Audio Guide of El Gato del Río

As a public space located on the banks of the Cali River, the monument is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. It is on 4th West Avenue; you can easily get there by taxi or public transport by asking to get off at the 'El Gato del Río' stop.

I have excellent news! The visit is completely free, since it is an open-air art gallery. You do not need to buy tickets or make reservations; just arrive ready to enjoy Cali's urban art.

I recommend setting aside between 30 and 45 minutes for your visit. This will give you enough time to take the must-have photo with Gato de Tejada and stroll calmly to see and read the plaques of the 'Cat's Girlfriends' (the female cats).

This three-ton bronze sculpture was donated by master artist Hernando Tejada in 1996 as a gift to help restore the riverbank. Today it is the city's most beloved icon and symbolizes the joy and cultural rebirth of the 'Branch of Heaven'.

The ideal time is at sunset, around 5:00 PM, when the heat eases and Cali's famous breeze can be felt. The golden light is perfect for photos, and the atmosphere comes alive with locals and tourists enjoying the promenade.

Yes, the promenade along the river has paved, flat paths that make access easy for wheelchairs and strollers. It is a very friendly place with no major architectural barriers to enjoying the sculptures.

You are in a strategic location; just a short walk away you will find the La Tertulia Museum, the city's first modern art museum. You can also walk toward the Peñón food district or head up to the historic San Antonio neighborhood.

Wear light clothing and comfortable walking shoes. Do not leave without trying a local 'cholado' or shaved ice from the street vendors in the area, and consider using an audio guide on your phone to learn the story behind the unique design of each female cat.