Cali Walking Tour of the Historic Center with Local Guide and Carbonated Beverages
by Valley Adventours
Overview
This walking tour of Cali's historic center lasts about two to three hours and is led by a local guide. The tour begins at the operator's office in the San Antonio neighborhood, followed by a 15-minute walk to the historic center. After an introduction at Jairo Varela Plaza, participants explore the city's main cultural, historical, and touristic sites on foot. Stops include Iglesia La Merced, known as the birthplace of Cali, with colonial architecture and views of Cristo Rey. Next is the Museo del Oro Calima, which displays indigenous gold artifacts over 4,000 years old and explains the origins of the El Dorado legend. The tour continues to the Teatro Municipal Enrique Buenaventura, a Neo-Classical public theater in the city center. Walking through the streets leads to Plaza de la Gobernación where the group visits San Francisco Church, followed by San Pedro Apostol Cathedral, the main church in Cali where visitors learn about church-state relations. Plaza de Caicedo, the main square framed by palm trees and the National Palace, is next. Participants then stroll along the street famous for salsa music, known as "The Flavor Street," before crossing Puente Ortiz, the first bridge over the Cali River, offering views of the river, Torre de Cali, and Three Crosses Hill. The tour continues to the Statue of Simón Bolívar and its surrounding park, where guests can try the typical Cali drink called la Lulada caleña under the shade of Ceiba trees. Returning to Plazoleta Jairo Varela, the guide explains the influence of Jairo Varela and Grupo Niche on salsa culture, highlighting the Trumpet Monument. The walk proceeds through green areas with palm and fruit trees, then along Boulevard del Río with views of La Ermita Church, the Coltabaco building, and Jorge Isaacs Theater. The final stop is Calle De La Escopeta, a colorful street known for its street art and colonial atmosphere. Carbonated beverages are provided during the tour. Guests should wear comfortable walking shoes and bring sun protection, water, and rain gear if needed. The tour operates rain or shine.
Highlights
What's included
What's not included
Itinerary
Iglesia La Merced
Visit La Merced Church, recognized as Cali's birthplace where the city by the seven rivers began. Observe its colonial architecture and enjoy views of Cristo Rey from within the city center.
15 min
Museo del Oro Calima
Explore artifacts from indigenous ancestors dating back more than 4,000 years. Learn why the El Dorado legend is based on the gold craftsmanship of local indigenous communities.
25 min
Teatro Municipal Enrique Buenaventura
See the Neo-Classical public theater located in Cali's historical city center, which also serves as the city's cultural center.
5 min
Plaza de la Gobernación and San Francisco Church
Walk through the city center streets to reach Plaza de la Gobernación, where the group enters San Francisco Church and views its interior.
10 min
San Pedro Apostol Cathedral
Visit Cali’s main church, San Pedro Apostol Cathedral, and learn about the historical relationship between the church and the state.
15 min
Plaza de Caicedo
Stop at Cali’s main square, surrounded by palm trees and bordered by the National Palace.
15 min
The Flavor Street
Walk along the street known for its association with salsa music, called "The Flavor Street," and learn about its musical significance.
10 min
Puente Ortiz
Cross the first bridge over the Cali River while enjoying views of the river, the Torre de Cali—the city's tallest building—and Three Crosses Hill. Take photos inside the bridge's arches.
10 min
Statue of Simón Bolívar and Park
Visit the Statue of Simón Bolívar and walk around the park while learning about Colombia's independence history. Taste the typical Cali drink la Lulada caleña under the shade of Ceiba trees.
20 min
Plazoleta Jairo Varela
Explore Jairo Varela Square, learning about Varela and Grupo Niche’s impact on salsa culture globally. Visit the Trumpet Monument celebrating musical heritage.
20 min
City Nature Area
Enjoy the city's natural sounds, palm trees, tributes to Cali's rivers, and various fruit trees that provide shade in this green space.
10 min
Boulevard del Río
Walk along Boulevard del Río while viewing La Ermita Church, the Coltabaco building, and Jorge Isaacs Theater.
10 min
Calle De La Escopeta
Visit one of Cali’s most colorful streets, known for its street art, woven roof, and colonial neighborhood atmosphere.
10 min
Meeting point
We will meet at the Valley Adventours office located in the colonial neighborhood of San Antonio.
End point
We will meet at the Valley Adventours office located in the colonial neighborhood of San Antonio.
Languages
Cancellation policy
- Cancel at least 24 hours before start for a full refund.
Additional info
More things to do in Cali
- Bosque el Descanso Day Trip in Cali: Jordan River, Waterfalls, Rock Slides, and Lunch
- Cali Guided City Tour by Car and Walking Including Cristo Rey, Sebastian de Belalcazar, Cat Park & Historic Center
- Cali Street Food Tour with Food and Drink Samples
- Shared Walking Tour of the Historical and Cultural Center of Cali