Cali City Tour: Cristo Rey Statue, Historic Center & Local Drink

Summary

Stories behind Cali’s plazas, Cristo Rey & street corners

You’ll wander Cali’s historic streets with a local guide, tasting a traditional drink and hearing stories behind monuments and plazas. Ride up to Cristo Rey for sweeping city views and get a feel for daily life along the way. It’s not just sightseeing—it’s sharing laughter, flavors, and moments you might think about long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

Did I really know what to expect from a city tour in Cali? Not sure. I just remember the air felt sticky as we squeezed into the car outside my hostel—our guide, Andrés, grinning like he’d been waiting for us all morning. Right away he pointed out the street vendors with their carts of chontaduro (I’d never even heard of it), and the way people here nod instead of waving. We zipped past parks that smelled faintly of guava and exhaust—Cali is loud, but somehow never harsh.

The historic center was a jumble of old churches and newer murals. Andrés knew every shortcut; he slipped us through shaded alleys where grandmothers sold empanadas from battered trays. He told stories about the statues—some funny, some kind of sad—and I tried to keep up as we crossed Plaza de Cayzedo with its palms swaying above us. There was this moment when we stopped for a traditional drink (I still can’t pronounce it right). It tasted sweet and earthy at the same time—Li laughed when I tried to say it in Spanish, probably butchered it.

Driving up to Cristo Rey took longer than I thought; the road twisted through neighborhoods where kids played barefoot soccer right on the sidewalk. The view at the top…well, you see all of Cali laid out below, haze curling around distant hills. Someone nearby was playing salsa on their phone, tinny but cheerful. Andrés just let us stand there for a while without talking. I didn’t expect that quiet to feel so good after all the city noise.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit main city attractions

• Visit tourist attractions
• Explore religious sites
• See cultural landmarks
• Visit squares and parks
• View monuments and sculptures
• Enjoy city viewpoints

Top questions

How long does the Cali city tour last?

The exact duration isn’t specified but expect several hours covering over thirty attractions by car and on foot.

Is hotel pickup included in this Cali city tour?

The tour includes pickup from your location in Cali before starting the itinerary.

What main attractions are visited during the tour?

You’ll visit Cali’s historic center, Cristo Rey statue, squares, parks, monuments, viewpoints, sculptures and more than thirty sites overall.

Is there any food or drink included?

You’ll have a tasting of one traditional drink during the tour; snacks like empanadas may be available from local vendors along the way.

Is this Cali city tour suitable for families with children?

Yes—infants can ride in a pram or stroller or sit on an adult's lap; suitable for all fitness levels.

Do I need to walk much during this tour?

There is a walking portion through the historic center; comfortable shoes are recommended but most travel is by private vehicle.

Are public transportation options available nearby?

Yes—public transportation is available near meeting points if needed before or after your tour.

What’s included

Your day includes walking through Cali’s historic center with a local guide, private car transfers between over thirty attractions including Cristo Rey statue and key monuments, plus a tasting of one traditional drink along the way before returning to your starting point.