Parks and gardens of Cali

When you visit "The branch of heaven," as we call the Special, Sports, Cultural, Tourist, Business, and Service District, Santiago de Cali, or simply Cali, in addition to getting a good "bath" of salsa, both in dance and music, you can explore the parks and gardens of Cali that the locals have planted for everyone to enjoy their streets and moments filled with peace.  

Located in the Cauca River valley, and protected by the Farallones de Cali in the Western Cordillera, the city is situated one thousand meters above sea level.  This privileged geographic situation gives Cali a mild climate with an average temperature of 24 degrees Celsius year-round. With this warm and dry environment, the parks and gardens of Cali are wonderful places where you can relax, take a stroll, or enjoy the city's culinary offerings.  

Parks and gardens of Cali, a must-do activity

Pan-American Park or Park of the Flags is a landmark known by all Cali residents. Built in 1972 to welcome athletes for the Sixth Pan American Games, this park is located on the famous Fifth Avenue next to the Olympic Stadium Pascual Guerrero. Cultural presentations are held here, and various events and parties such as the Feria de Cali often take place. In a large roundabout, the flags of all countries are displayed, raised to welcome visitors from around the world. You can take beautiful photos and share moments with other visitors.

The Dog Park is located near the Park of the Flags. It is named in honor of man's best friend, commemorated by a sculpture with an inscription that reads “Monument to the dog Teddy.” Teddy, a dog that lived in this park in the traditional San Fernando neighborhood, was very friendly with visitors until one day he died from poisoning. In the 1970s, Teddy's friends erected this curious sculpture. The park is a special destination to enjoy Cali's cuisine. Filled with restaurants and cafes, here you will find everything from the best Pacific food to traditional hamburgers and ice cream. With free internet service, it’s a great place to share and enjoy the presence of birds singing from the treetops during the park's afternoons. Foreigners often gather here to exchange language classes, filling the wonderful atmosphere with foreign accents and adding a cosmopolitan touch.

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The Cholados Park in Jamundí is another of the parks and gardens in Cali and has a story you won't want to miss. Visitors come here to eat the best cholado, an exquisite drink made of shaved ice and syrup, topped with different types of tropical fruits and condensed milk. This delicious treat dates back to the 1960s when the Bonilla family started selling it on the streets of the town. Today, different businesses sell cholados, each with its special touch. You can spend the afternoon sharing this traditional dessert from the Valley with its always friendly and welcoming people.

Another park you can visit in southern Cali, if you want to exercise daily or walk your pet, is the Ingenio Park, located in the neighborhood of the same name on Carrera 83.  It is a public area that also has a space for children's recreation and food carts where you can enjoy typical desserts.

The Poets Park is another of the parks and gardens in Cali that you can visit; it is small compared to other parks. It is located between Carreras 1 and 3 with Calle 12 near the Boulevard del Río and La Ermita. In the center of the park, you will find a sculpture of two poets conversing on a bench, a tribute to the illustrious writers of the department.   

In the West of the city, you can enjoy three wonderful parks. First, you will love walking through the Cat Park and its Cats, which is more than a park; it is an open-air museum along the Cali River, where you will find beautiful feline sculptures, including the imposing “Cat of the River,” a work by Master Hernando Tejada, who donated this 3.5-meter tall bronze piece to the city, making it the emblematic mascot of the city. Following this piece is a beautiful path filled with tranquility and lush trees, along with numerous works by important national artists, known as the “Groom’s Cats.” Maripaz Jaramillo, Roberto Molano, Cecilia Coronel, Omar Rayo, among other great artists, contributed to the 24 sculptures established in this magical place, where you will be amazed by the originality of the materials used, the size and color of each “Cat,” and, of course, the curious names and profound meanings that the authors gave to each piece. 

The second park you cannot miss in West Cali is El Peñón Park.  This small park is culturally significant for the city, as it is located in a traditional Cali neighborhood. It features an elegant water fountain restored in 2005 and every Sunday is a gathering place for many Cali artists who showcase their works, turning it into a wonderful site for cultural exchange and deep conversations between the community and contemporary art.  In the center of the park, among palm trees and lush vegetation, you will find a statue honoring poet Isaías Gamboa. Surrounding this cozy place, you will discover a wide range of restaurants where you can experience the exotic Cali cuisine.

Places with history in the 'branch of heaven'

The third place to walk and explore located in the West of Cali that we invite you to discover is San Antonio Hill. This bohemian spirit location attracts foreigners with its 17th-century colonial architecture and undoubtedly embodies the essence of being from Cali.  Restaurants and shops selling crafts, antiques, and products brought directly from the land make this beautiful arrangement of houses a unique place to visit over the weekend.

There are other parks and gardens in the south of the city in the prestigious Ciudad Jardín neighborhood where you can visit the Babilla Park. This is a wetland surrounded by green areas where you can observe numerous species of birds, fish, and of course, caimans, a type of carnivorous reptile similar to crocodiles that peacefully glide in the waters of the lagoon.   It is a very family-friendly place where you can stroll, have a picnic, or simply sit and read while enjoying the most beautiful plant scenery. Surrounding it, you will find a wide variety of fashion stores that will impress you with the beauty and originality of local clothing and footwear.  There are also many restaurants with spacious terraces that allow you to enjoy the surrounding greenery.

Finally, among the various parks and gardens in Cali, we invite you to explore the Health Park, located along the impressive Rio Pance, which is known for being the most important swimming spot for locals, where you can refresh yourself in the river's waters and enjoy hiking and birdwatching.

Enjoy the beautiful gardens in Cali

Visiting gardens in Cali is a wonderful experience. You can explore the Botanical Garden of Cali to enjoy the native species and colorful plants characteristic of the region.  You can also visit the Enrique Pérez Orchidarium, located forty minutes from Cali airport, where you will find an aromatic garden filled with countless orchid species that you won't be able to resist photographing.

The various parks and gardens of Cali invite you to explore and discover them while you delight in nature and the friendliness of a cheerful, natural, and hospitable town.  Don't leave Cali without visiting them all.