Cat Park (Parque del Gato de Tejada)
Cali, Valle del Cauca
Located on the northern bank of the Cali River, the aptly named Cat Park (Parque del Gato de Tejada) came into being in 1996, when local painter and sculptor Hernando Tejada Sáenz donated his bronze El Gato Rio (The River Cat) sculpture to the city of Cali. The park where the sculpture resides has since welcomed more than a dozen feline friends, so-named “the cat’s girlfriends” (las novias del gato).
The basics
Transported from Bogota, El Gato Rio was given to Cali as part of a municipal project to beautify the Cali River’s banks. It was so popular that in 2006, the city commissioned a number of Colombian artists to create 15 smaller cats. While some cats have been placed elsewhere in the city, today, you can visit the park to see colorful sculptures by the likes of Alejandro Valencia Tejada, Mario Gordillo, Nadin Ospina, Omar Rayo, and Maripaz Jaramillo. Thanks to its status as a cultural highlight, the park is often featured on Cali sightseeing tours, along with other top attractions such as the Estatua Sebastián de Belalcázar (Sebastian de Belalcázar Statue) and viewpoint, and Caycedo Square (Plaza de Caicedo).
Things to know before you go
Each sculpture has an information panel, however, the panels are in Spanish only; if you don’t speak Spanish, visit the park with a guide to overcome the language barrier.
Cat Park is mostly flat and accessible from the street, making it ideal for strollers and travelers using wheelchairs.
Surrounding the park, you’ll find a selection of restaurants, bars, and shops.
Dogs are allowed in the Cat Park.
How to get there
Cat Park is located on the banks of the Cali River, not far from the Sebastian de Belalcázar Statue. The closest bus stop is a 1-minute walk from the park and is serviced by the A02, A05, and A06.
When to get there
The park is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. If you visit the park in the late afternoon or evening, cross the river to the bohemian district of San Antonio for dinner afterward—it’s considered the gastronomic hub of Cali.
Discover Parque del Perro
Cali’s canines don’t let the cats get all of the attention—there’s also a rival park dedicated to man's best friend. Parque del Perro sits on the outskirts of the city and is famous for its illuminated dog sculpture and the vibrant nightlife venues that surround it. Come here for classic Colombian cuisine and to salsa dance late into the evening.
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