The Greener Side of Cali: Guide to the Wetlands Route and Urban Biodiversity

Introduction: The Green Lung Few Tourists Know

When you think of Cali, the first things that come to mind are salsa, warm weather, and nightlife. But there is another Cali that breathes slower, where the sound of maracas is replaced by the songs of herons and ducks. Cali's urban wetlands are the best-kept secret for those seeking outdoor activities without leaving the city. In June 2026, with the rainy season activating wildlife, these ecosystems are at their peak splendor. Here I'll tell you how to explore them like a local, with insights you won't find in traditional guides.

The Wetlands Route is not an officially signposted circuit, but a series of water bodies that the municipal administration has been recovering. They are refuges for migratory birds, amphibians, and aquatic plants. The best part: they are less than 20 minutes away by bus or bicycle from downtown. If you are an eco-conscious traveler or a local from Cali wanting to rediscover your city, this guide is for you.

Humedal Panamericano: The Bird Sanctuary 10 Minutes from Downtown

Humedal Panamericano is the largest and best-known of the network. Located in comuna 22, near the Jardín Plaza shopping center, it is a mirror of water surrounded by a wooden boardwalk approximately 1.5 kilometers long. Its name comes from the Panamericano neighborhood, built on what was once a flood-prone area. Today, it is a linear park with viewpoints, benches, and informational panels about the species that inhabit it.

What to Do at Humedal Panamericano

The main activity is birdwatching. With basic binoculars or even with the naked eye, you can see white herons, black-bellied whistling ducks, ringed kingfishers, and, if you're lucky, the limpkin, a red-billed bird that sounds like a lament. There are also river turtles sunbathing on logs. The trail is flat and suitable for wheelchairs and bicycles.

• Best time: 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. (birds are most active and there is less noise from the Panamericana avenue).
• Free access. No gatekeepers or ticket booths. Enter via Calle 52 with Carrera 100.
• Fun fact: Over 120 species of birds have been recorded in this wetland, including the Bogotá rail, a near-endemic species of Colombia.

How to Get There

From Downtown, take the MIO station at Calle 15 with Carrera 1 (San Pedro station) and get off at the Panamericana station. Walk 5 minutes south. You can also take a taxi for about $15,000 COP from downtown. If you go by car, there is free street parking on Calle 52.

Humedal Chacón: A Mini-Ecosystem Surrounded by Businesses and Wildlife

This wetland is the most central and contrasts the most with the urban environment. It is located in the El Chacón neighborhood, between Avenida 3N and Calle 38N. It is a small body of water, less than 2 hectares, but with an impressive density of life. It is surrounded by apartment buildings, a clinic, and a restaurant area. It is common to see office workers eating on the benches while herons fish just two meters away.

What to Do at Humedal Chacón

In addition to birdwatching, this place is ideal for a short 20-minute walk. There is a concrete path that goes all the way around. There is also a small lagoon with water lilies and reeds. It is a good spot for photographing waterfowl without having to get up so early, because the afternoon light (4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.) creates a golden effect on the water.

• Notable species: Kingfisher, great egret, common gallinule, and during the rainy season, the red-billed gallinule.
• Free access. The wetland has no fences, but you must respect the vegetation areas.
• Fun fact: In 2023, biologists from the Universidad del Valle found a colony of glass frogs here, a species that only inhabits very clean waters. It is a sign that the ecological recovery is working.

Where to Eat Nearby

Around the wetland there are several fast-food restaurants and cafes. I recommend Crepes & Waffles on Avenida 3N (2 blocks away) for an ice cream or a crepe, or Restaurante El Chacón on Calle 38N, which serves bandeja paisa and sancocho de gallina for prices between $25,000 and $35,000 COP.

Humedal El Retiro: The Hidden Gem in the North of the City

This is the least visited of the three, but the most surprising. It is located in the El Retiro neighborhood, in comuna 2, near the Universidad del Valle. It is a 4-hectare wetland with a large body of water surrounded by native trees such as guadua, ceiba, and caracolí. Unlike the others, there is no wooden boardwalk here, but dirt paths that become muddy in winter. It is a wilder place.

What to Do at Humedal El Retiro

The plan here is more about exploration. You can walk among the trees, look for animal tracks (opossums, squirrels, and even crab-eating foxes) and observe birds from the shores. There is a wooden observation platform built by the community, with a panoramic view. It is perfect for a midday outing if you want absolute silence.

• Recommendation: Bring rubber boots if it has rained, because the mud is treacherous.
• Hours: There is no access restriction, but it is best to go between 7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. for safety.
• Fun fact: In 2025, the first nesting of the little blue heron in the urban area of Cali was recorded here, an event that local ornithologists celebrated as a conservation milestone.

How to Get There

Take the MIO station "Universidades" (green line) and walk 15 minutes north along Carrera 100. You can also get there by bicycle from downtown via the bike path on Avenida 2N. By taxi, it costs about $18,000 COP from downtown.

Practical Tips: Best Times, What to Bring, and How to Contribute to Conservation

To make the most of the Wetlands Route, follow these tips from locals who visit them often:

Best Times

• Early morning (5:30 a.m. to 8:00 a.m.): Ideal for birdwatching. The wetlands are at their quietest.
• Afternoon (4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.): Good light for photos and less heat. In June, the sun sets around 6:15 p.m.
• Avoid midday: The sun in Cali is intense, and birds hide between 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.

What to Bring

• Binoculars (if you don't have any, at Humedal Panamericano there is a rental stand run by the Ecohumedales foundation on weekends, for $5,000 COP per hour).
• Mosquito repellent (there are mosquitoes, especially at dusk).
• Water in a reusable bottle (there are no stores inside the wetlands).
• Hat or cap and sunscreen.
• Light clothing in neutral colors (avoid bright colors that scare birds).
• Trash bag: there are no trash cans on all trails.

How to Contribute to Conservation

Wetlands are fragile. Do not remove plants or animals. Do not feed the birds bread or cookies, as it harms them. If you see trash, pick it up. You can also join the clean-up days organized by the Ecohumedales Foundation (find them on Instagram as @ecohumedalescali) on the first Saturdays of each month. In June 2026, they have a clean-up scheduled for Saturday the 7th at Humedal Panamericano, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the Wetlands Safe for Tourists?

Yes, they are generally safe during the day. Humedal Panamericano and Humedal Chacón have a good flow of people and are in busy areas. Humedal El Retiro is more solitary, so it is recommended to go accompanied or in a group. Avoid going after 6:00 p.m. in any case.

Do I Need to Pay to Enter?

No, all the mentioned wetlands have free access. There are no ticket booths or fees. Some have free street parking, but at Humedal Panamericano you need to find parking on the surrounding streets.

Can I Bring My Children?

Yes, they are family-friendly plans. Humedal Panamericano is the most recommended for children because it has wide, safe trails. Bring clothes that can get dirty and a lot of patience to explain about the birds. At Humedal Chacón, children can see turtles from the shore.

Are Guides Available?

There are no permanent guides, but on weekends there are usually volunteers from the Ecohumedales Foundation at Humedal Panamericano, who offer free tours. You can also hire a local birdwatching guide through the Asociación de Guías de Naturaleza del Valle, with prices starting from $80,000 COP for a half-day.

What is the Best Time of Year to Visit?

The rainy season (April to June and October to November) is the best because the wetlands have more water and attract more migratory birds. In June 2026, we are in the middle of the season, so it is the ideal time. In summer (December to March), the water level drops and there is less activity.

Now that you know the Wetlands Route, you just need to go out and explore it. Download the interactive map of Cali's wetlands from the Municipal Environment Secretariat's website (search for "Mapa de humedales urbanos Cali PDF") so you don't miss any details. Bring your binoculars, a water bottle, and the desire to connect with the greener side of Cali. See you on the trail.

What to Do

Humedal La Babilla

This wetland is one of the most important in Cali, not only for its biodiversity but also for the community work done for its conservation. Here you can observe birds, turtles, and a variety of native plants.

Insider Tip: Visit during the morning to enjoy bird activity. Bring binoculars for better observation and don't forget your camera, as the sunrises are spectacular.

Parque de los Gatos

This park is not only a green space but also a showcase of Cali's urban art. The cat sculptures, created by artist Hernando Tejada, are an attraction for both locals and tourists. It is a perfect place to relax and enjoy a picnic.

Insider Tip: Look for the hidden mural in one of the park's corners; it's an excellent photo backdrop. There is also a small café where you can try a local coffee.

Humedal El Cortijo

Known for its rich biodiversity, El Cortijo is an ideal space for walking and enjoying the local flora and fauna. This wetland is a refuge for many bird species and a perfect place for nature lovers.

Insider Tip: Make sure to bring insect repellent, especially during the rainy season. Also, consider joining one of the guided tours organized by local groups to learn more about the area's fauna and flora.

Where to Eat or Drink

El Jardín de los Abuelos

This cozy restaurant is located in the El Peñón neighborhood and specializes in typical food from the Valle del Cauca region. With a family atmosphere and a charming garden, it is ideal for enjoying an ajiaco or a sancocho. Insider Tip: Ask about lunchtime, as they usually have a special menu that includes a typical regional dessert.

La Casa de la Cerveza

A perfect place for craft beer lovers, this bar offers an impressive variety of local beers and a selection of tapas. It is located near Parque del Perro, making it an excellent meeting point after a walk. Insider Tip: Don't miss the beer tasting they hold on weekends, where you can learn about the brewing process and try exclusive beers.