Tour Guide
El Gato del Rio cat sculpture park in Cali, Colombia

Park

🌳 Cat Park

Riverside bronze felines — Cali's most photographed sculptures

Photo: Mario Carvajal · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 2.0

What can you do at Cat Park?

Parque del Gato del Río sits on the western bank of the Río Cali, anchored by a 3.5-meter bronze cat sculpture created by Hernando Tejada, one of Colombia's most important 20th-century artists. After the original "El Gato" was installed in 1996, other Colombian artists contributed additional cat sculptures in various styles — some realistic, others abstract, all playful — creating an open-air gallery of feline art along the riverside walkway. The park has become an unofficial symbol of Cali and a beloved gathering spot for families, joggers, and couples strolling along the tree-lined riverbank in the cool of the evening.

Weather in Cat Park

Weather data from MET Norway

Activities

El Gato de Tejada — The original 3.5-meter bronze cat with a knowing expression and rounded form. Secondary cat sculptures — Each by a different artist, creating a diverse outdoor gallery. Riverside walkway — Shaded path along the Río Cali, connecting to other parks and neighborhoods. Photo spot — The cats' playful poses invite creative photography from every angle

Seasonal Highlights

Cali's tropical climate keeps the riverside park green year-round, but the December Feria de Cali transforms the surrounding streets into a week-long salsa festival with outdoor stages and dancing crowds. Weekend craft markets along the riverbank are busiest during the dry months of June through September, when clear skies and cooler evenings draw families out for evening strolls past the sculptures.

When to Visit

Park: Open 24 hours — outdoor public space. Best: Late afternoon (4–6 PM) when the riverside cools and locals come out to walk. Photography: Morning light is softer; evening light adds warmth to the bronze. Weekends: Livelier with families and food vendors along the river

Admission and Costs

Park entry: Free — always. Guided city walk including Cat Park: COP 50,000–100,000 ($12–25) per person. Private guide: COP 150,000–250,000 ($37–60) for a Cali art and culture tour. Ice cream from riverbank vendors: COP 3,000–6,000 ($0.75–1.50)

Tips for Visitors

Quick stop: Allow 20–30 minutes for the sculptures, longer if you walk the riverside path. Combine visits: Cat Park sits between San Antonio and the city center — include it in a walking route. Evening stroll: The riverside path is popular with locals after 5 PM — a lovely way to experience daily Cali life. Art context: A guide explains Tejada's broader body of work and the cultural significance of public art in Cali. Safe area: Well-lit and populated along the river, safe for evening visits

Frequently Asked Questions

What season is nicest for a stroll through Cat Park?

Cali's tropical climate keeps the riverside sculptures accessible year-round, but the dry spells from January through March and June through September bring the clearest skies and most pleasant evening breezes for walking along the Rio Cali. December is particularly festive thanks to the Feria de Cali, when salsa music and outdoor stages enliven the surrounding streets.

When is Cat Park open and what is the best time of day to visit?

Park: Open 24 hours — outdoor public space. Best: Late afternoon (4–6 PM) when the riverside cools and locals come out to walk. Photography: Morning light is softer; evening light adds warmth to the bronze.

Is Cat Park free to enter?

Park entry: Free — always. Guided city walk including Cat Park: COP 50,000–100,000 ($12–25) per person. Private guide: COP 150,000–250,000 ($37–60) for a Cali art and culture tour. Ice cream from riverbank vendors: COP 3,000–6,000 ($0.75–1.50)

What practical tips should visitors know for a visit to Cat Park?

Quick stop: Allow 20–30 minutes for the sculptures, longer if you walk the riverside path. Combine visits: Cat Park sits between San Antonio and the city center — include it in a walking route.