Cali's most important festival of the year, the world-famous Feria de Cali, kicked off Monday with its traditional "cabalgata," a tour around the city on the back of a horse.

The 2011 Feria de Cali will bring the year to a close in a whirlwind of music, parades, dancing, parties, bull-fights, antique cars and concerts featuring world-renowned artists.

The Cali Zoological Park celebrates it's 40th year anniversary of preserving Colombian biodiversity with more than 3,000 animals on exhibit.

Taxi drivers in the district capital city of Cali learn basic English, French, and sign language in preparation of the Under-20 World Cup.

Colombia is increasing its popularity as a travel destination, due to the wide range of cultural and natural diversity that the country has to offer, and the southwest city of Cali is a perfect example of the mix of influences that capture visitors' attention.

Leading U.S. newspaper The New York Times tips the Colombian city of Cali as one of the best travel destinations of 2011.

The Colombian city of Cali gets its first five-star hotel, with 226 suits and five armored rooms aimed at executives with "higher safety standards."

Estimated investments in Cali's hotel sector surpass $110 million, giving the city an extra 1,170 hotel rooms by 2013.