El Peñón

Cali, Colombia

Overall Safety
Good
3.6 / 5
Based on 12 Safety Metrics

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Summary

Dining area with varied restaurants at reasonable prices. More local atmosphere than Granada. Safe when busy but don't walk around late.

Dining areaWhere locals eatVaried cuisinesEating alone is normalMore local than Granada
Details

Between San Antonio and Granada, El Peñón is where locals go to eat. Prices are lower than Granada but the food is good. You'll find Colombian restaurants, Turkish fast food, Argentine steakhouses, Spanish tapas - the variety is wide. Peñón Plaza has 6 restaurants and a bar in one complex. Parque del Peñón fills with families on weekends. The crowd is more local than San Antonio's backpacker scene - Colombian couples on dates, groups of friends, solo people reading at window seats. Some restaurant staff speak English at the popular places. Safety is the same pattern as most of Cali: fine during the day and early evening when it's busy, but take Uber home late at night.

Safety Ratings

Daytime Safety

Good

Night Walking Safety

Moderate

Harassment Risk

Moderate

Public Transport Safety

Good

Pickpocketing Risk

Moderate

Scam Risk

Moderate

Police Visibility

Good

Emergency Services

Good

Evening Venues

Good

Solo Dining

Good

Drug Activity

Low

Homelessness Visibility

Moderate

Getting By in English

Good

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Recommended Places

Cafes

  • Rutina Café
  • Café San Camilo

Restaurants

  • Saludando el Peñón
  • Casa Ibérica
  • Turk House

Bars

  • Furtivo
  • Gastrobar 891

Other Spots

  • Parque del Peñón
  • Faro Peñón landmark
Impressions & Tips

"Good restaurant options and eating alone felt normal"

"Felt safer than I expected during dinner. Still took Uber back"

"More local than Granada without being sketchy"

"Nice middle ground between the backpacker and upscale zones"

"Some English but less than San Antonio"

Similar Neighborhoods in Cali

Areas with comparable safety profiles for solo female travelers

San Antonio

3.0
Cali, Colombia
Night Walking SafetyModerate
Daytime SafetyGood
Harassment RiskModerate
Transport SafetyModerate
Bohemian, artisticColonial architectureBackpacker hub+2

The historic district where most backpackers stay. Colonial streets, cafes, and hostels. Safe during the day for walking around. Take a taxi anywhere you go at night.

45

Granada

4.0
Cali, Colombia
Night Walking SafetyGood
Daytime SafetyExcellent
Harassment RiskModerate
Transport SafetyGood
Upscale nightlifeNice restaurantsRooftop bars+2

Upscale area with rooftop bars and restaurants. Higher prices but better security than most of Cali. Safest option for going out at night.

25

North Cali (Versalles/Centenario)

4.0
Cali, Colombia
Night Walking SafetyGood
Daytime SafetyExcellent
Harassment RiskLow
Transport SafetyGood
Business districtModernSafe+2

Business and hotel district. Safe and modern with good transport. Lacks character but works as a functional base.

12

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Safety Reminder

Neighborhood conditions can change. Check recent news, ask locals or your accommodation about current safety, especially for nighttime plans.

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