Why Cali is a city to ride?
Here, you don't need to be a high-performance athlete to get around on two wheels. The city has a relatively flat topography in its urban area, a climate that cooperates almost all year round (hot but with a breeze in the afternoons), and a street culture that invites you to explore it without rushing. Furthermore, the local administration has promoted the use of bicycles as an alternative transport, with the expansion of the bike lane network and the recovery of public spaces like the Bulevar del Río. For a tourist, this translates into a real opportunity to get to know the city at a different pace, feeling the smells of the fruit shops, the sound of salsa in the bars, and the friendliness of the people on every corner.
September 2026 is an interesting time to visit and get around by bike, as the city has been consolidating its network of exclusive lanes and there is more awareness about sustainable mobility. However, not everything is perfect: the culture of the Cali driver has its own codes, and you need to know them to avoid a scare. This guide is designed so that your experience on two wheels is safe, pleasant, and above all, authentic.
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Historical or contextual introduction: the cycling culture in Cali
The relationship between Cali and the bicycle is not an invention of recent years. Since the times when Colombian road cycling was taking its first pedals, people from Cali have had a special connection with this vehicle. But the real boom of the bike lane as public infrastructure began to gain strength in the 2010s, when the city started building exclusive lanes connecting key points like Avenida Colombia, the Cali River, and the Ciudad Jardín area.
The city's flagship program is the CicloVida, an initiative that opens main roads to cyclists and pedestrians on Sundays and holidays. During these days, Avenida Sexta and Quinta become a giant pedestrian and cyclist corridor, where families go out to ride, children learn, and tourists mingle with locals in a festive atmosphere. This program has had its ups and downs, but its return in 2026 has been celebrated by the cycling community, and it is one of the best experiences you can have if you're passing through.
The city's flat terrain, especially in areas near the river and the south, makes the ride easy for anyone without needing to be an expert. Additionally, the culture of "riding" is so ingrained that you'll find urban cycling groups that organize night rides and coffee routes. It's not uncommon to see executives on carbon bikes, students on classic bicycles, and delivery workers on electric bikes sharing the same space with respect and a bit of chaos.
What to do: the best routes for tourists
Forget conventional tourist bus routes. The best way to feel the rhythm of Cali is by pedaling through its tree-lined avenues and neighborhoods full of history. Here are three routes you can do in half a day or a full day, depending on your energy level and interest in stops.
Route 1: Bulevar del Río to Avenida Colombia (the river route)
This is the most classic and safe route for a tourist. Start at the Bulevar del Río, that renovated pedestrian area that runs from Calle Quinta to Avenida Colombia, bordering the Cali River. It's a perfect space to get familiar with your bike before hitting the traffic.
From the Bulevar, you can take the bike lane that runs parallel to the river on the right bank (south-north direction). This path is continuous and well-marked. You'll pass under historic bridges like the Puente Ortiz, see the famous Gato de Tejada (the sculpture by Hernando Tejada that is a symbol of the city), and arrive at the iconic Puente de los Novios.
Upon reaching Avenida Colombia, you'll find a wide corridor with bike lanes on both sides and a fresh breeze coming from the river. This avenue is the heart of the city's nightlife and gastronomy. You can ride to the Plaza de Toros de Cañaveralejo (even though there are no more bullfights, the building is imposing) and return on the same lane or cross to the San Antonio neighborhood to climb the hill and see the city from above.
Approximate distance: 8 kilometers (round trip).
Level: Easy, no significant slopes.
Time: 1.5 to 2 hours with photo stops.
Route 2: Ciudad Jardín loop (the south route)
If you're looking for a more residential and peaceful experience, this is your route. Ciudad Jardín is one of the most exclusive neighborhoods in Cali, known for its wide tree-lined avenues, houses with gardens, and relaxed atmosphere. The bike lane here is excellent, wide, and with less vehicular traffic compared to downtown.
Start at Plaza de la Luna (on Avenida Pasoancho with Calle Quinta) and take the bike lane that goes south along Calle Quinta. This road has an exclusive lane that takes you straight to the Centro Comercial Unicentro, passing through green areas and children's parks. It's a flat route, perfect for riding with the family or if you want to have a picnic along the way.
An interesting variation is to detour along Avenida Guadalupe to Parque del Ingenio. This park is huge, with artificial lakes and internal paths where you can keep riding without worrying about cars. It's an ideal place to rest, drink water, and watch birds if you're lucky.
At the end of the route, you can return along Avenida Cañasgordas (also with a bike lane) and pass by the Club Campestre to get back to Ciudad Jardín. The entire loop is safe and well-lit, even in the afternoon hours.
Approximate distance: 12 kilometers loop.
Level: Easy, with some gentle slopes on Cañasgordas.
Time: 2 to 2.5 hours with stops.
Route 3: Sunday CicloVida (the ultimate local experience)
This is not a fixed route, but a unique experience. On Sundays and holidays from 7:00 am to 1:00 pm, the city closes several of its main avenues to vehicular traffic so cyclists and pedestrians can enjoy them. The busiest roads are Avenida Sexta (from Calle Quinta to Calle 56) and Avenida Quinta (from Calle Quinta to Avenida Colombia).
Joining the CicloVida is the best way to see Cali in its purest state. You'll see entire families with children in baby seats, groups of friends riding in a line, street vendors selling cholados (shaved ice with fruit), and musicians improvising on corners. It's a festive and relaxed atmosphere where the car is not king.
You can start wherever you want, but we suggest joining at Avenida Sexta with Calle Quinta and riding to Calle 56, where the Estadio Pascual Guerrero is located. Then cross to Avenida Quinta and head down to Plaza de San Cayetano. It's a loop of about 10 kilometers that gives you a sample of the city's north and center.
Approximate distance: Variable, you can do as many kilometers as you want.
Level: Easy, no traffic pressures.
Time: As many hours as you want, but we recommend going early (8 am) to avoid the midday heat.
Where to eat or drink: recommended stops on your routes
Riding makes you hungry and thirsty. Here are strategic stops on each route so you can taste the best of local gastronomy without straying too far from your path.
On the River Route (Bulevar and Avenida Colombia)
On the Bulevar del Río, there are several street food carts where you can try a cholado (shaved ice with fruits and condensed milk) for about $5,000 COP. It's the perfect drink to hydrate after riding.
If you prefer something more substantial, cross the pedestrian bridge to the San Antonio neighborhood and walk up the street to Plazoleta de San Antonio. There you'll find restaurants like El Zaguán de San Antonio (Colombian cuisine with a view of the city) or La Terraza de San Antonio (perfect for a late lunch with a view of the church). Prices range from $25,000 to $45,000 COP per main course.
On Avenida Colombia, specifically between streets 9 and 11, there's a varied offering of cafes and ice cream parlors. Crepes & Waffles (on Avenida Colombia with Calle 9) is a Colombian chain that never fails for a quick lunch or artisanal ice cream. Their passion fruit ice cream is legendary.
On the Ciudad Jardín Loop
Calle Quinta with Avenida Pasoancho is an important gastronomic point. There you'll find El Corral (Colombian burgers from $15,000 COP) and Frisby (Colombian-style fried chicken), both with terrace service so you can keep an eye on your bike while you eat.
If you want something more sophisticated, at the end of Avenida Guadalupe is Parque del Ingenio, and right across from it there's an area with fine dining restaurants. Look for La Provincia (Mediterranean cuisine with local touches) or Platillos Voladores (Asian fusion food). These places have valet parking and are usually cyclist-friendly if you ask them to keep your bike nearby.
Don't leave without trying a lulada (a drink made with lulo, milk, and ice) at any fruit shop in the neighborhood. It's the official refreshment of Cali locals after exercising.
On the CicloVida
During the CicloVida, street vendors become your best allies. Look for carts selling mazorca desgranada con queso (a salty, hot snack) or salpicón (fruit cocktail with soda). They're cheap (between $3,000 and $8,000 COP) and give you the energy you need
