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

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Free cancellationTravelers' pick

1/28

Duration3h

GroupUp to 30

LanguagesEN · ES

Mobile ticketAccepted

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.

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair 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.