Los Farallones de Cali: the MTB paradise few know about
If you are a mountain biker in Cali, you have surely heard the rumors: there are trails in the Farallones that make you forget you are 30 minutes from the city. It is no exaggeration. The Parque Nacional Natural Farallones de Cali covers more than 150,000 hectares, with altitudes ranging from 600 to 4,100 meters above sea level. That means in a single outing you can pedal from tropical dry forest to páramo, with weather changes that force you to carry everything from lycra to a rain jacket. In June 2026, the rains have been generous, so the trails are green, the streams run strong, and the viewpoints clear up just after 10 in the morning. There are no routes marked with tourist signs here; this is the land of local cyclists who know every rock and every curve. I am going to tell you about two routes that do not appear on official maps, but that those in the know repeat every weekend.
Secret route 1: El Sendero de las Orquídeas
This trail starts in the village of Los Andes, about 20 kilometers southwest of Cali, passing through the district of Pance. There is no sign announcing it; just a farm gate that the neighbors leave open for cyclists. It is called Sendero de las Orquídeas not because it is a botanical garden, but because from April to July, wild orchids bloom on the tree trunks along the path. It is an intermediate-advanced technical route, with 12 kilometers of constant climbing that takes you from 1,200 to 2,100 meters in altitude. The average gradient is 8%, but there are sections that hit 18% on tight curves over loose soil. There is no room for error here: one wrong step and you end up in a ditch of ferns.
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Water points and supplies
The first water point is at km 4, where a stream crosses the trail. The water is crystal clear, but it is better to bring purification tablets because the cattle from nearby farms sometimes wander close. The second point is at km 8, just before a natural rest area they call "La Piedra del Oso." There, a stream falls from a 10-meter rock. Locals fill their bottles there without issue, but if you are cautious, bring enough water from Cali (at least 2 liters). There are no stores or stalls along the entire route, so plan your hydration well.
Duration and recommended pace
An intermediate-experienced cyclist completes the climb in 2 and a half hours, and the descent in 45 minutes if they do not stop to take photos. But I recommend you set aside about 4 hours total, including stops to breathe and enjoy the landscape. The best time is to leave Cali at 6:00 a.m., to avoid the midday sun at the top, where exposure is direct and there is no shade. Also, by 9:00 a.m. the fog usually clears and the views towards the Valle del Cauca are impressive.
Fun fact
At the highest part of Sendero de las Orquídeas, right where the forest opens up, there is a species of tree fern that only grows in the Farallones and the Chocó biogeographic region. Local biologists call it the "giant fern of the Farallones" and it can reach 5 meters in height. If you see one, do not touch it: its fronds are fragile and the area's ecosystem is sensitive to trampling.
Secret route 2: El Mirador del Cóndor
If Sendero de las Orquídeas is technical, El Mirador del Cóndor is epic. This route starts in the village of El Saladito, about 15 minutes from Cali via the road to the sea, and climbs to 2,800 meters. The name is no coincidence: with luck, you can see Andean condors gliding over the Pance River canyon. The route has 16 kilometers of climbing, with gradients ranging from 10% to 22% in the last 3 kilometers. It is demanding, even for trained cyclists. But the reward is a panoramic view of Cali, the Valle del Cauca, and on clear days, even the Cordillera Central.
The best time to arrive
El Mirador del Cóndor faces east, so sunrise is the ideal time. If you arrive between 6:30 and 7:30 a.m., the sun lights up the city head-on and the shadows lengthen the hills. After 9:00 a.m., the light becomes flat and the heat starts to bother. Also, at that time the condors are usually active looking for thermals to soar. Bring binoculars if you can; the condors look small from the viewpoint, but with magnification you can identify their characteristic white collar.
Technical difficulty and terrain
The first section, up to 1,800 meters, is wide and rocky, with some banked curves that allow you to maintain speed. But from km 8 onwards, the trail narrows to less than a meter wide, with exposed roots and loose rocks that demand total concentration. There is a passage known as "La Laja," where the bedrock forms a smooth slope about 50 meters long. If you are not confident in your brakes, it is better to get off and walk. On the descent, this same section can be treacherous if the ground is wet; I have seen cyclists skid into wild blackberry bushes several times.
Essential gear for El Mirador del Cóndor
- Bicycle: A full-suspension bike with at least 120 mm of travel is ideal. Hardtails can work, but the descent will punish your hands and back.
- Brakes: Hydraulic disc brakes, no exceptions. Mechanical brakes overheat on long descents and lose effectiveness.
- Tires: With medium-aggressive tread (like Maxxis Minion or Schwalbe Magic Mary). Loose soil and roots demand lateral grip.
- Protection: Full-face helmet or one with a removable chin bar, knee pads, and elbow pads. It is not an exaggeration: falls on this terrain can be nasty.
- Clothing: Thermal base layer and windbreaker. It is cold at the top (between 8°C and 12°C in the morning), but you sweat on the way up. The layering system is key.
How to get there and transportation
Both routes are within the influence area of the Parque Nacional Natural Farallones de Cali, but they do not require entry through the park's main entrance. For Sendero de las Orquídeas, take the road to Pance from Cali (via Carrera 105 or Avenida Cañasgordas). Pass the district of Pance and continue to the village of Los Andes. There is a parking lot at Don Carlos's farm, a man who charges $5,000 COP to watch your car while you pedal. There is no direct public transportation; it is best to go by private car or motorcycle. For El Mirador del Cóndor, the entrance is in El Saladito. From Cali, go up the road to the sea (route 40) to kilometer 12, where there is a left turn. There are also guarded parking lots there for $5,000 COP. If you come by bus, you can take a shared van from the Cali Bus Terminal to El Saladito (ask for buses going to "El Saladito" or "La Elvira"), but the schedule is limited: they leave every hour between 5:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. The trip takes about 40 minutes.
Permits and legal access
The Parque Nacional Natural Farallones de Cali has a protected area, but the trails I mentioned are in buffer zones, not within the park's core. This means you do not need an official permit from Parques Nacionales to ride them. However, it is mandatory to register with the park rangers if you plan to do longer routes or venture into the reserve area. You can contact the Parques Nacionales office in Cali (located at Calle 8 # 5-50, San Antonio neighborhood) to find out about permitted sectors. As of June 2026, access is open, but during the intense rainy season (October-November) some trails are closed due to landslide risk. Always check the weather conditions before you go; IDEAM has a detailed forecast for the Farallones area.
Safety tips
Changing weather
In a single morning you can go from bright sunshine to thick fog and then to a fine drizzle. The temperature at the base (1,200 m) is around 25°C, but at the summit (2,800 m) it can drop to 8°C. Always carry a waterproof windbreaker and a thermal cap under your helmet. Rain not only cools you down but also makes the rocks as slippery as soap. If you see the sky darkening to the west, turn back: electrical storms are common in the Farallones and there are no safe shelters on the mountain.
Cell phone signal
Do not rely on your cell phone. On Sendero de las Orquídeas, Claro and Movistar signal disappears after km 3. At El Mirador del Cóndor, there is only signal at the summit (and sometimes, only if you stand on a specific rock). Carry an offline GPS device (like a Garmin or a phone with maps downloaded on Wikiloc). It is also a good idea to leave your planned route with someone in Cali, with an estimated return time. If you do not arrive within 2 hours of the expected time, they should know where to look for you.
Wildlife: pumas, spectacled bears, and more
The Farallones are home to impressive biodiversity, but also animals that can be dangerous if you are careless. The puma (Puma concolor) inhabits the area, although it is shy and rarely seen. If you encounter one, do not run: back away slowly without turning your back. The spectacled bear (Tremarctos ornatus) is also present, especially in the high areas. They are vegetarian and do not attack unless they feel cornered. The most common encounter is with snakes like the fer-de-lance (Bothrops atrox), which is venomous. Wear high boots and do not put your hands into holes or under rocks without looking first. There are also Morpho butterflies, toucans, and howler monkeys, which are harmless but can startle you with their cries at dawn.
Where to eat or drink before and after the route
After a morning of pedaling, hunger strikes. In the village of Los Andes, right next to Don Carlos's parking lot, there is a store that sells pipián empanadas ($2,000 COP each) and ice-cold sodas. It is not a restaurant, but it does the job. If you prefer something more substantial, in the district of Pance there are several typical food restaurants, like "El Rancho de Pance," which serves bandeja paisa and chicken sancocho (dishes from $18,000 COP). They are open from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. In El Saladito, after El Mirador del Cóndor, I recommend "Café El Mirador," a family-run stand that sells black coffee, arepas with cheese, and meat empanadas. Prices are modest (a coffee costs $1,500 COP) and the view from the terrace is an additional reward. They are open from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., but only on weekends. If you go during the week, it is better to bring your own food.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to be an expert cyclist for these routes?
You do not need to be a professional, but you do need experience in MTB with steep slopes and technical terrain. If you are just starting out, Sendero de las Orquídeas can be a good challenge, but El Mirador del Cóndor will demand physical fitness and skill in handling tight curves with loose rocks. I recommend having completed at least 10 outings on similar terrain (like the climb to Virgen de la Loma or Cerro de la Bandera) before attempting these routes.
Can I go alone or is it better in a group?
Going in a group is always safer, especially due to the lack of cell signal and the possibility of a fall. If you go alone, leave your detailed route with someone you trust and carry an emergency device like a SPOT or an InReach. In a group, do not be more than 6 people to avoid eroding the trail or scaring the wildlife.
Is there accommodation near the trails?
In the villages of Los Andes and El Saladito, there are farms that offer basic lodging for $30,000 to $50,000 COP per night, but there are no formal hotels. It is best to return to Cali the same day. If you want to stay, look for Airbnb options in Pance or El Saladito; there are rustic cabins with kitchens and fireplaces from $80,000 COP per night.
If you want to take these routes to the next level, download the detailed GPS map of the trails, with waypoints for water points, viewpoints, and technical sections. It is exclusive to Malokal members and will save you hours of searching on Wikiloc. The coordinates are updated to June 2026, with the latest updates from the park rangers. Do not miss the chance to discover these corners that few cyclists have set foot on.
Historical or contextual introduction
Los Farallones de Cali are not only a paradise for mountain biking enthusiasts, but they also have a rich history dating back to pre-Columbian times. This region has been inhabited by indigenous communities such as the Calima, who not only took advantage of its natural resources but also left an invaluable cultural legacy. With the arrival of Spanish colonizers in the 16th century, the area began to transform, and its biodiversity became an attraction for both explorers and newcomers.
Over the years, the Farallones have witnessed different historical events and have played a crucial role in the defense of the region. During the armed conflict in Colombia, these mountains became a refuge for guerrilla groups and, later, a space for reconciliation and peace. Today, the history of the place intertwines with its natural landscapes, offering cyclists not only a physical challenge but also a connection to the past.
If you decide to venture into the trails of the Farallones, here are some tips that will help you make the most of your experience:
- Know the routes: There are different trails that vary in difficulty. Make sure to check updated maps and consider joining local groups that know the area well.
- Respect for nature: This area is a fragile ecosystem. Pick up any trash and avoid leaving the marked trails to protect the flora and fauna.
- Best time to visit: The months from December to March are ideal, as rains are less frequent and the weather is more pleasant.
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What to do
Sendero El Tigre
This trail is one of the most popular among mountain bikers. With over 10 kilometers of route, it offers a mix of challenging terrain and spectacular views. At the end of the journey, you can enjoy a beautiful viewpoint that gives you an impressive panorama of the Farallones.
Insider Tip: Arrive early in the morning to avoid the heat and make sure to bring enough water. The path can be slippery after rain, so a good set of tires is essential.
Sendero La Vorágine
This is a lesser-known trail that connects with the famous Parque Nacional Natural Farallones. The route is full of lush vegetation and local wildlife, making it a unique experience. It is ideal for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
Insider Tip: Bring a camera, as you will have the opportunity to see birds and other unique animals. Also, it is better to go in a group, as the trail can be confusing in some parts.
Mirador de La Cumbre
Located at one of the highest points of the Farallones, this viewpoint offers an impressive view of the city of Cali and its surroundings. It is an excellent place to rest after a long bike ride.
Insider Tip: Bring a snack and enjoy a picnic while contemplating the landscape. The best times to visit are at sunrise or sunset, when the sky is painted with vibrant colors.
Sendero de los Ríos
This trail is perfect for those looking for a smoother and more scenic ride. Along the way, you can spot crystal-clear rivers and small waterfalls, which gives a special touch to the experience.
Insider Tip: It is an ideal place to bring children or for a family outing. Do not forget to bring a swimsuit if you decide to stop at one of the natural pools.