carlosld14
A very cultural part of Cali is "El rio Pance". People from around the region come to this river specially on Sundays to have fun. It is a place to enjoy the nature and its beauty. I wish some people would understand what the river is to Cali and the region, therefore do not throw or leave behind trash or personal items.
Easylivingtravel
I could take a trip the river everyday. I would just sit there and think; enjoy a nice local meal; and bath in fresh river water. It is such a refreshing place to relax and get away from the city smog, noise, and crowds. However, on Sundays it is said to be crowded by the river also because that is the day most people are off and have free. I went on a Saturday early before 11 am. There are beverages and food at the Eco-park Pance River along with bathroom and changing facilities. Lunch is normally served around 12pm. For travelers and tourist visiting Cali looking for a nice place to relax, Rio Pance is the dream spot you will find. A taxi from the city ran me about 25,000 pesos (U$12.50) and there are buses going to river from the Cali Bus terminal, just inquire at the information desk. Happy Travels!!!!
jenny280
Going to the river is a Colombian tradition, you get the family together and make Sancocho by the river. It is a family friendly area, a lot of natives with some tourist. Great river and great place to get in touch with nature. The river is not as big as it used to be over 10 years ago, sadly it has been drying up but it is still worth going if you are visiting Cali. Make sure to take bug repellent as the Mosquitos have no mercy and comfortable sneakers and/or water shoes as the rocks tend to be slippery and you will want to wear them when going into the water.
HOC999
This lovely site in Cali offer everything you want from exercise, entertaining and local food. Great for running or jogging or having a picnic. We spent half a day swimming, eating and just sunbathing. Better if you go during the week for avoiding crowds. The park has police surveillance so looks secure.
marcosquintero
Definitely my favorite out door spot to get exercise done. Nothing more relaxing than breathing the fresh out -doors while hearing the river flowing during a walk or run around the main track at the park.The park consists of a large slope where you can get an uphill and down hill walk to complete an approximate distance of 4.5 km. If you want to take a dip I suggest bringing speedo wáter shoes. The rocks are slippery and can hurt your feet making the experience of walking in the wáter difficult if you do not go prepared.On sundays or holidays be prepared for the crowds of family who go to take a break from the hot sun. Sancocho and other foods such as grilled steaks may be cooked along the Banks of the river. Many small local restaurants are now open during the weekends and holidays located at different entrances of the park.Many locals go with their families and pets. Experience the true local- humble side of Caleños having fun!
enahpets978
liked the place where you can swim and the eateries on the way down disliked the dust from the track going along
ckeo11
Definitely worth seeing! Go on a hot day (the water is COLD), bring food and comfortable walking shoes that you don't mind getting wet (it's easier/less painful to walk in the river w/ shoes on), and go with cool people. Easiest and cheapest way to get there is by the recreational minibuses from from the terminal ($1,600 cop one way). You can also catch the MIO or a cab. There are public access points along the river, the further up the river the less crowded but fewer access points; also there are "clubs" you can pay to get into which also have access to the river and pools, food, floaties etc. The buses to get back to Cali are CROWDED so leave well before dusk to avoid the chaos...
Trvlman333
I spent the half day walking up the road to the town, looked around a little bit, and then came back down. It was on a Sunday, which is supposed to be the best day to go. There were certainly plenty of little places to buy food or drink along the way. There were also a number of locals, who were some more interesting to watch. However, in general, it had some minor theme parks which were not very interesting. Then in the town, there was a small swimming area. Basically, it just seemed like an area that people came to get away from the city and the heat, but nothing particularly interesting or spectacular. If you are in the city and have nothing to do, it could make for an okay half-day venture. I suppose you could pick pick up there or something. Nothing to really go out of your way for. The walk up the road from the main bus terminal is probably about two hours, so you may be better off hiring a car or taking one of the smaller buses all the way up there, as the walk had some moderate views, but it is basically a dirt road.
SeeColombia
The Rio Pance is a gorgeous river running through the hills near to Cali. It's especially great to visit on a Sunday, when hundreds of calenos flock here to enjoy a cool swim, refreshing beer (or rum!) and some delicious food. People will make you feel really welcome here, and it's got a lovely atmosphere. Apparently a few years ago it was considered unsafe, but this is absolutely not the case now. We were dropped off at the second entrance, which was free on Sunday. The banks of the river are lovely, and full of local birds and butterflies. Cross the footbridge and turn left or right, your call. We turned left, but it doesn't seem to matter too much. The water is impressively clean for such a popular spot. Take sun-screen and a bathing suit. The sun is strong, but you don't want to miss out on the cool, refreshing water. The current is quite strong though, so, those with kids keep a clear eye on them (although there are plenty of people around to help with that). It's got a real family atmosphere, which is nice, and it's a real 'local' spot i.e. not just full of tourists.A great way to experience a proper Cali Sunday (or any day to be fair!)
Andrezed
The Pance river has many entry points. Be sure you get to the right location. You can easily access the Pance river from the Cali-Jamundi highway, all the way up into the National Park that is just above the city of Pance. The way we see it, the higher you go the cleaner the water...One of the nicest places to enjoy the river and scene is at the EcoParque de la Salud. To access the Park, take Carrera 122 off of Cañas Gordas and keep driving. Goggle has not mapped the road but you will have no problem finding it.This link should help: https://www.google.ca/maps/place/Cali,+Valle+del+Cauca/@3.3432866,-76.5408419,15z/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x8e30a643b69d2711:0x37dee5ad2745e3fbI suggest you stop or park at the second entrance. You will need COP 4,000 (M-Sa) and COP 6,000 (Su and Holidays) for secure parking. From there you cross the foot bridge and either turn left or right to walk the 4.25 KM loop. This is a great running spot with lots of shaded area for any-time-of-day runs. Half is a hill climb and half is down a nice slope. You decide direction. Lots of local footbal clubs and volunter organizations use the loop for exercise so you wont be alone.On the weekends you will encounter many large groups, or families setting up for the day with pots of Sancocho cooking over an open fire. You can bring your dog as well. Bring a leash as in busy spots you may want to have it under control. Bikes are not allowed. If you don't pack a snack, don't worry, there are lots of treats and fresh juices to purchase. Also, if you are not driving there are many options for local transport or you can easily hire a taxi from the corner of Cañas Gordas an 122 (also location of a grocery store if you need to get supplies) for the short trip to the river.Don't forget to bring your bathing suite - the water is very refreshing!
Mofongoloco
Families escape to this fresh water natural retreat. A long stretch of commercial enterprises include full service water parks which would be safe for the kids. The more adventurous and those who can't afford the entrance fees swim in the river. US safety standards are non-existant, so you are at your peril. However, many hundreds of people enjoy the spectacular bathing river. There are quiet spots and more popular areas where the young show off and have fun.
dadecon
We took a taxi to this beautiful, clear river which is just out of town. The river has swimming holes, places to sit and relax, clean clear water and lots of snack stalls in the vicinity. Rio Pance is a great way to spend a relaxing day. It is very busy at the weekends but that was just part of the fun.
650anitac
We went up on a Sunday, and there were so many locals there! I was mislead by the travel book (Lonely Planet) on what to expect. It is just a river with big restaurants set up next to it every 500m or so. However, if you want a chance to swim in a river and mingle with the locals, have a barbecue and go for a hike to some waterfalls, this is the place to do it. Just don't bring any valuables.
marx-engels
it is a neat area south of the city, and the further you head up the canyon in which it flows the best... you can reach the village with the same name, where the road ends, and there are hiking paths to go even further into the colosal mountains... very safe indeed these days, contrary to some beliefs that arose decades ago, when there were stories nobody would have liked to experience.
cindya871
very nice to those who admire and enjoy nature. this area is down a path of dirt and rock roads,alongside the river overlooking the mountains near ciudad jardin. the wealthiest area of cali colombia. the river is crowded on saturday and overpopulated on sundays. they do have cabins for rent with 24/7 pools and river pools etc.. complete with resturants ,disco, slides, and more. also smaller mom and pops hotels on site and you should try the chicha pronounced chiiichhaaa . made of pineapple and cured for days sometimes weeks and to get a stronger buzz months. tastes great!i would only come here in a group of 5 or more. so many people can feel intimidating. police station down the road.