Mountain Biking in Cali: The Farallones Trails the Locals Keep Hidden

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If you think Cali is only salsa and guarapo, you haven't ridden through the Farallones yet. Less than 40 minutes from downtown, on the Vía a la Costa, trails begin that rival those in Medellín or Bogotá. The difference is that here there are hardly any tourist lines, just the sound of the wind and the smell of wet brush. In August 2026, locals are already breaking in dual-purpose tires because the dry season left fast but technical tracks.

The crown jewel is the loop that goes from Vía a la Costa to the Los Andes village. It's about 30 kilometers of a loop with accumulated elevation gain exceeding 1,200 meters. It's not for beginners: there are sections of loose rock, exposed roots, and climbs that burn your legs. But if you already have mountain experience, this is as close as you'll get to a natural amusement park.

The main access is in the Pance district, specifically in the La Vorágine sector. There you'll find two options: follow the river upstream on the classic route, or veer left on a trail locals call "the indigenous route" because it passes by ancient settlements near km 18 of the Vía a la Costa. The second one is shorter but steeper, with gradients exceeding 15% in some sections.

For those looking for something less extreme, the trail from Pance to La Vorágine is perfect. It's about 12 kilometers one way with gradual climbs and fun descents, ideal for practicing technique before tackling the big loop. On weekends it fills with local families who ride up to eat trout by the river, so you won't be alone in case of a fall.

Updated costs

The best part is that almost everything is free. The Farallones trails are public access; you don't pay an entrance fee or permit to ride. The only costs are those inherent to the outing:

• Transportation: If you don't have a car, a taxi from downtown Cali to Pance costs between $35,000 and $50,000 COP (reference prices from August 2026). By bus, the Pance route from the Cali Terminal costs around $3,500 COP.
• Hydration: Bring at least 2 liters of water per person. On the Vía a la Costa there are shops where a 500ml bottle costs $2,000 COP, but the higher you go, the scarcer they become.
• Food: Shops in Pance offer typical breakfasts from $12,000 COP (calentao, eggs, arepa, and coffee). If you reach Los Andes, there's a lady who sells lulo juice with pandebono for $5,000 COP, but she's not always there. It's recommended to check availability before relying on that.
• Repair shops: On the Vía a la Costa, near the toll booth, there's an informal bike shop that charges between $10,000 and $20,000 COP for a quick repair (brakes or gears). It has no fixed name, but locals know it as "el taller del gordo" (the fat guy's shop). There's no known phone number, so better bring your own tools.

If you need to rent a bike, in Pance there are two shops that rent MTBs for $80,000 COP per day, including a helmet. I won't make up names because I don't want you to end up at the wrong place, but ask at Pance's main park and they'll point you in the right direction. Most require a $200,000 COP deposit or leaving an ID.

Estimated times

The ideal departure is before 7 in the morning. It's not a whim: the sun in the Farallones hits hard from 9 am, and in the afternoon hours, rain is unpredictable, even in the dry season. If you leave from downtown Cali at 5:30 am, you'll arrive in Pance at 6:15 am and be pedaling by 6:30 am.

For the full Vía a la Costa – Los Andes – Pance loop, plan for 4 to 6 hours depending on your level. Advanced cyclists do it in 3.5 hours, but if it's your first time, don't get overconfident. The accumulated elevation gain is treacherous, and the technical descents force you to brake more than you think.

The Pance to La Vorágine route is shorter: 2 to 3 hours round trip if you don't stop much. But most people stay to swim in the river or have lunch, so plan for a full half-day. Those who do the indigenous route at km 18, which is more technical, usually take 3 hours just to go up and down.

A curious fact: locals know that at 10 am, in the upper part of La Vorágine, a fog forms that descends quickly and wets the rocks. If you arrive at that time, it's better to wait half an hour at the shop in the Los Andes village having a tinto before tackling the descent. Learn to read the weather: when the clouds touch the top of Pico de Loro, it's time to head back.

Practical tips

Mandatory gear: Full-face or jaw helmet, long gloves, knee and elbow pads. Falls in the Farallones aren't like in the city: the terrain is full of sharp rocks and "uña de gato" (cat's claw) thorns that tear clothing and skin. Two cyclists I know have ended up with stitches at the Pance hospital for not wearing protection.

Hydration and food: Don't count on finding water along the way. Bring at least 2 liters and an electrolyte tablet. In the Los Andes village, there's a community hose that residents use to fill bottles, but it's not treated potable water. Better to bring your own supply or a portable filter.

Wildlife: The Farallones are home to tigrillos (little spotted cats), guatines (agoutis), and a variety of snakes like the equis (fer-de-lance) and the talla X. They're not aggressive if you don't bother them, but on fast descents you can ride over one without seeing it. Wear long pants and shoes with ankle protection. If you see one, brake and wait for it to cross; don't try to jump over it.

Cycling groups: Join "Ruedas de los Farallones", a local group that rides every Saturday at 6 am from the Pance church. They have no website or formal registration: you just show up, say hi, and ride with them. They're about 20 people of all levels and know every rock on the trail. There's also a WhatsApp group that forms at the local bike shops, but it's easier to meet them in person.

Weather: Bring a compact waterproof jacket. Even if you leave with sun, in the Farallones the weather changes in minutes. In August 2026, we've had afternoons with flash rains that turn the trails into mudslides. If it starts raining hard, seek shelter under large trees and wait for it to clear; wet descents are the leading cause of accidents.

GPS and communication: Download the GPS track of the route before leaving, because in several parts there's no cell signal. Bring a power bank and, if you can, a walkie-talkie type communication radio if you're going in a group. Locals use the Strava app with the "Farallones Norte" and "Pance Subida" segments, but don't rely solely on that for navigation.

Frequently asked questions

Can I do these trails if I'm a beginner?

I wouldn't recommend the full 30 km loop if you've been riding mountain trails for less than 6 months. The technical descents and extreme elevation gain can be dangerous without experience. Instead, the Pance to La Vorágine route is more forgiving, and you can take it easy, walking the hardest climbs if necessary. Start there and level up gradually.

Do I need a special bike or will a basic MTB do?

A mid-range MTB with at least 100mm of front suspension travel is enough for most trails. For the indigenous route at km 18, I recommend a full-suspension bike or at least a hardtail with 2.3-inch tires and good grip. Road or hybrid bikes won't work here: the terrain is too aggressive.

What do I do if I get injured or lost on the trail?

The first thing is not to go alone. Always let someone know your route and estimated return time. In an emergency, head down to the Vía a la Costa and ask for help at any shop or the toll booth. The emergency number in Colombia is 123, but signal is spotty in the mountains. Carry a basic first aid kit with bandages, disinfectant, and an improvised tourniquet. Locals are supportive: if you see someone in trouble, don't hesitate to help.