Embark on a journey full of history, culture, and breathtaking views with our Historical and Cultural Downtown Tour of Cali with a Visit to the Cristo Rey Monument, a private experience designed to let you discover the essence of the Valle del Cauca capital, from its vibrant heart to the heights of its surrounding mountains. From the moment our private transportation picks you up at your hotel, you'll feel the excitement of beginning an adventure that will connect you with the roots of Cali and its most iconic landscapes. Our certified guide will greet you with a smile and the promise of an unforgettable journey, sharing fascinating stories and unique insights about the city's culture and history.
The first part of the tour will take you through the colorful and charming streets of the historic downtown, where colonial architecture and urban murals narrate the stories of a vibrant and lively city. We'll stroll along the iconic Bulevar del Rio, a place where the sound of the Cali River and the creativity of local artists blend together to create a captivating atmosphere. You'll admire the majestic San Pedro Cathedral and the historic La Merced Church, true guardians of Cali's past and witnesses to the city's birth.
But the adventure doesn't stop there. The highlight of this tour is the visit to the iconic Cristo Rey Monument, located at the top of the hill known as Los Cristales. As we ascend, you'll enjoy panoramic views that will leave you breathless, with the city sprawling at your feet and the mountains of the Valle del Cauca embracing it in their majestic beauty. Once at the summit, the imposing statue of Cristo Rey will welcome you with open arms, inviting you to take in one of Cali's most stunning vistas.
To keep your energy up during this experience, you'll enjoy a local snack that lets you savor a taste of Cali's rich culinary tradition as you continue your exploration. And because your safety and peace of mind are our top priorities, this tour includes insurance to accompany you every step of the way.
At the end of this day filled with history, culture, and unforgettable views, our private transportation will take you back to your hotel with your heart full of new stories, emotions, and a deeper connection to the magic of Cali. Come and discover the grandeur of the city with us!
Come shop 'til you drop in some of the best shops in Cali. On this tour we'll take you to various shopping areas in the city, where you can sniff out the best bargains in the craft shops, designer shops, shopping centres and outlets in the city. Shop for anything and everything from shoes to gold in what is guaranteed to be a morning or afternoon of quality shopping time.
On this tour you can appreciate quality products and produce by local craftsmen and designers, ideal for souvenirs to remember your time in Colombia, or as a treat for yourself! Seek out local artists for unique ideas and visit the local jewellers for one o f-a-kind goods. You'll be transported door to door and from hotel to store, in a tour that also takes you to the jewellery shops where you can admire a vast selection of gold, silver, and emerald pieces, and to the shopping centres to satisfy the fashion conscious. We take you to various shopping malls, such as Chipichape and Unico as well as Unicentro and Jardin Plaza for a complete entertainment and shopping experience. We'll also visit ample outlets located in the where you can find a variety of goods at great discounted prices. After a hard day's bargain hunting and window shopping we take you back to your hotel, where you can rest your feet ready for the evening or afternoon ahead of you.
Enjoy a tour to the sugarcane region outside of Cali. We travel to the famous setting of Jorge Isaac's novel 'Maria', Hacienda el Paraiso, and to Hacienda Piedechinche where you can learn all about the history of sugarcane and its production and admire its perfect verdant gardens.
Explore the Cauca Valley region further and journey to El Cerrito where we find the lovingly restored 19th century Hacienda el Paraiso. The sugarcane plantations in the region hold a rich and interesting history which you'll discover on this tour. The romantic setting for the love story between Efrain and Maria, the location and architecture couldn't appear more idyllic at Hacienda el Paraiso. Here we find a museum dedicated to Cauca life and a building that holds historical interest immortalised in literature.
On the next part of the tour we head to Hacienda Piedechinche, whose picturesque location will melt your heart. We discover a fascinating museum all about the rich history of sugarcane as well as vibrant surrounding gardens that boast rare trees, lily ponds and colourful flowers. The hacienda belonged to a Spanish family who built it in the shape of a cross symbolising their dedication to Catholicism, and even features a manmade moat that was built to stop the farm animals from entering. Both just a short journey away from Cali, this is the ideal day trip to learn all about the rich history and heritage of the Cauca Valley landscape.
Come and dance the famous salsa in the salsa capital of the world! What better place than to learn its seductive moves in a city that lives and breathes salsa. Take a two hour class in one of the best schools in the city, and you're guaranteed to leave ready to dance the night away in one of the city's many salsa clubs and bars.
Cali is renowned worldwide for hosting many salsa events and festivals, including the 'Delirio', held the last Friday of every month, which is famous for its spectacular salsa shows that make you want to get up and join in. And with this class you can do just that; whether you're a beginner or practiced, you'll learn all the moves you need to make the most of your time in the cultural capital of salsa. The city's love for afro-Caribbean music is infectious and inspiring, and these classes are designed to get you right into the spirit. You'll have a two hour personalised class with a dedicated and expert instructor who will teach you the basics to the Caribbean rhythms from famous bands. At the same time, you'll learn more about the Cali culture in an experience that will be both memorable and exceptional, as you take a slightly more energetic break from sightseeing. Learn your right foot from your left foot, and come and join in the huge salsa party!
Get to know Cali like a local with a tour that takes you from the heart of the city to off the beaten track locations. Discover its most emblematic places such as Caycedo Square and San Pedro Cathedral as well as the lesser known, but equally important, La Merced Chapel and River Cat amongst many others.
We begin right in the religious and community heart of the city at Caycedo Square. Located in the historical centre, from here you can admire the statue of the independence hero: Joaquin Cayzedo y Cuero amongst the tall palm trees that populate the square. From here we continue on to the neoclassical San Pedro Cathedral and to San Francisco Church. We also take you to admire La Merced Church, a hugely important site in the city where the mass founding the city took place in 1536, and is now a National Monument. You get a chance to absorb the bohemian atmosphere of the San Antonio neighbourhood, full of craft shops and antique shops, of both historic and urban conservation interest. Take in the best views of the city at the Mirador Sebastian de Belcazar, who helps you to orientate yourself by pointing towards the sea, before heading to the southern part of the city. Here you'll pass by the plaza de toros as well as the famous Avenida Sexta well known for its modern touch to the city. Lastly, we lead you along the banks of the river to a slightly unusual site, but now a symbol of the city: the River Cat by Hernando Tejada, measuring 3.5m high, 3.4m wide and weighing 4 tonnes.
Get to know Cali like a local with a tour that takes you from the heart of the city to its top locations in the salsa capital of the world. Discover its most emblematic sites and end the day learning salsa in a city that lives and breathes the dance.
We begin right in the religious and community heart of the city at Caycedo Square. Located in the historical centre, from here you can admire the statue of the independence hero: Joaquin Cayzedo y Cuero amongst the tall palm trees that populate the square. From here we continue on to the neoclassical San Pedro Cathedral and to San Francisco Church. We also take you to admire La Merced Church, a hugely important site in the city where the mass founding the city took place in 1536.
You get a chance to absorb the bohemian atmosphere of the San Antonio neighbourhood, full of craft shops and antique shops, take in the best views of the city at the Mirador Sebastian de Belcazar, and pass by the plaza de toros as well as the famous Avenida Sexta. Lastly, we lead you along the banks of the river to a symbol of the city: the River Cat by Hernando Tejada before taking you to dance some salsa! Learn even more about Cali culture in a one hour salsa class. The city's love for afro-Caribbean music is infectious and inspiring, and these classes are designed to get you right into the spirit. You'll have a personalised class with a dedicated and expert instructor who will teach you the basics to the Caribbean rhythms from famous bands.
Come and Immerse yourself in the vibrant energy of Siloe, where beauty meets social transformation!
Discover the authentic essence of Cali in Siloe, a neighbourhood full of culture, art and traditions, where each corner tells a unique story. Siloe embodies the very essence of diversity and vitality. Its steep and colourful streets take you on a journey full of culture and deep-rooted traditions. Here, street art comes to life in every corner, with vibrant murals telling stories of resistance and hope.
From the top of its hills, there is an impressive panoramic view of the city and its majestic mountains.But beyond its visual beauty, Siloe is a living testimony of social transformation, where community projects have strengthened education, infrastructure, and the quality of life of its inhabitants.
In Siloe, authenticity is in the air, inviting you to immerse yourself in its streets, enjoy its music, its dances and its gastronomy, and let yourself be carried away by the vibrant and welcoming energy of this hidden jewel in Cali.
Discover Cali with a tour of its modern and lively neighbourhoods lit up by night. See how the city comes to life after dark, and admire the night-time views over the Cali from the Mirador Sebastian de Belcazar. End the tour with a delicious dinner at a local restaurant.
Absorb the bohemian atmosphere of the San Antonio neighbourhood, full of craft shops and antique shops. The neighbourhood is considered an urban success, with both historic and urban conservation interests that bring the area to life. Take in the best views of the city at the Mirador Sebastian de Belcazar; the founder of Cali who helps you to orientate yourself by pointing towards the sea. From this viewpoint you can admire the city lit up in all its glory and take panoramic pictures of the perfect vistas by night. We head back into the centre of the city to the famous Avenida Sexta, well known for its modern touch to the city. We also visit the Granada area, which has been developing over the years into a commercial and gastronomic destination recognised nationally and internationally. Here you'll find a great selection of restaurants, bars, shops and boutiques that make it one of the liveliest areas in the city to while the night away. We end the tour with an appetising dinner at a well-recognised restaurant where you'll leave satisfied and contented.
Day Trips & Excursions, Classes, Zoo, Aquarium & Nature+2 more
Full day
Private
Travel further around the Cauca Valley from Cali, with a tour to Buga and Calima Lake. Enjoy the landscape and colonial architecture in a heritage town, where approximately 3 million pilgrims flock to each year, and relax by the shores of the picturesque Lake Calima.
Located 46 miles away from Cali, Buga is a Colombian heritage town where its colonial and republican architecture from the 18th and 19th century, transport you back in time. In Buga you'll be guided around its historic centre and to the famous Basilica del Senor de los Milagros, which dominates the town's skyline. You'll soon catch sight of its emblematic rose pink facade and towers that rise high above the town, and its colour will become even more prominent as you walk up the chequered square leading up to the entrance. Approximately 3 million catholic pilgrims travel to the basilica each year which houses an image of Christ, named Lord of the Miracles, and your guide will take you to its most fascinating parts whilst regaling you with its history. We head into the Milagroso Museum and you have time to attend mass or buy religious souvenirs.
On the next part of the tour, we go to one of the major tourist sites in Colombia not to be missed: Lake Calima. One of the best locations for watersports in Colombia, you'll have time to take part or relax along the shores of the lake admiring the reflection of the swiss chalets in the water amongst a landscape that is a mixture of jungle and mountain peaks.
Travel further around the Cauca Valley from Cali with a tour to Buga. Enjoy the landscape and colonial architecture of a Colombian heritage town and to its emblematic basilica, where approximately 3 million pilgrims flock to each year.
Located 46 miles away from Cali, Buga is a Colombian heritage town where its colonial and republican architecture from the 18th and 19th century, transport you back in time. Known as La Ciudad Senora (or Lady City) you'll be guided around its historic centre and to the famous Basilica del Senor de los Milagros which dominates the town's skyline. You'll soon catch sight of its emblematic rose pink facade and towers that rise high above the town, and its colour will become even more prominent as you walk up the chequered square leading to the entrance. Approximately 3 million catholic pilgrims travel to the basilica each year which houses an image of Christ, named Lord of the Miracles, and your guide will take you to its most fascinating parts whilst regaling you with its history. Enjoy a panoramic tour of one of the oldest cities in Colombia founded in 1573, and learn more about the town's origins and importance throughout its history. Afterwards, we head into the Milagroso Museum and you have free time to attend mass or buy religious souvenirs before returning to Cali.
