Salsa and graffiti tour in Cali: Street art and music history

Cali's salsa scene lives in its streets, not just its nightclubs.

This three-hour shared tour of Cali explores the city's salsa heritage and urban art through ten stops, from Plazoleta Jairo Varela, a plaza dedicated to one of salsa's greatest composers, to Calle del Sabor, where the music and murals tell the story of Caleña culture. A certified guide in Spanish leads the walk, sharing the history of the city's musical identity and the resistance embedded in its street art, and finishes at Cimarrón Salsa Bar where live music plays.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Cali's salsa and urban art

• Start at Plazoleta Jairo Varela
• Visit Parque de las Piedras
• Explore cultural center exhibitions
• Enjoy murals at Curva del Boulevard
• View city from modern building viewpoint
• Experience Calle del Sabor's music and cuisine
• Discover cultural spaces in historic building
• Walk along Street of the Shotgun murals
• Stroll through mural-decorated tunnel
• End at Cimarrón Salsa Bar

The experience

The tour starts at Plazoleta Jairo Varela, a plaza ringed with murals celebrating the life and work of one of salsa's most influential composers. From there, the walk moves through Parque de las Piedras, where fountains and sculptures sit alongside graffiti reflecting the city's cultural diversity, and into the cultural center that houses painting, sculpture and photography exhibitions tied to Cali's art scene. The guide explains how music and visual art have shaped the city's identity, and why that fusion matters to understanding Cali itself.

The route takes in Curva del Boulevard, where murals cover building facades above restaurants serving local dishes, then climbs to a modern building with a viewpoint overlooking the city and the Cali River. Calle del Sabor, the heart of Caleña sauce, comes next: bars, restaurants and theme shops where the walls are covered in murals of musicians and dancers that document popular culture in the city. A colonial-era building housing art exhibitions and music events follows, then Calle del Escopetero, known for its colorful facades and street art by local artists.

The tour passes through a tunnel decorated with murals celebrating football and local culture, a gathering spot for sports fans. It finishes at Cimarrón Salsa Bar, an emblematic venue where live music and dance shows run through the night. The guide offers recommendations for other salsa bars and shares knowledge of the most representative salsa movements that define Cali's dance culture. You'll also get benefits and discounts with recommended local allies.

What’s included

• A certified guide in Spanish or English.
• a walk through ten neighborhoods and cultural landmarks.
• knowledge of Cali's salsa history and the stories of resistance in its street art.
• recommendations for cult salsa bars and the most representative salsa movements.
• benefits and discounts with recommended local allies.
• access to live music and dance shows at Cimarrón Salsa Bar at the tour's end.

Options for this experience

2 options

Shared tour in English10:30 and 15:00

Shared tour in EnglishGuide in Spanish · 10:30 and 15:00Free Cali Salsa

Options with the same name differ in details you'll see when you check availability.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesMonday to SaturdayDepartures at 10:30 and 15:00

AgesAdult (18 to 59 years) · Senior (60 to 90 years) · Youth (14 to 17 years) · Child (2 to 13 years) · Infant (under 2)

GroupUp to 30

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends at a different place from where it starts.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 7 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Beyond Colombia Free, Group & Private Tours

Is this one for you?The tour moves at a walking pace through city streets for three hours, so wear comfortable shoes and be ready to stand and move between stops. This works well if you want to understand Cali's music and art scene through the neighborhoods where they actually live, rather than from a bus window or a single venue.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (14 to 17 years); Child (2 to 13 years); Infant (under 2).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is Plazoleta Jairo Varela and why does the tour start there?

Plazoleta Jairo Varela is a plaza dedicated to Jairo Varela, one of salsa's greatest composers. The tour begins here because the murals surrounding it celebrate his life and work, setting the tone for understanding how deeply salsa is woven into Cali's identity and streets.

Does the tour include food or drinks?

The tour passes through Curva del Boulevard and Calle del Sabor, where you can order food and drinks at restaurants and bars along the route, but meals and beverages are not included in the tour price. The guide will recommend places to eat and drink as you walk.

What happens at the end of the tour?

The tour finishes at Cimarrón Salsa Bar, an emblematic salsa venue where live music and dance shows run through the night. You can stay to dance and enjoy the energy of the place, though entry and drinks there are separate from the tour.

Is this tour accessible for people with mobility challenges?

Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible. All areas and surfaces along the route are accessible, and infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller. Public transportation options are available nearby if needed.

What is Calle del Sabor and what will I see there?

Calle del Sabor is the heart of Caleña sauce. The street where salsa culture comes alive. You'll find bars, restaurants and theme shops, with murals covering the walls that tell stories of musicians, dancers and popular culture in Cali.