The art of the 'off-the-radar' picnic
In Cali, Sunday plans aren't limited to Parque del Perro or partying in Juanchito. If you're tired of viewpoints crowded with vendors and blaring speakers, there's another side to the city: natural terraces where the only noise is the wind and the only smell is wet earth. Places that don't appear on Google Maps or travel guides, and that locals themselves keep as a well-guarded secret. Here I'll tell you how to get to three of these spots, what to bring, and how to set up the perfect picnic without leaving a trace.
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Loma de la Cruz: access via trail behind Cristo Rey
Most people know Cristo Rey as the statue overlooking Cali from the hill. But few know that if you skirt its base on the western side, there's a dirt trail that climbs about 15 minutes to a hill with dry grass and a 360-degree view. There are no signs, no railings, nothing. Just you, the sky, and the sound of birds. Access is via an unpaved street that starts behind the Cristo Rey parking lot, right where the main road ends. Wear closed-toe shoes and bring water, because the climb is steep and the sun hits hard after 10 in the morning.
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Mirador de La Flora: sunsets without crowds
In the La Flora neighborhood, east of the city, there's a vacant lot that locals call "the cat's viewpoint." To get there, go up Calle 70 to the last house, then continue on foot along a dirt path through bushes. In 10 minutes you'll reach a natural platform of flat rock, ideal for spreading out a blanket. From there you see the entire city, from Cerro de las Tres Cruces to Farallones, and the sunset turns an intense orange. It's perfect for couples who want to watch the sun go down without fighting for a spot at the Mirador de Sebastián de Belalcázar. There are no bathrooms or shade, so bring an umbrella and sunscreen.
Finca La Carmelita: special permission with locals
This is not a tourist farm, but a family property in the Los Andes village, 30 minutes from downtown. The owners, the Giraldo family, allow small groups to enter if you ask permission in advance (ask at the village store; there's no public phone). They have a hill with green grass and a centennial mango tree where you can set up your picnic. The reward: a view of the Cauca River valley that looks painted. Bring your own food and pick up all your trash. They don't charge, but it's courteous to leave a voluntary tip of about $20,000 COP per person.
Updated costs
The prices I mention are reference prices from May 2026. These spots have no entrance fee, so your main expense is the picnic. Here's an estimate:
- Basic basket for two people: between $35,000 and $50,000 COP if you shop at the market (artisan bread, farm cheese, fresh fruit, natural juice).
- Gourmet basket with local suppliers: between $70,000 and $120,000 COP (includes wine, cheese board, nuts, and dessert).
- Transportation by taxi or Uber: from downtown to Loma de la Cruz, about $15,000 COP; to La Flora, $20,000 COP; to the Los Andes village, $50,000 COP. Negotiate the price with the taxi driver if you're going to wait for the return trip.
- Voluntary tip at Finca La Carmelita: $20,000 COP per person is fair.
Estimated times
- Loma de la Cruz: climb from the Cristo Rey parking lot, 15-20 minutes at a normal pace. The picnic can last 1-2 hours. Best to go on weekdays or Saturday before 9 am to have the place to yourself.
- Mirador de La Flora: 10-minute walk from the last house in the neighborhood. Ideal for sunset: arrive at 4:30 pm to watch the sun go down between 5:30 and 6:00 pm.
- Finca La Carmelita: the trip from downtown takes 30-40 minutes by car. Ask for permission at least one day in advance. The picnic can last all afternoon; bring a hammock if you want to stay until nightfall.
Practical tips
- Leave no trace: bring trash bags and take everything back with you. These places have no cleaning service. If you leave trash, the owners or neighbors may close access forever.
- Dress comfortably: the trails are dirt, with loose stones and vegetation. No heels or white clothes. Closed-toe shoes and long pants are key.
- Bring portable shade: at Loma de la Cruz and Mirador de La Flora there are no large trees. A beach umbrella or a light canopy will save you from the 11 am sun.
- Hydration: bring at least 1 liter of water per person. There are no stores nearby.
- Insect repellent: in the rainy season (April-May and October-November), mosquitoes become intense, especially in La Flora and Los Andes.
- Don't play music at high volume: part of the charm is the silence. If you want music, use headphones or a low-volume speaker. The neighbors in La Flora will thank you.
List of local suppliers for gourmet baskets
If you don't want to put together your own picnic, these places in Cali prepare baskets to go. Order a day in advance:
- La Casa del Pan (Granada neighborhood): artisan breads, brie cheese, and jams. Basket for two from $45,000 COP. Ask for the "country picnic" option.
- Mercado de Galería Alameda: look for the fruit stand of Señora María (stall 24) and the cheese stand of Don Hernán (stall 31). They'll put together a bag with mango, grapes, farm cheese, and corn arepas for about $25,000 COP.
- Vinos y Algo Más (San Fernando neighborhood): they have Chilean wine combos with a cheese board and nuts. From $70,000 COP. Includes reusable glass cups.
- Dulce Pecado (El Peñón neighborhood): desserts like brownies, cheesecake, and alfajores. An assortment for two people costs $30,000 COP.
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to go alone to these viewpoints?
Generally, yes, but it's always better to go with company, especially if you are a woman or a foreigner. Loma de la Cruz and Mirador de La Flora are in quiet residential areas, but there is no surveillance. Go in a group of at least two, bring your charged cell phone, and let someone know where you're going. At Finca La Carmelita, the Giraldo family lives on the property, so it's safer.
Can I bring my dog to the picnic?
Yes, but with conditions. At Loma de la Cruz and Mirador de La Flora there are no restrictions, but keep your dog on a leash and pick up its waste. At Finca La Carmelita, ask first; they have guard dogs and there could be a conflict if your pet isn't sociable.
What do I do if it rains while I'm at the picnic?
The weather in Cali changes quickly. If you see black clouds, pack up and head down immediately, especially at Loma de la Cruz, where the trail becomes slippery with rain. Bring a raincoat or a large plastic bag to protect your food. If you're at Finca La Carmelita, the owners will let you take shelter under their house's roof if you're polite and don't disturb them too much.
Do you know another secret viewpoint? Share it under a code of silence: write to us at our Malokal contact, but don't post the coordinates on social media. These places survive because they don't go viral.