The Night of the Silent 'Chivas': How to Experience the 'Trueque de Saberes' in Barrio Obrero (Without Being a Tourist)
If you came to Cali looking for pure salsa and partying in Juanchito, you're going to miss the best part. In Barrio Obrero, a neighborhood few tourists set foot in, an event takes place that doesn't appear on Google Maps or in travel guides: the Trueque de Saberes. One night a month, the neighbors turn off the chivas (the noisy buses) and light up a circle of exchange where money doesn't enter. Here I'll tell you how to get there, what to bring, and how not to mess up.
Available Options
The Trueque de Saberes is not a market or a craft fair. It's a community gathering that operates by invitation. There are no flyers, no Instagram. The call is managed through two exclusive channels:
📌 Transparency
This article contains sponsored/affiliate links. We may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
- WhatsApp groups of Barrio Obrero neighbors: There, the exact date (each month, usually the third Saturday) and the address of the house or lot where the circle is set up are shared. There is no fixed location; sometimes it's at Doña Bertha's house, sometimes at the corner lot.
- The corner store: The store "Donde Chucho", at Calle 8 with Carrera 20, is the physical point. Ask for the "trueque" and the owner gives you the key to the WhatsApp group (if he likes you). They don't accept tourists who show up with a camera in hand and a safari attitude.
There is no waiting list or reservation. If you're not in the WhatsApp group, you won't find out. That's why the first step is to get the link. At the end of this article, I explain how to ask for it.
Updated Costs
Here comes the key part: there is no money involved. In the trueque, everything is exchanged for stories, knowledge, or homemade food. The reference prices from May 2026 don't apply because the value is set by what you offer. Examples of real exchanges I've seen:
- A book of Colombian poetry for a recipe for pipián empanadas.
- A Joe Arroyo vinyl for a salsa lesson (the teacher was a 70-year-old neighbor who danced with Sonora Dinamita).
- A hand-knitted scarf for an hour of gardening in a lady's backyard.
- A used notebook with drawings for a basic English class (the teacher was a Venezuelan migrant).
Generic souvenirs like keychains from Colombia or national team t-shirts are not accepted. That's considered "noise." What counts is something that has a story or that you made yourself.
Estimated Times
The event starts at 6:00 PM and goes on until people get tired, usually between 9:00 PM and 11:00 PM. But if you arrive after 7:00 PM, you miss the best part: the opening circle, where each person says what they brought and what they're looking for. That is sacred.
- 6:00 PM - 6:30 PM: Arrival and check-in. You sit in the circle, place your object or knowledge in the center (without price tags).
- 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM: Introduction round. Everyone tells the story of what they brought. This is where trades are made.
- 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM: Free exchange. You can negotiate with others, but always with the rule that the value is not monetary.
- 9:00 PM onwards: Shared meal. Everyone brings something homemade (empanadas, pandebono, lulo juice). There is no selling, only sharing.
If you only have an hour, it's better not to go. The trueque requires time to listen and connect.
Practical Tips
Here are the unwritten rules that will save you from looking like the typical tourist who doesn't understand anything:
- No photos without permission: In Barrio Obrero, the camera can be a threat. Ask before taking out your phone. If someone says no, respect it. Many neighbors don't want their faces to appear on social media.
- Don't ask "how much does it cost?": That question gives you away instantly. There are no prices here. If something interests you, say "I like your story, what would you like to receive in exchange?"
- Bring something to share: Don't show up empty-handed. A homemade dish (empanadas, arepas, cut fruit) or a skill (you know how to play guitar, do yoga, tell jokes). A bottle of water bought at the store doesn't count.
- Dress like a local: No brand-name clothes, hiking backpack, or vueltiao hat. Jeans, a basic t-shirt, and comfortable shoes. Blend in.
- Don't talk about politics or religion: The trueque is for sharing culture, not for debates. If someone brings it up, change the conversation with a "and how is that recipe made?"
Fun fact: The name "Silent Chivas" was born because one time, during the trueque, a neighbor stopped his chiva (the stair bus) in front of the house and turned off the engine so as not to interrupt the circle. Since then, they call the event nights that way. Don't expect to see decorated chivas; they are the ones that pass quietly, respecting the space.
For the complete experience, my recommendation: arrive at 6:00 PM, sit in the circle without talking much at first, and offer something genuine. Not an airport souvenir, but something of yours: a song you know, a recipe from your grandmother, an object that has a real story. That's when you'll understand why this trueque is not tourism, it's neighborhood life.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get the link to the Trueque WhatsApp group?
The link changes every month and is only valid for 24 hours. To request it, write to the contact number that appears at the store "Donde Chucho" (Calle 8 with Carrera 20). I don't share the number here because the neighbors rotate it. The safest way is to go to the store in person, buy a coffee, and ask about the "trueque." If the owner sees that you are genuine, he gives you the link. If you show up with a "I want the tourist experience" attitude, he'll tell you there's no event.
Can I go alone or is it better in a group?
It's better to go alone or with at most one other person. Large groups (more than 3) are seen as an invasion. The neighbors of Barrio Obrero are friendly, but they distrust caravans of foreigners. If you go alone, it's easier for them to integrate you into the circle and tell you real stories.
What if I have nothing to trade?
There is always something. You can offer your time: help sweep the patio, carry chairs, or simply listen. You can also bring a fruit or some bread. What doesn't count is arriving to ask without giving anything. If you don't have a skill or an object, it's better not to go and wait until next month with something prepared.