now it’s safer.

Most people go out of the city for clubs. That’s most popular.

Which attractions in Palmira are worth visiting

The Cathedral* [which is] an Abby in the mountains, The Pomo River, Parque Bolivar and the El Paraiso mountains–a great novel was written from a house there. The house is still there.

*that would be the Catedral de Nuestra Señora del Rosario del Palmar

In this guide to Palmira, what are your tips for travellers planning to visit

Go to Palmira! BUT don’t take your [mobile] phone anywhere outside. Don’t show it to anyone and definitely don’t text in the streets.

The nearest airport is Alfonso Bonilla Aragón. It’s about 20 mins away, near Cali.

Cali claims it’s their airport but…he nods his head disapprovingly.

It seems that’s another story altogether for a later guide to Palmira!

Am I correct in thinking there might be a slight rivalry between the two neighbouring cities??

In any event, thanks Juan for the tips and insights!

If you’ve been to Palmira and had the best hot dogs in the world or if you’re planning a visit, share away in the comments section below.

Cheers!

B the Travelling MS x