CityBuddy
Parque de los Gatos
Best time to visit
Late afternoon around 4-5 PM when the light is soft for photos and the heat has subsided. Weekday mornings are quietest for crowd-free photos.
Budget tips
Entry is completely free as it's a public riverfront park. Skip paid guided tours and simply walk the promenade on your own using the free Cali tourist map available at nearby hotels.
Recommended for
Art lovers, Photography enthusiasts, Budget travelers, Families with kids
Plan your visit
45 minutes to 1 hour
About
Quick facts: Over 15 colorful cat sculptures line the Cali River promenade, each one painted by a different artist with its own personality and story. The original feline, El Gato del Río, was gifted to the city by sculptor Hernando Tejada in 1996 and measures nearly 3 meters long.
Highlights: Each oversized cat tells its own visual story, from a feline covered in tropical fruit motifs to one painted like a traditional Colombian carnival mask. The park comes alive at golden hour when the sculptures cast long shadows across the river walkway and locals gather for evening paseos.
Insider tips
- Arrive with your camera ready before 9 AM to capture the cats without other people in your shots.
- Walk the full stretch from El Gato del Río southward to find the newer, less photographed sculptures.
- Combine your visit with a walk along the Cali River linear park that continues past the sculptures.
- Go on a Sunday afternoon when the riverside pedestrian path fills with local families, street performers, and food vendors.
Where to Stay in Cali
Selected by City Buddy based on guest reviews and proximity to top attractions
Search all hotels in CaliPowered by agoda
Have you heard of free walking tours?
After traveling to 30+ countries, there's one thing I wish someone had told me from day one, and it completely changed how I experience new cities.
Free walking tours. Yes, actually free. No credit card needed. No catch.
Local guide, 2-3 hours
Major sights, hidden gems, local stories
100% tip-based
Guides earn only tips, so they give their absolute best
You tip what feels right
At the end, just tip whatever you feel is right
I've done these in dozens of cities and they've been the highlight of almost every trip. If you're visiting Cali, Colombia, do this on your first day. You'll thank me later.
