Origin of the Aljibes in San Antonio: When Water Fell from the Sky
Before Acuavalle and the modern aqueduct brought potable water to every home in Cali, the San Antonio neighborhood depended on an ingenious and communal system: the aljibes. These rainwater wells, built between the late 19th and early 20th centuries, not only supplied the families on the hill but also became the social heart of the neighborhood. While the lower city was supplied by the Cali River, the slopes of San Antonio collected every drop from the clay roof tiles and channeled them into these stone and lime deposits.
The San Antonio neighborhood, founded as a suburb of artisans and workers in the mid-1800s, had no access to the rudimentary aqueduct that barely reached downtown. So the neighbors, many of them masons and carpenters working on downtown constructions, designed these aljibes as a practical solution. Each aljibe was a work of colonial hydraulic engineering: an underground tank lined with brick and mortar, with a circular opening on the surface protected by a wrought iron grate. The water was naturally filtered through layers of sand and charcoal, and stayed cool even on the hottest days.
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Today, in June 2026, at least six public aljibes remain that can still be seen by walking the steep streets of San Antonio. Not all function as water reservoirs, but all tell stories of a time when the most valuable resource was shared among neighbors.
Map of the 6 Public Aljibes Still Visible
Arm yourself with patience and good footwear. These aljibes are not marked with large tourist signs; you have to look for them. I'll give you the exact addresses so you don't miss any. The suggested order is in a zigzag, climbing from the lower part of the neighborhood towards the top.
1. Aljibe at Carrera 2A with Calle 4
Located on the southeastern sidewalk of the intersection. It is the most accessible, right where the climb from Avenida 2N begins. It is recognizable by a circular metal lid about 80 centimeters in diameter, painted dark green, with an exposed brick edge. Next to it is a small, almost faded plaque that reads "Public Aljibe 1898." Neighboring houses still use the rainwater that falls from their roofs and connects to this well.
2. Aljibe at Calle 5 between Carreras 2 and 3
In the middle of the block, in front of a house with a yellow facade and a wooden balcony. This aljibe has a wrought iron grate with a fleur-de-lis design. It is one of the best preserved because the neighborhood's Community Action Board restored it in 2018. The water is still used to water the street plants. Neighbors say the longest lines formed here when water was scarce.
3. Aljibe at Carrera 4 with Calle 3
Northwestern corner. This is the largest of all, almost a meter and a half in diameter. The lid is concrete, but around it you can see the remains of a carved stone curb. Before the street was paved, this aljibe had an open channel that collected water from the entire block. Today it is sealed for safety, but you can see its outline on the ground. It is a meeting point for photographers looking for old textures.
4. Aljibe at Calle 2 with Carrera 5
In the parking lot of an old house that now functions as a hostel. The hostel owner, Don Alberto, keeps it uncovered and shows it to guests as part of the historical tour. It has a small iron ladder that goes down about three meters to the bottom, where you can still see crystal-clear water. Don Alberto swears the water never goes bad, no matter how much time passes.
5. Aljibe at Carrera 6A with Calle 1
Hidden behind a green gate in a private house. It is not always visible because the family that lives there has it in their patio. But if you ring the bell and explain you are on the aljibe route, they will likely let you in. Doña Lucía, the owner, is 82 years old and remembers when as a child she would go down with a bucket to fill it. The aljibe has an inscription on the wall: "Year 1903, work of the neighbors."
6. Aljibe at Calle 1 with Carrera 7
The last one, in the highest part of the neighborhood, almost reaching the San Antonio chapel. It is in a small triangular patch of land formed by the streets, with a mango tree next to it. The lid is wooden, rotten from the years, but the well remains intact. From here you can see all of Cali and, according to the elders, this aljibe never dried up, not even in the worst droughts.
Legends Associated with Each Well: Apparitions, Treasures, and Whispers
Where there is stagnant water and darkness, legends flourish. In San Antonio, each aljibe has its story of fear or greed. The older neighbors tell them in a low voice, as if they could still awaken the spirits.
The Aljibe at Carrera 2A with Calle 4: The Weeping Woman of the Water
They say a woman dressed in white appears on full moon nights, sitting on the edge of the aljibe, combing her hair with a tortoiseshell comb. Those who have seen her say she has no face, only a veil. If you approach, she whispers the name of her lost child. Some runners who pass very early in the morning claim to have heard crying coming from the well. The local version says she was a mother who lost her child in the aljibe during an earthquake in 1906.
The Aljibe at Calle 5 between Carreras 2 and 3: The Spaniard's Treasure
This is the most famous legend in the neighborhood. It is said that a Spanish merchant, owner of a store on the corner, hid a box of gold coins at the bottom of the aljibe when he learned he was going to be banished during the independence. He never returned to claim it. In the 1950s, a group of boys tried to empty the well with hand pumps, but the water would refill every night. Neighbors say they saw green lights coming out of the aljibe the week they attempted the excavation. Today, no one dares to touch it.
The Aljibe at Carrera 4 with Calle 3: The Boy with the Bucket
The neighborhood children avoid passing alone by this corner after 6 pm. The legend speaks of a little boy who fell into the aljibe while playing with his bucket. His body was never found. Since then, some neighbors claim to see a boy of about 7 years old, with a white shirt and shorts, asking for water at the doors of houses. If you give it to him, he disappears. If not, you hear a dry thud from the aljibe.
The Aljibe at Calle 2 with Carrera 5: The Water Carrier's Whisper
Don Alberto, from the hostel, swears that sometimes, when the wind blows hard, you can hear a man's voice repeating: "Water for the house, water for the house." It was the cry of the water carrier who distributed the liquid by donkey on the cobblestone streets. Hostel guests sometimes report dreaming of a man in a hat offering them a glass of fresh water.
The Aljibe at Carrera 6A with Calle 1: The Hand that Emerges
Doña Lucía doesn't tell it with fear, but with certainty. She says that one afternoon in 1975, while she was sweeping the patio, she saw a pale hand come out of the aljibe and grab the edge. She thought it was a child, but as she approached, the hand vanished into the water. Since then, she lights a candle every November 2nd, Day of the Dead. It has never happened again, but she assures that the aljibe is connected to the other world.
The Aljibe at Calle 1 with Carrera 7: The Phantom Bell Toll
On the night of December 31st, right at midnight, some neighbors claim to hear a bell toll coming from the aljibe, not from the chapel. It is a metallic sound, as if someone were hitting an empty pot. Legend says it is the soul of a bell ringer who died of thirst during a cholera epidemic in 1910, and his spirit searches for water in vain. Those who have gone to investigate say the aljibe is dry, but the sound repeats year after year.
Current State of Conservation and Who Maintains Them
Not everything is mystery and poetry. The reality is that most of these aljibes are in fair condition. The Mayor's Office of Cali, through the Administrative Department of Planning, has an inventory of cultural heritage assets of the San Antonio neighborhood, but the maintenance of the aljibes is not a priority. The neighborhood's Community Action Board, with support from the Hispano-American Foundation of Cali, has managed to restore two of them (the one on Calle 5 and the one on Carrera 2A) with resources from cultural calls.
The main problem is humidity and tree roots, which crack the walls of the wells. Additionally, many are sealed with improvised lids that do not allow ventilation, which accelerates the corrosion of the iron grates. The community has repeatedly requested that they be included in the official tourist route of the neighborhood, but so far there is only a pilot signage project that placed small metal signs on three of them.
If you want to help, the recommendation is not to throw trash or open the lids on your own. If you see an uncovered aljibe, notify the Community Action Board of San Antonio, which meets on the first Saturdays of each month at the chapel. They coordinate with the Secretary of Culture for periodic cleanings.
45-Minute Walking Tour at Sunset
The best time to do this route is between 4:30 and 5:30 pm, just as the sun begins to set behind the Farallones and the shadows lengthen. The golden light makes the facades of the houses look like caramel, and the heat of the day subsides. Also, it is the time when neighbors bring their chairs out to the street and you can hear the stories first-hand.
The tour starts at the Plazoleta de San Antonio, at the foot of the chapel. From there, go down Carrera 7 to Calle 1 (aljibe 6). Then go up Calle 1 to Carrera 6A (aljibe 5). Continue along Carrera 6A to Calle 2, turn right and reach Carrera 5 (aljibe 4). Continue along Carrera 5 to Calle 3, turn left and go up to Carrera 4 (aljibe 3). Go down Carrera 4 to Calle 5, turn right and walk half a block to Carrera 3 (aljibe 2). Finally, go down Carrera 3 to Calle 4, turn left and reach Carrera 2A (aljibe 1). The total route is about 2 kilometers, with moderate inclines.
Bring water, comfortable shoes, and a small flashlight to check dark corners. Also a camera, because the textures of old bricks and rusty grates are a delight for architecture photographers. If you go with children, tell them the legends in a low voice and play at finding details: a fleur-de-lis, a faded inscription, a small iron ladder.
At the end of the tour, you can sit in the Parque de San Antonio or on one of the terraces of the cafes on Carrera 4, such as Café San Antonio (Calle 4 with Carrera 4), and order a coconut lemonade while watching the sunset. It is the perfect ending to a route that mixes history, water, and mystery.
How to Get There and Transportation
San Antonio is just a 10-minute walk from downtown Cali. If you come from the north, you can take a MIO bus that drops you at the San Antonio station (line T1, San Antonio stop) and walk 5 minutes uphill. From the south, the nearest station is on Avenida 2N (line T3), from where you go up Carrera 2A. There are also taxis that will drop you at the square for about 8,000 COP from downtown.
If you come by car, the safest parking lot is on Carrera 4 with Calle 3, which charges 3,000 COP per hour. The streets are steep and narrow, so it's better to leave the car and walk.
Local Tips
- Ideal time: Monday to Friday, early in the morning (7am-9am) or at sunset (4:30pm-6pm). On weekends there is more tourist noise and less neighborhood atmosphere.
- What to bring: Water, sunscreen, cap, non-slip shoes (the streets have slopes of up to 30 degrees) and a small flashlight.
- Beware of dogs: On some streets there are stray dogs that can be territorial. Carry a whistle or a small stick just in case, but generally they are calm.
- Don't touch the rusty grates: Some have sharp edges and can have rust that stains clothes.
- Ask the neighbors: Most are friendly and will tell you stories not found in books. Doña Lucía (Carrera 6A) and Don Alberto (Calle 2) are the most willing.
- Download the printed map: At the Departmental Library, 2nd floor, Old Cali section, they have a detailed map of the route with the 6 aljibes marked. It is free and they give it to you upon request at the counter. You can also scan a QR code at the entrance of the San Antonio chapel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do the Aljibes Still Have Potable Water?
# The water they contain is rainwater and is not treated for human consumption. Some neighbors use it to water plants or wash floors, but it is not recommended to drink it or use it for cooking. The original filtration system no longer works in most.
Can You Enter the Aljibes?
No, for safety reasons. Most are sealed with concrete or metal lids. Only the aljibe at Calle 2 with Carrera 5 (the one at the hostel) can be seen inside, but with the owner's permission. Trying to open the lids on your own is dangerous: some wells are over 3 meters deep and can accumulate toxic gases.
Are There Official Guided Tours?
There is no official tour from the Mayor's Office, but the Hispano-American Foundation of Cali organizes free walks once a month, on Saturdays at 9am. You can check their Facebook page (Fundación Hispanoamericana Cali) or ask at the Departmental Library. There are also independent local guides who charge around 20,000 COP per person, such as Mr. Carlos, who lives on Carrera 4 and offers tours with detailed stories. You can find him on weekends at the San Antonio square.
Historical or Contextual Introduction
The San Antonio neighborhood, one of the most emblematic in Cali, has a rich history dating back to colonial times. Before the implementation of modern water supply systems, inhabitants depended on community aljibes for potable water. These aljibes, built with ingenious techniques, not only provided water but were also meeting and socializing points for neighbors. The importance of these systems is reflected in how the community organized for their maintenance and use, creating strong social bonds.
Today, the Route of the Aljibes has become a way to revive those stories and traditions, allowing visitors to get to know the cultural and architectural legacy of the area up close. Walking its cobblestone streets is like touring an open-air museum where every corner tells a story related to water and community life.
Visiting San Antonio not only offers the opportunity to explore its heritage but also to enjoy its vibrant artistic and gastronomic scene. From charming cafes to art galleries, the neighborhood combines tradition and modernity harmoniously.
What to Do
Visit the Aljibe at Plaza de San Antonio
This aljibe, located in the center of the neighborhood, is one of the most emblematic and represents the history of the water supply in the community. Its colonial architecture is impressive and serves as a tangible reminder of the ingenuity of San Antonio's inhabitants. Insider Tip: Go early in the morning to avoid the crowds and enjoy a coffee at one of the nearby bars while watching local life.
Walk Through Parque de San Antonio
The park is a meeting point for locals and an excellent option to relax after exploring the aljibes. Also, from here you can enjoy one of the best views of Cali. Insider Tip: Don't forget to bring your camera, especially at sunset, when the sky is painted with vibrant colors.
Explore Casa de la Cultura
This space houses local art exhibitions and cultural events that reflect the life and traditions of San Antonio. It is an ideal place to learn more about the history and culture of Cali. Insider Tip: Check the events calendar before your visit; there are often art workshops and performances you won't want to miss.
Where to Eat or Drink
La Casona del Cuy
This restaurant pays homage to traditional Valle del Cauca cuisine. Its specialty is dishes based on cuy (guinea pig), an Andean delicacy that many are afraid to try but is a true delicacy. The walls of the place are decorated with historical photographs of the neighborhood, adding a local touch to the atmosphere.
Insider Tip: Try the baked cuy accompanied by a local craft beer. Also, if you can, visit the place in the afternoon to enjoy the panoramic view of the neighborhood.
El Callejón del Amor
With a bohemian decoration and a cozy atmosphere, this cafe is ideal for enjoying a good regional coffee and delicious desserts. It is a popular place among artists and local residents, making it a cultural meeting point.
Insider Tip: Don't miss their famous tres leches dessert, and if you can, attend one of the open mic nights they often organize.
Casa de la Cerveza
A space dedicated to beer culture, where you can find a variety of craft beers, many of them produced in Cali and its surroundings. The atmosphere is relaxed and perfect for sharing with friends after exploring the neighborhood.
Insider Tip: Ask about seasonal beers, which are often unique creations by local brewers. They also offer pairings with typical tapas that highlight Colombian flavors.