Cali’s river waterfall is right by town. This tour takes you to the Cali River waterfall and nearby river pools where you can actually get in the water, cool off, and relax without spending your whole day commuting. It’s also a rare chance to see the most important river in Cali before it reaches the city bustle.

I love that the day is built around doing, not just looking: you’ll have time at multiple spots to sunbathe, chill, and even cook if you want, and the waterfall area is close enough to feel like a real escape. Another big plus is how the walk stays easy and calming, with the kind of riverside scenery you only notice when you slow down and follow the water.

One thing to plan for: you’ll cross the river a couple of times, so you may end up with wet feet. The good news is the guide helps, and you can take your shoes off for crossings.

Key points before you go

• You can swim at the Cascada Rio Cali and in the surrounding pools
• The walk is mostly easy and flat, with an optional trail behind the Botanical Garden
• Small group size (up to 10) means safer river crossings and a more personal pace
• Mateo explains the river’s role and the environmental problems Cali faces
• Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, so you don’t have to figure out transport
• Zoo and Botanical Garden entry are extra if you want to go inside

Why this Cali River waterfall feels worth the time

This is the kind of Cali experience that makes sense fast. You’re not spending hours chasing viewpoints. You start in the city zone, then the river quickly becomes the main character—cool water, natural pool basins, and the sound of moving cascades getting louder as you go.

What makes the tour special is the mix of payoff and practicality. You’ll do an easy riverside walk along the Cali River, and you’re not “wandering” with no plan—you reach specific swimming areas, including the waterfall. For many people, that’s the real win: you get exercise without feeling like you earned your relaxation in sweat.

The other thing I like is the local lens. Mateo talks about how Cali handles environmental problems connected to the river system. It’s not scary. It’s grounded. You see the river as a living resource, not a postcard.

Hotel pickup and a 3-hour schedule that fits real life

The tour runs about 3 hours, which is perfect if you’re balancing city sights with downtime. You’ll get picked up in Cali (a White Chevrolet Aveo GT is used, and a bigger car if the group is larger) and returned to your starting area at the end.

That matters because the river spots are close enough to reach quickly, but far enough that you’d rather not mess with bus routes, taxis, and timing. Here, the schedule is tight: you walk, you stop, you swim, and you’re back before the day gets too heavy.

Tour guides run the pace, too. Since it’s limited to 10 participants, the group doesn’t sprawl. That’s useful on a route that includes river crossings and time in the water.

The riverside walk from Cali Zoo and Jardín Botánico de Cali

The day starts with a walk past the Cali Zoo and the Jardín Botánico de Cali area. Even if you don’t buy entry tickets, you’ll still get the sense that this is a nature edge right next to the city.

Then you head along the river toward the swimming spots. The route is described as flat and easy, and it’s the kind of walk that feels good in hot weather because the river is right there and the shade opportunities are close. You’ll be walking roughly 1.5 km (about 1 mile) toward the waterfall area, with more beautiful spots along the way to break up the route.

If you want an alternate route, there’s an option to take the trail behind the botanical gardens. It has a steeper beginning, then becomes flatter, and it’s a little longer. I’d choose that option if you like a bit of effort early to earn a calmer walk afterward.

And here’s a small detail I think many people will appreciate: at the end of the tour, you can stay around the zoo or botanical gardens if you want, but entry isn’t included.

Charco El Recodo (and the pool choices along the way)

One of your first main stops is Charco El Recodo. This is where the tour shifts from walking to hanging out. Think natural river pool energy: you can sunbathe, chill, and go in. It’s the kind of place where time stretches because the setting makes you slow down.

There are also multiple pool options along the route, including spots like Charco Azul. The way this is set up is smart: you don’t have to commit to one “perfect” pool from the start. You can choose what fits your mood—wading in, relaxing on a safer-feeling edge, or moving toward deeper or more active water.

This is also where you get that great “closer to the city than it should be” feeling. These pools don’t require a long expedition. They’re accessible enough that you can enjoy them even if you only have a half-day.

Cascada Rio Cali: the waterfall pools and real cooling-off time

The main event is the Cascada Rio Cali area. You get about 1 hour of free time here, which is an ideal amount: enough to swim, change your headspace, and still enjoy the walk back without rushing.

The waterfall here is described as one of the nicest in Cali—especially because it’s so close to town. That’s a big deal. In many places, the best waterfalls require long drives. Here, you can cool off quickly and still have a relaxed afternoon.

The water is fresh and there’s time to enjoy the waterfall pools. You can also take a shower under the waterfall, if that’s your thing. And if you’re going with friends or family (or solo), the atmosphere works: some people focus on swimming and playing in the water, others prefer to sit and watch, and everyone gets the chance to do both.

Mateo’s nature-and-river explanations (what you actually learn)

A big part of why this tour gets such high marks is that Mateo doesn’t treat the walk like a stopwatch route. He’s talking—about birds, flora, and local wildlife, and also about why the Cali River matters.

You’ll likely notice more animals once you have someone pointing them out. From butterflies to birds, the area can feel surprisingly alive for a semi-natural spot so close to Cali. If you’re the type who likes learning what you’re seeing, you’ll appreciate the way Mateo connects the river to the life around it.

Then comes the practical local angle: infrastructure and environmental problems. You learn how Cali thinks about the river system and the challenges it faces. I like that tone because it doesn’t turn the tour into a lecture. It’s just enough context to help you understand what you’re standing next to.

Safety and comfort: river crossings, wet shoes, and pace control

Let’s be real: the river crossings are the main “gotcha.” You’ll cross through the water a couple of times. It’s not described as dangerous for most people, but it’s not a dry hiking day either.

The tour is set up with that in mind:

• You can take your shoes off for crossings.
• Mateo checks the river before crossing and keeps things controlled.
• If conditions change (like rain and thunder), the guide prioritizes safety and adjusts.

If you want the simplest comfort plan, bring shoes that work for wet feet. Water shoes are a strong idea here, because you’re dealing with rocks and shallow water at times. Sunscreen and hydration are smart too—this is hot-sun country, and you’ll be outside for the walk.

What to bring (so the pool time is actually fun)

You don’t need high-end gear. You do need the basics.

Bring

• Water-friendly footwear (or water shoes)
• Towel or something to dry off with after swimming
• Sunscreen
• Water to drink
• A change of clothes if you hate the “damp walk into town” feeling

Optional

• Light swimwear you can put on quickly
• Something you can use to comfortably sit and relax near the pools

If you’re thinking about packing a full picnic: that’s part of the vibe at the pools. The tour info even mentions the option to cook. Just be mindful of keeping it low-effort and easy to manage during the walk.

Price and value: what $50 gets you in real terms

At $50 per person for a 3-hour guided experience, you’re paying for three things that are hard to DIY:

1. Access with confidence to the best river spots right by town
2. A guided route that includes pool time and the waterfall stop
3. Hotel pickup and drop-off, so you don’t spend your energy on transport

Zoo and botanical garden entry are extra (around $10 each). But here’s the value logic: you still get the core experience—the river walk and swimming—without needing to pay those entries. If you want to visit the inside areas, plan for the extra cost; if not, you can focus your money on the actual water time.

Also, the small-group cap (up to 10 people) is part of what you’re paying for. You’re not just buying a guide. You’re buying smoother pacing and safer crossings.

Who should book this (and who should skip it)

This tour fits best if you want:

• A short half-day nature break from the city
• Real swimming time at natural pools and a waterfall
• A guide who shares what’s going on around you (wildlife and river-related environmental issues)
• An easy-to-moderate walk with a lot of relaxation built in

It’s also a good fit for solo travelers who want company without a loud group vibe. Since the guide speaks English and Spanish, it’s comfortable for many kinds of visitors.

It’s not suitable for babies under 1 year and people over 95 years, based on the tour’s own guidelines.

Should you book this Cali River Waterfall and Great River Pools Tour?

If your ideal day in Cali includes water, shade, and a calm walk with a clear payoff, I’d book it. The best sign is simple: you’re not just viewing the river—you’re spending meaningful time in the pools and at Cascada Rio Cali.

I’d especially recommend it if you:

• Have limited time (3 hours is perfect)
• Want something close to town that still feels nature-forward
• Prefer a small group (up to 10)
• Like guides who explain what you’re seeing, from wildlife to river challenges

Before you commit, make sure you’re comfortable with the reality of wet crossings. Bring the right footwear and expect your feet to get soaked at least a little.

With an average rating of 4.9 from 55 bookings, it’s a strong bet—mostly because it matches the promise of the experience: good walking, real river pools, and a waterfall stop you’ll remember.

FAQ

How long is the Cali River Waterfall and Great River Pools tour?

The tour lasts about 3 hours.

How much does the tour cost?

It’s priced at $50 per person.

What’s included in the tour price?

Pickup and drop-off at your hotel in Cali, plus an accompanied guided walking tour to the river and waterfall.

Are the Cali Zoo and Jardín Botánico de Cali tickets included?

No. Entry to the zoo or botanical garden is not included, and it’s listed as around $10 each.

Can I swim at the waterfall and pools?

Yes. The tour includes time at the Cali River waterfall pools where you can go into the water, plus time at river pool spots.

Will I get my feet wet during the walk?

You should expect to get your feet wet. The tour includes a couple of river crossings, and you can take your shoes off for the crossings if you prefer.

Does the guide speak English and Spanish?

Yes. The guide offers live commentary in English and Spanish.

How many people are in the group?

The group is small, limited to 10 participants.

Is free cancellation available?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.