Cali: Walking tour of the historic center

Cali , Colombia

Cali: Walking tour of the historic center

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(65 reviews)

2h - 3h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Cali is full of tourist attractions and hidden gems to discover; museums, parks, squares, churches and monuments...

But visiting it by public transport and without a local guide is very oppressive! Why waste time and money with complicated maps, when there is a perfect solution?

You will get to know Cali through the eyes of a local expert, visiting the main cultural, touristic and historical attractions in the city center, having the opportunity to taste typical fruits and drinks, living the true Cali culture.

We will start at our office in the San Antonio neighborhood, walking for about 15 minutes towards the historic center. After an introduction to the city at the Jairo Varela plaza we will begin our walk through the historic center, getting to know its old architecture, parks, theaters, churches, museums, cathedrals and monuments dedicated to important people in our history.

Experience the best of Cali safely and discover yourself.

Available options

Cali: Walking Tour

What's included

Walking tour through the historic center.

Local guide.

Typical drink.

Detailed itinerary

Let's discover the birthplace of Cali: La Merced Church, where this dream cross by 7 rivers named Cali begun. Get amazed by its colonial architecture and enjoy the sight of Cristo Rey from inside of city center.

Let's find out the incredible history of our indigenous ancestors. Discover pieces with more that 4.000 years of existances and find out why "El Dorado" legend is base upon the craftmanship our indigenous communities had working with gold.

Discover the Neo-Classic Public Theater located in the Historical City Center and the Cultural Center of Cali

We will walkthrough the streets of city center until we arrive to Plaza de la Gobernación, where we'll be able to get inside San Francisco Church.

We'll get inside the main Church in Cali: San Pedro Apostol Cathedral. In here we'll discover the deep relationship between Church and State.

Stop 6

Let's visit next the main Square of Cali, surrounded by the palm trees and frame by the National Palace.

We'll walkthrough the most iconic street related with salsa music in Cali. Find out why "The Flavor Street" made us vibe to the sound of la clave, the trumpets and the bell.

Let's walkthrough the first bridge above Cali river. In the meantime enjoy a fantastic view of the river, Torre de Cali -the tallest building in the City - and the Three Crosses Hill. You'll be able to take amazing pictures inside of the arcs across the bridge.

We'll visit the Statue of Simón Bolívar and walkaorund the Park while we discover the history of Independence in Colombia. We'll enjoy, cover by the shade of the Ceiba trees, a delicious typicall Cali drink: la Lulada caleña.

Let's walkaround the Jairo Varela Square. Discover the importance and influence that Jairo Varela and Grupo Niche has to the culture of Salsa in Cali and worldwide. We'll get inside the musical magic of the Trumpet Monument.

Let's enjoy the nature of the city; the sound of birds, the palm trees, the tribute to the rivers in Cali and a bunch of fruit trees that bless us with shade.

We'll walkthrough Boulevard del Río while we discover its beautiful sight of La Ermita Church, Coltabaco building and Jorge Isaacs Theater.

Enjoy the most vibrant and colorful street of Cali. Get amazed by its street art, its woven roof and all the flavors that flows in our colonial neighbourhood.

What's not included

Any services, foods or drinks not specified in the plan.

Available languages

Guide guide

EN ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

3 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.9

62 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Public transportation options are available nearby

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Wear comfortable walking shoes and sunscreen, and bring a water bottle, hat and umbrella.

The tour will not be canceled, if it is raining we advise you to bring an umbrella or proper clothing for rain.

Meeting point

We will meet at the Valley Adventours office located in the colonial neighborhood of San Antonio.

Important notes

Hello and good day! Thank for booking your next experience with us.

Keep in mind there will be a considerable amount of walking, it is not a challenging walk but you should bring comfortable shoes and appropriate clothes for the sun. Bring sunblock, and also some mosquitoes repellent. The city is usually very sunny and we don’t get frequent rain, but it is a tropical weather so it’s very unpredictable and you should bring something with you for the rain just in case.

The drop off is not included, the tour finishes in the neighborhood of San Antonio which is great to visit, walk around and is full of very good restaurants.

If you have any other questions or requests please let us know.

About Cali

Cali, known as the salsa capital of the world, is a vibrant city in southwestern Colombia. It offers a mix of cultural experiences, lush landscapes, and warm hospitality, making it a unique and appealing destination for travelers.

Top Attractions

Plaza de toros La Macarena

A historic bullring that hosts bullfighting events and concerts. It's a significant cultural landmark in Cali.

Historical 1-2 hours Moderate (event tickets vary)

Cristo Rey

A large statue of Jesus Christ overlooking the city, similar to Rio de Janeiro's Christ the Redeemer. It offers panoramic views of Cali.

Religious 1-2 hours Free

Parque de la Bota

A beautiful park with walking paths, gardens, and a lake. It's a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.

Nature 1-3 hours Free

Museo de Arte Moderno La Tertulia

A contemporary art museum showcasing works by Colombian and international artists. It's a must-visit for art lovers.

Museum 1-2 hours Moderate ($2-5 USD)

Zoológico de Cali

A zoo with a variety of animals, including native Colombian species. It's a great place for families and animal lovers.

Nature 2-3 hours Moderate ($5-10 USD)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Sancocho

A hearty chicken soup with vegetables, corn, and plantains. It's a comforting and flavorful dish.

Dinner Contains gluten (if served with bread)

Bandeja Paisa

A large platter with rice, beans, ground beef, chicharrón, plantain, avocado, and arepa. It's a hearty and satisfying meal.

Lunch Contains gluten (if served with arepa)

Arepas

Corn cakes that can be stuffed with various fillings like cheese, meat, or vegetables. They are a staple in Colombian cuisine.

Snack Vegetarian options available

Lulo Juice

A refreshing juice made from lulo, a tropical fruit native to Colombia. It's sweet and tangy with a unique flavor.

Drink Vegan, gluten-free

Popular Activities

Hiking in San Cipriano White-water rafting in Río Pance Swimming in Pance Picnicking in Parque de la Bota Visiting Museo de Arte Moderno La Tertulia Exploring Plaza de San Francisco Swimming in Río Pance Boating in Parque de la Bota

Best Time to Visit

December to March

This is the dry season, with plenty of sunshine and lower humidity, making it ideal for outdoor activities and festivals.

24-32°C 75-90°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Spanish
Widely spoken: English (limited)
English: Limited

Currency

Colombian Peso (COP)

Time Zone

GMT-5

Electricity

110VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution

Cali has a reputation for high crime rates, but many visitors enjoy the city safely by taking precautions. Stay aware of your surroundings, avoid walking alone at night, and use common sense.

Important Precautions:

• Avoid walking alone at night
• Use official taxis or app-based services
• Keep valuables secure and out of sight

Getting there

By air

Alfonso Bonilla Aragón International Airport • 20 km from city center

By bus

Terminal de Transporte de Cali

Getting around

Public transport

The MIO system is the primary mode of public transport in Cali, with articulated buses and feeder routes. It's affordable and efficient.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Didi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

San Antonio Granadina Juanchito

Day trips

San Cipriano

50 km from Cali • Full day

A small town surrounded by lush forests and waterfalls. It's a popular destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

Pance

30 km from Cali • Half day to full day

A scenic area with a river and natural pools. It's a popular spot for swimming, picnicking, and relaxing.

Popayán

100 km from Cali • Full day to overnight

A colonial city known for its whitewashed buildings, historic churches, and cultural festivals. It's a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Festivals

Feria de Cali • December (around the 25th) Carnaval de Cali • November (around the 30th)

Pro tips

Learn a few basic Spanish phrases to enhance your experience and show respect for the local culture
Try local street food for an authentic and delicious culinary experience
Visit during the Feria de Cali for a unique and vibrant celebration of salsa music and dance
Explore the surrounding nature areas, such as San Cipriano and Pance, for a break from the city
Use the MIO public transportation system to get around the city affordably and efficiently