Cali: Highlights and Old Town Self-guided Walk

Cali, the vibrant capital of Colombia‘s Valle del Cauca department, offers visitors a captivating self-guided walk through its historic old town. This two-hour journey takes explorers on a cultural odyssey, unveiling the city’s rich heritage and modern charm. From the iconic Plazoleta Jairo Varela and its striking trumpet sculpture to the awe-inspiring panoramic views from Iglesia de San Antonio, the tour promises an immersive experience. Along the way, interactive tasks on your smartphone encourage deeper engagement with the city’s landmarks and stories. With each step, travelers uncover the city’s captivating essence, leaving them eager to delve further into Cali’s captivating allure.

Key Points

• Self-guided 2-hour walking tour highlighting Cali’s cultural landmarks, including Plazoleta Jairo Varela, Teatro Calima, and Iglesia de San Antonio.
• Interactive smartphone-based tour with engaging tasks and offline access for a seamless and informative experience.
• Explore the city’s vibrant musical heritage, exemplified by the trumpet sculpture at Plazoleta Jairo Varela.
• Discover historic bridges, churches, and riverside sculptures that showcase Cali’s architectural and artistic diversity.
• Conclude the tour with a panoramic view of Cali’s skyline from the Iglesia de San Antonio, surrounded by the Andes mountains.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

This self-guided walking tour offers travelers the opportunity to enjoy the cultural highlights of Santiago de Cali.

The experience lasts around 2 hours and costs $8.74 per person. Travelers can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and a reserve now, pay later option is available.

The tour focuses on landmarks like the Plazoleta Jairo Varela, Teatro Calima, Parque Bolivar, La Ermita church, the Las Gatas del Rio sculptures, and the Iglesia de San Antonio.

Participants can access tour information on their smartphones and engage with interactive tasks and historical facts as they explore the city at their own pace.

Highlights of the Walk

The tour starts at the Plazoleta Jairo Varela, where participants can admire the striking trumpet sculpture that serves as a tribute to Cali’s musical heritage.

Next, they’ll visit Teatro Calima, one of the city’s oldest cinemas, now a cultural asset showcasing Cali’s evolving entertainment landscape.

Exploring Parque Bolivar, they’ll discover the historic pedestrian bridge over the Rio Cali, providing a scenic river view.

The iconic La Ermita church, a landmark of Cali, will captivate visitors with its striking architecture.

Continuing along the Bulevar del Río, they’ll encounter the whimsical Las Gatas del Río sculptures before concluding at the Iglesia de San Antonio, offering panoramic vistas of the city.

Interactive Experience

An interactive experience awaits participants on this self-guided walk through Cali’s cultural highlights. Tour information is accessible via smartphone, allowing each person to engage with entertaining tasks and riddles during the walk. Travelers can learn interesting facts about the history and culture of Cali at their own pace, with the flexibility to explore each stop. The tour includes a map, offline access, and an audio guide, ensuring a seamless and informative experience.

Tour Features	Description
Smartphone Access	Tour info and interactive elements available on smartphone
Engaging Tasks	Riddles and activities to enhance the walking experience
Flexible Pacing	Explore stops at your own pace, with offline access available
Additional Resources	Map, audio guide, and offline tour access included

Tour Logistics

To start the tour, participants receive a link via email after booking, which they can use to begin the experience anytime.

The self-guided walk requires a charged smartphone and an internet connection to access the tour information. During the tour, users can enjoy offline access and an audio guide.

The package includes a map and offline tour access, allowing travelers to explore the highlights at their own pace.

Flexibility is a key feature, as participants can follow the tour route or deviate to discover additional sights along the way.

The tour is designed to be accessible and convenient, enabling visitors to enjoy the cultural gems of Cali.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Plazoleta Jairo Varela and Trumpet Sculpture

Your self-guided tour of Cali’s cultural highlights begins at Plazoleta Jairo Varela, home to a striking trumpet sculpture.

The sculpture, created by renowned artist Rodrigo Varela, pays tribute to the city’s rich musical heritage. Cali is known as the "Capital of Salsa," and the trumpet serves as a symbolic nod to the vibrant jazz and salsa scene.

As you admire the work, imagine the melodies that once filled the air, transported by the instrument’s captivating sound.

This lively plaza sets the tone for your exploration of Cali’s cultural treasures, inviting you to learn about the city’s captivating history and artistic expression.

Cultural Landmarks Along the Route

Continuing along the self-guided tour, visitors will come across the historic Teatro Calima, one of the oldest cinemas in the city that has since been repurposed as a cultural asset.

Next, they’ll reach the picturesque Parque Bolívar, home to a historic pedestrian bridge over the Rio Cali.

Nearby stands the imposing La Ermita church, a landmark of Cali.

The walk then leads to the Bulevar del Río, where visitors can admire the unique Las Gatas del Río sculptures.

The tour concludes at the Iglesia de San Antonio, offering a stunning panoramic view of the city.

Stunning City View at Iglesia De San Antonio

At the conclusion of the self-guided tour, visitors are treated to a stunning panoramic view of Cali from the vantage point of the Iglesia de San Antonio. This iconic church, with its impressive neoclassical architecture, overlooks the city’s historic center and the winding Rio Cali. From this elevated position, guests can admire the vibrant urban landscape, including the distinct architecture, lush greenery, and the distant Andes mountains.

View from Iglesia de San Antonio
Sweeping panorama of Cali’s skyline
Neoclassical architecture of the church
Winding Rio Cali below
Lush greenery and distant mountains

The serene ambiance and breathtaking scenery provide the perfect finale to the immersive cultural exploration of Cali’s highlights.

Recap

The "Cali: Highlights and Old Town Self-guided Walk" offers an immersive exploration of the city’s vibrant culture and history. With interactive tasks and breathtaking viewpoints, this self-paced tour allows visitors to discover Cali’s iconic landmarks, from the Plazoleta Jairo Varela to the Iglesia de San Antonio. It’s an engaging and rewarding way to experience the true essence of this captivating Colombian city.

You can check if your dates are available here: