La Popa is not just a viewpoint, it's a forgotten MTB circuit
If you have climbed the Cerro de La Popa in Cartagena, you surely did it by taxi, mototaxi, or on a tourist tour to take the classic photo of the city from the convent. But what few know —and even fewer dare— is that this same hill, the most photogenic in the city, hides a network of mountain biking trails that will make you forget the asphalt and sweat your jersey like on any mountain track in the Andes.
In July 2026, the route remains a well-kept secret among local cyclists. There are no signs, no official maps, and most travel guides don't even mention it. But if you are one of those looking for adrenaline with a sea view, this is your place. Here I tell you everything you need to know to launch yourself onto the trails of La Popa without ending up in a ditch.
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What to do
The route: from Torices neighborhood to the summit
The most common starting point is in the Torices neighborhood, right where the climb to the hill begins on the main road. From there, instead of taking the paved road that leads to the convent, you turn off onto a dirt trail that starts on the right, behind a construction materials warehouse. There is no sign, but locals know it as "La Trocha del Mirador".
The full route is about 6 kilometers round trip, but don't be fooled by the short distance. The average gradient is 12%, with sections reaching 20% on loose dirt and loose stones. You will climb from sea level to 150 meters in altitude in less than 2 kilometers of continuous ascent. It is a technical climb that demands strong legs and a steady pulse.
Once at the top, you will not only have the reward of the panoramic view of the bay, the walled city and the Caribbean Sea. You will also find a small tropical dry forest with guayacán trees and cacti that will make you feel like you are on another planet. And if you are lucky, you will see iguanas scurrying among the rocks.
Key sections: technical climbs, loose dirt descents and blind curves
The route is divided into three distinct sections:
- Section 1: The warm-up (0–1.5 km) – From Torices to the first sharp curve. It is a gradual climb on compacted dirt, with some small stones. Perfect for warming up your legs and adjusting the suspension. Watch out for mototaxis speeding up.
- Section 2: The wall (1.5–3 km) – Here the gradient gets serious. The trail narrows and the ground becomes loose, with gravel and sand that slips. There are two blind zigzag curves where you have to brake with your rear end pushed back to avoid losing traction. This is the section where more than one person gets off the bike and walks.
- Section 3: The summit (3–6 km) – Once you overcome the wall, the terrain flattens out and you reach a plateau with 360-degree views. From here you can turn left to descend via an alternative trail that takes you directly to the El Espinal neighborhood, or return the same way. If you choose to descend through El Espinal, prepare for a technical descent with loose stones and tight curves that will require you to brake intelligently.
Necessary equipment and specialized bike rentals in Getsemaní
Do not attempt this route with a cruiser or city bike. You need an MTB with front or full suspension, disc brakes, and wide knobby tires (2.2 inches minimum). If you don't bring your bike, there are rental options in the Getsemaní neighborhood:
- Bike Cartagena Rentals (Calle del Guerrero # 29-45) – They have Trek and Specialized brand MTBs, with helmet and repair kit included. Reference prices in July 2026: from $60,000 COP for half a day.
- La Bici del Caribe (Calle Larga # 10-12) – Specialized in mountain bikes, they offer local guides who know the trails. Rental with a guide costs $120,000 COP per person (minimum 2 people).
In addition to the bike, bring: helmet (mandatory), gloves, sunglasses or goggles (the dust is intense), water (at least 1.5 liters), and a charged phone. There is no cell signal in some sections of the trail.
Where to eat or drink
After the route, hunger and thirst are real. At the base of the hill, in the Torices neighborhood, you will find informal but effective options:
- Frutas y jugos "La Popa" (Carrera 17 # 31-12) – A stall selling natural mango, lulo, and corozo juices. A large glass costs $5,000 COP. They also sell meat and cheese empanadas.
- Restaurante El Mirador (at the top of the hill, inside the convent) – Serves typical dishes like coconut rice, fried fish, and patacones. Prices are touristy (dishes from $25,000 COP), but the view justifies it.
If you prefer something more formal, head down to the historic center and look in Getsemaní: La Cocina de Pepina (Calle de la Media Luna # 10-45) has an executive menu with bandeja paisa or fish sancocho for $18,000 COP.
How to get there and transportation
Getting to the starting point in Torices is easy from anywhere in Cartagena:
- By taxi or Uber – From the historic center, the trip costs between $8,000 and $12,000 COP (10 minutes). Ask to be dropped off at the intersection of Carrera 17 and Calle 30, right where the climb begins.
- By city bus – Take any bus with the "Torices" or "La Popa" route from Avenida Pedro de Heredia. The fare costs $2,800 COP. Get off at the "La Popa" stop and walk 5 minutes uphill.
- By bike from the center – If you already have the MTB rented in Getsemaní, you can ride to Torices along Avenida del Lago. It is 3 kilometers on flat terrain, about 15 minutes of easy pedaling.
Local tips
- Timing: The best time to climb is between 6:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. The sun hits hard after 10 a.m. and there is no shade on most of the trail. Also, at that time there are fewer mototaxis and tourists.
- Safety: Do not go alone. The route is lonely and in some sections there is tall grass. Join local cycling groups like the "Cartagena MTB Club", which organizes rides every Saturday at 6 a.m. from the Torices square. Limited to 15 people. To reserve, ask on social media or at the rental shops in Getsemaní.
- Avoid mototaxi traffic: Mototaxi drivers go up and down at high speed on the trail, especially on weekends. When you hear an engine approaching, stick to the right and brake. Do not assume they will dodge you.
- Hydration: There are no water fountains on the route. Bring your own water and, if possible, an electrolyte tablet. Cartagena's humid heat will make you sweat twice as much as on any cold mountain.
- Fun fact: The Cerro de La Popa was used by English pirates in the 17th century as an observation point to plunder the city. Today, the only "pirates" you will see are cyclists speeding downhill.
Frequently asked questions
Is it suitable for beginners?
# The route has steep slopes, loose dirt, and blind curves that require MTB experience. If you are a beginner, I recommend starting on the flat trail at Parque de la Marina (in Bocagrande) or on the bike path on Avenida Santander. La Popa is for cyclists with at least one year of practice on technical terrain.
Can you do the route on a road or gravel bike?
It is not recommended. The road bike does not have the necessary traction or suspension for loose dirt and stones. A gravel bike with 40 mm tires might survive, but the risk of falling is high. Better use an MTB with front suspension.
Is there a cost to access the trail?
# The trail is public and free. There are no tolls or guards. Just keep in mind that if you reach the top and want to enter the convent of La Popa, the entrance fee is $10,000 COP for adults (includes access to the viewpoint and museum). But it is not necessary to pay to do the MTB route.
If you want a guided experience, join the Saturday ride at 6 a.m. – limited spots. Ask at the rental shops in Getsemaní or search for "Cartagena MTB Club" on social media. There is no better way to get to know the route than with locals who ride it every week.
Historical or contextual introduction
La Popa is not only famous for its impressive panoramic view of Cartagena, but it also has a rich history dating back to colonial times. This hill was a strategic point for the defense of the city, as from its summit enemy ships approaching the port could be spotted. In the 17th century, the convent of La Popa was built, which today is an icon of the city and a place of great religious and cultural importance.
In addition to its military and religious history, La Popa has been a meeting place for athletes and nature lovers. Mountain biking in this area offers not only a physical challenge but also the opportunity to explore an environment full of native vegetation and local wildlife, very different from the hustle and bustle of Cartagena's historic center.
For those looking to enjoy a unique experience, it is recommended to visit La Popa in the early hours. Not only will you avoid the intense heat of the day, but you will also enjoy a landscape that changes with the morning light. Also, bringing enough water and sun protection is essential, as the route can be demanding.