The Cali River runs from the western hills through the heart of the city, and its banks have been turned into one of the pleasantest strolls in town. The star attraction is the Gato del Rio, a large reclining cat sculpture by the Cali artist Hernando Tejada, which has become a symbol of the city. Over the years, other artists have added dozens of smaller cat sculptures along the riverside, each decorated in a different style, so the walk becomes a little open-air gallery. The path leads through leafy parks and under bridges, past cafes and past ordinary residents jogging, walking dogs or practicing dance steps. At one end it connects to the area around the Iglesia La Ermita and the Teatro Jorge Isaacs; at the other it climbs toward the San Antonio hill. The walk is flat or gently sloping and takes an hour or two at an easy pace, which makes it a good break between sights. Many visitors stop at the Parque del Gato to browse craft stalls and to see how the sculptures are used as meeting points. The riverside is free to visit at any time, and it is particularly pleasant in the morning and late afternoon when the temperature is milder.
Walking the route
Start at the Gato del Rio and walk along the river path in either direction. Heading toward the center you reach the Ermita church and downtown plazas within about twenty minutes; heading the other way, the route leads toward San Antonio. Take water and a hat, as the shade is patchy in the middle of the day, and wear shoes you can walk in comfortably.
What to look for
The cat sculptures vary widely, from traditional felines to creative, colorful and humorous designs, and the main one is the usual spot for photos. Street vendors sell fruit, juices and handicrafts near the park, and weekend events sometimes bring music or markets to the area. The riverside also offers a good vantage point to see how the city is arranged, with the western hills behind you.
Staying comfortable
Daytime strolls are a routine activity for locals, but you should keep your phone in a pocket and avoid walking the quieter stretches alone after dark. Combine the walk with the historic center tour or a late lunch in San Antonio. If you enjoy art and urban culture, the Comuna 20 tour adds a very different view of how art is used in the city.
The Cali River is the city's natural spine, and the walk shows how Cali has reclaimed it as a public space. In earlier decades the river was neglected, but cleanup efforts and new parks have brought walkers, runners and families back. A weekend visit lets you see the city at leisure, with local dancers practicing, musicians playing and children running between the cat statues.
If you want to extend the route, continue along the river to the Boulevard del Rio, a pedestrian promenade downtown with cafes and shaded seating, or to the area of the old railway station, a handsome building with a long platform now used for cultural events.
Photographers will enjoy the contrast between the sculptures, the greenery and the city skyline. Take insect repellent in the early evening, and keep an eye on the weather, as sudden showers can arrive in the afternoon.
What to expect
The experience
A free riverside walk with a famous cat sculpture, smaller painted cats, parks and bridges.
Best time
Morning or late afternoon, when it is cooler.
How long
One to two hours at a relaxed pace.
Tips
Bring water and a hat, wear walking shoes and keep your phone secure.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Casual strollers and photographers who enjoy public art.
- Families
- Good for families because the path is mostly flat and the sculptures appeal to children.
- Couples
- A relaxed stroll with cafe stops and photos at the big cat.
- Pair with
- The historic center walk or a late lunch in San Antonio.
- Time needed
- One to two hours.
Good questions
Who made the Gato del Rio?+
The large cat is by the Cali artist Hernando Tejada, and other artists have added smaller cats along the river.
Is the walk free?+
Yes, the river path and the sculptures are free to enjoy at any time.
How long does the walk take?+
About one to two hours at an easy pace, depending on how far you go and how many photos you take.
Is it suitable for children?+
Yes. The path is mostly level, and the cat sculptures are a hit with kids.
Is it safe?+
Daytime strolls are routine, but keep belongings secure and avoid quiet stretches after dark.
