Introduction
If you already know the trail to Pance by heart and have done the obligatory picnic on its banks, I have news for you: the Cali River is much more than a puddle to dip your feet in on Sundays. Since May 2026, a route connecting the San Antonio neighborhood with Ecoparque Pance has become the favorite plan for those who want to break a sweat without leaving the city. Rowing under colonial bridges, seeing herons fish in broad daylight, and ending up in a natural pool is not a gringo adventurer's dream: it's a reality that starts on the slopes of San Antonio.
Here I'll tell you, step by step, how to put together this kayaking and ecotourism journey without leaving a trace and with complete safety. Because rowing on the Cali River is not just about strength, but about knowing how to read the water, respect the wildlife, and above all, support the responsible tourism that is being reborn in the city.
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The Cali River Route: Kayaking and Ecotourism Exploration from San Antonio to Pance
1. San Antonio Neighborhood – Starting Point with Kayak Rentals
Everything starts in the upper part of San Antonio, right where the Cali River flows down forcefully before entering the urban area. There, Río Aventura operates, a local company that rents kayaks, life jackets, and helmets, and gives you a 20-minute safety briefing before letting you loose on the water. You don't need previous experience, but you do need to know how to swim and have basic physical fitness to row about 8 kilometers.
The meeting point is at Calle 5 # 2-10, near the San Antonio viewpoint. The rental includes a double or single kayak, paddle, life jacket, and a dry bag for your belongings. Reference prices in May 2026 range between $35,000 and $50,000 COP per person, depending on the equipment. I recommend booking at least one day in advance, as spots fill up quickly, especially on weekends.
Fun fact: the Cali River originates in the Parque Nacional Natural Los Farallones and crosses the city from east to west, so the water you row comes straight from the mountain. It's not a sewer; it's a living river that feeds aqueducts and ecosystems.
2. The Urban Stretch – Rowing Under Historic Bridges and Birdwatching
Once you launch, the first stretch is pure city. You row under the Puente Ortiz, one of the oldest bridges in Cali, built in the early 20th century. It looks different from the water: the brick columns and the shadow it casts over the river create a natural tunnel that seems straight out of a movie. Right after, the channel opens up and the bird show begins.
White herons, migratory ducks, and even kingfishers are common in this area. If you bring binoculars or a zoom lens, you'll want to stop for a moment on one of the small sandy beaches that form in the curves. Don't be surprised if you see a group of locals doing yoga on the shore: the river is a meeting point for the local outdoor community.
The water's pace here is calm, ideal for beginners. But watch out: after Calle 15, the river narrows a bit and some Class I and II rapids appear. Nothing too extreme, but enough to get your adrenaline pumping. If you don't feel safe, Río Aventura offers guides who go in a separate kayak and give you hand signals.
3. Reserva Natural Nirvana – Detour for a Hike to the Escondida Waterfall
Halfway through, just as the city noise starts to fade, there is a marked detour towards the Reserva Natural Nirvana. It's not a theme park or a massive tourist center: it's a private conservation area that opened its doors to low-impact ecotourism. Entry is free, but you must register at the checkpoint with your ID.
From the disembarkation point, a 2-kilometer hike along a marked trail takes you to the Escondida Waterfall. It's about a 40-minute moderate climb, shaded by guadua bamboo and giant ferns. The waterfall drops about 15 meters into a crystal-clear pool where you can swim, but the water is cold (12-14°C). Bring river shoes or old sneakers, as the trail has mud and slippery rocks.
This detour is optional, but I recommend it if you have time and want to stretch your legs after rowing. If you go with small children, assess the group's physical condition: the climb is demanding for short legs. However, the reward is a view of the forest canopy that few tourists know about.
4. Arrival at Pance – Disembarking at Ecoparque Pance
The end of the route is the Ecoparque Pance, the mandatory meeting point for river lovers in Cali. Here you disembark in an area equipped with concrete steps and a small wooden dock. The park has public restrooms, showers (with cold water, but appreciated), picnic tables, and a food area with empanadas, natural juices, and the inevitable lunch of bandeja paisa or sancocho de gallina.
After rowing, the best thing to do is jump into the natural pools that form upstream from the ecopark. The water is colder than in the urban stretch, but the current is gentle and the bottom is smooth stone, ideal for floating. If you bring your own food, find a table near the shore and enjoy the sound of the river while you dry off in the sun.
A practical tip: the ecopark closes at 5:00 p.m., so plan your departure from San Antonio to arrive before 3:00 p.m. The total rowing time, not counting the hike to the waterfall, takes between 2 and 3 hours, depending on your pace and photo stops.
5. Interactive Map of the Route with Rest Stops, Recycling Stations, and Leave No Trace Recommendations
Before you leave, download the interactive map offered by Río Aventura on their website (no need to print it, it works offline). The map marks the key points: the start in San Antonio, the historic bridges, the detour to Reserva Nirvana, the Escondida Waterfall, and Ecoparque Pance. It also indicates the recycling stations that the Cali Mayor's Office installed in 2025 along the river, where you can deposit plastic bottles and cans.
The golden rule of ecotourism on the Cali River is simple: leave nothing but footprints, take nothing but photos. This means that any trash you generate (snack wrappers, bottles, napkins) must return with you to the ecopark, where there are recycling bins. Also, avoid using sunscreen or chemical repellent before getting into the water: the oils contaminate the river and affect fish and birds. If you need protection, use physical barriers like long-sleeved shirts and a hat.
Another key point: respect any bird nests you might see on the banks. During breeding season (between March and June), some species nest in the river's ravines. If you see a nest, don't approach or make loud noises. The idea is to enjoy nature without stressing it.
Conclusion or Final Recommendation
If you're in Cali and already know Pance by heart, this kayak route from San Antonio will change your perspective of the city. It's not just a different way to exercise, but an opportunity to connect with the river that gives life to the capital of the Valle del Cauca. Rowing under century-old bridges, seeing herons fish, and ending up in a natural pool is a plan that combines adventure, culture, and ecology without having to drive hours to the Pacific.
My recommendation: get up early. Leave San Antonio before 9:00 a.m., when the sun isn't too strong yet and the river is calmer. Bring water in a reusable bottle, a light snack, biodegradable sunscreen, and plenty of desire to row. And if you can, go on a weekday: on weekends, Ecoparque Pance fills up with families and the atmosphere gets noisier.
To wrap up, don't forget to download the safety checklist for urban river kayaking that we shared in the link in our bio. It has tips on how to read the current, what to do if you capsize, and how to identify safe rest areas. Because adventure is great, but safety comes first.
Numbered List (Minimum 5 Items with Mini-Review)
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Parque de los Gatos
This park is a tribute to cats and offers a relaxing environment on the banks of the river. It's perfect for a quiet walk or enjoying a coffee in its green areas.
Puente del Humedal
An ideal place for birdwatching and enjoying the biodiversity of the ecosystem. This bridge connects several trails that take you to different points of the river.
Sendero de la Caleñidad
This trail takes you through the cultural history of Cali, combining nature and urban art. It's an excellent way to learn about the Cali identity through murals and sculptures.
Río Cali en kayak
A unique experience that allows you to explore the river from a new perspective. Several companies offer kayak rentals and guides for beginners.
Parque del Río Cali
A renovated space offering trails, picnic areas, and playgrounds, ideal for a family day out. This park is a popular meeting point for locals and visitors.
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Map or How to Get There
Barrio San Antonio
The ideal starting point for your adventure on the Cali River. This neighborhood, famous for its colonial architecture and vibrant cultural life, offers a variety of options to enjoy before starting your journey. Insider Tip: Don't miss the chance to try a "cholado" from one of the local vendors before you leave. It's the perfect refreshment to start your day.
Pance
At the southern end of your route, Pance is known for its relaxed atmosphere and natural spaces. Here you can find several picnic areas and places to rent kayaks. Insider Tip: Visit the Parque Natural de Pance which, although not directly on the river, offers spectacular trails and a connection with nature that complements your aquatic experience.