Cali: Cristo Rey, Tertulia Museum & Downtown Walking Tour

Summary

Discover Cali’s art, history and flavors on a full-day city tour

You’ll walk Cali’s lively streets with a local guide who knows every shortcut and story. From Cristo Rey’s sweeping views to fruit tastings in Plaza de Caycedo and modern art at Tertulia Museum, each stop feels personal. Expect laughter over strong coffee and small surprises that stick with you long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

“If you want to see how Cali really breathes, you have to start early,” our guide Andrés said as we squeezed into his little car outside my hotel. He was right — the city felt different in the morning, like it was stretching awake. Driving up to Cristo Rey, I kept catching whiffs of wet earth through the window (it had rained before dawn). The statue itself is huge — honestly bigger than I expected — but what got me was the view: all of Cali spread out below, haze curling over the rooftops. Andrés pointed out neighborhoods by name; he knew them like old friends.

Back down in the center, we wandered through Plaza de Caycedo. There were old men playing dominoes under trees and women selling fruit from carts — I tried lulo for the first time (tart and sweet at once, kind of addictive). The San Francisco palace looked almost faded against the bright sky, but Andrés told us stories about monks and politics that made it feel alive again. At one point a street vendor called out something I didn’t catch; Andrés just laughed and waved him over for coffee. It was thick and strong enough to wake up my bones.

The Tertulia Museum came after lunch — modern art everywhere, paper that smelled faintly musty in some rooms. We couldn’t go upstairs because of renovations (which Andrés apologized for about five times), but honestly I liked seeing what we could: sketches by local artists, colors that felt like they belonged to Cali’s heat. We ended up sitting outside by the river for a while. There was this breeze coming off the water and music drifting from somewhere nearby — salsa, naturally. I still think about that quiet moment before heading back.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Cali city and cultural sites tour

• Meet guide and hotel pickup
• Visit Cristo Rey
• Explore Plaza de Caycedo
• See San Francisco palace
• Tour La Tertulia Museum
• Discover downtown Cali landmarks

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Cali city tour?

Yes, your guide will pick you up from your hotel at the start of the tour.

What attractions are visited during this day trip in Cali?

The tour includes Cristo Rey statue, Plaza de Caycedo, San Francisco palace, and Tertulia Museum.

Are food or drinks included on this tour?

You’ll taste typical Colombian fruits and coffee as part of your experience.

How long does this full-day Cali walking tour last?

The tour covers a full day exploring key sites around downtown Cali with breaks for snacks and museum visits.

Is this tour suitable for travelers with limited mobility?

The tour involves walking; it may not be ideal for those with limited mobility.

What happens if Tertulia Museum is closed?

If Tertulia Museum is closed (Mondays or some Sundays), your guide will suggest another museum based on your interests.

Can I join this tour during a layover in Cali?

Yes, you can select the airport as your pickup point if you have a layover in Cali.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off with an expert local guide leading you through Cristo Rey, Plaza de Caycedo, San Francisco palace, and Tertulia Museum (or an alternative if needed). You’ll enjoy tastings of traditional Colombian fruits and coffee along the way before returning comfortably at the end of your visit.