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Afro Tourism
Black/ Afro Tourism in Cali, Colombia.
Welcome to Santiago de Cali, a city where the pulse of the African Diaspora beats loud in Latin America. Known globally as the "Salsa Capital," Cali holds a deeper, more soulful identity: it is home to the largest population of Black/ Afro-descendant people in Colombia and serves as the gateway to the Pacific Coast
Why Cali, Colombia?
Our Mission
There's no doubt that Cali is one of our favorite cities to host groups. Since 2018 we've worked together with local artists and community leaders to help bring visibility to the Black/ Afro descendant community.
Why Cali?
Cali is the third largest city in Colombia and has the largest population of Black/ Afro descendant people in the country. Cali, along the surrounding towns offers a mix of rich culture brought to the region from the Pacific Coast. From Viche (the ancestral beverage) and the sounds of the marimba and the rhythm of currulao to the martial art of Esgrima de Machete y Bordon. Cali is also known as the Salsa Capital of the world. There's never a dull moment with Live Be Do in Cali.
Our impact
We are committed to supporting local Black Owned businesses. We are also intentional about connecting Black Travelers from the US with Afro tourism throughout Colombia. All of our group experiences in Cali are family friendly. We have also committed to offering assistance to youth groups and organizations from the US who want to travel to Cali.
The Petronio Álvarez Festival
The largest celebration of Afro-descendant life in Hispanic Latin America.
This section is dedicated to the Petronio Álvarez Pacific Music Festival—a global gathering of heritage, resilience, and the rhythm of Colombia's Pacific Coast.
Founded by Akeem Tolson, Live Be Do is your premier host for Black travel groups seeking an authentic bridge to the soul of Cali and the Valle del Cauca region.
The Festival de Música del Pacífico Petronio Álvarez is the largest celebration of Afro-descendant life in Hispanic Latin America.
- 2026 Live Be Do Festival Dates: August 13 – August 18, 2026
- A Historic Milestone: 2026 marks the 30th Anniversary of the festival. Expect unprecedented musical lineups and cultural showcases.
- The Vibe: For one week, Cali becomes a sea of white handkerchiefs, the "piano of the jungle" (Marimba de Chonta), and the taste of heritage Viche.
A Note from Akeem Tolson: Founder of Live Be Do
"In 2018, I first touched down in Cali. Walking into the Petronio festival, I was floored—it felt more like being in Africa than Latin America. I saw a reflection of the diaspora that many travelers never get to see.
I returned in 2020 to build bonds with the business owners, musicians, and artists who are the guardians of the culture of this region. Live Be Do was born to bring visibility to Afro-Colombian culture and connect Black travelers with Afro tourism. We don't just visit; we connect."
Our Signature Black Travel Group Experiences
We specialize in Afro-Colombian itineraries that provide context to the festival and the region. Our trips are designed for travelers who want to "Live, Be, and Do" rather than just observe.
The Petronio 2026 Immersion
- Community-Led Tours: Explore Cali’s historic neighborhoods with the locals who live there.
- Pacific Heritage Workshops: Private sessions on Pacific percussion, dance, and the history of the Marimba.
- The Culinary Trail: Taste the Pacific with seafood experts and traditional Viche distillers.
- Curated Itineraries: We handle the logistics so you can focus on the connection.
Year-Round Afro-Tourism in Valle del Cauca
Cali's energy doesn't stop in August. We host group trips and curated experiences throughout the year across Valle del Cauca and the Cauca region:
- Ancestral Landscapes: Trips to Black/ Afro Colombian Communities for art, music, food, and history.
- Local Impact: Every tour supports Black-owned businesses, artisans, and grassroots musicians.
- Salsa & Soul: Discover the African roots of Cali’s world-famous Salsa scene.
Taller Mandinga Black Art Experience in Cali
$85.00
The city of Cali is home to an amazing artist named Eibar Castillo. You will visit Taller Mandinga, the studio which houses some of the most amazing art you'll ever see. You'll learn about Eibar's journey as a Black artist in Colombia. This tour will last 2 hours, and you will be accompanied by an English-speaking guide and transportation. There are 2 versions of this tour. The first option is an informational tour of the gallery. The second option is an interactive workshop with the maestro in a sip and paint type of setting.
