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If you think you need to be an expert with a 10 million peso bike to ride through the Farallones, I have news for you: that's not the case. A couple of years ago, a group of local cyclists started the BTT Farallones Cali, a WhatsApp club that now has over 200 members and organizes rides every Saturday at dawn. Most of those who join have never done mountain biking before, and the group is designed precisely for that: so anyone can join without pressure.
The star route for beginners is the Sendero del Chilco, an 8-kilometer ride with a cumulative elevation gain of 300 meters. It's not flat, but it's not a killer climb either. The departure is at 6:00 am from the entrance of the Vía al Mar, right where the path to the Farallones begins. There you'll be greeted by Mono, the group leader, a guy who knows every stone on the trail and never leaves anyone behind.
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If you don't have a mountain bike, no problem. At the Rodada Libre shop, located near the Universidad del Valle, they rent mountain bikes for 40,000 COP per day. It includes a basic helmet, but I recommend bringing your own gloves and requesting the bike at least one day in advance because they go fast.
To join the group, you just need to DM the club's Instagram account (look them up as @bttfarallonescali) or contact Mono directly at the number I provide below. The fee per ride is symbolic: 5,000 COP, which is used to pay for personal accident medical insurance during the route. That's it.
Updated costs
These are the reference prices as of May 2026. Keep in mind they may vary slightly depending on the season, but they remain stable:
- Club ride fee: 5,000 COP (includes day's medical insurance). Paid in cash to Mono at the start of the route.
- Mountain bike rental (Rodada Libre): 40,000 COP per day. Includes basic helmet. Address: Cra 100 #5-55, near Universidad del Valle. Hours: Monday to Saturday, 8am-6pm.
- Transportation by MIO: 2,600 COP per trip (2026 fare). You need to get to the Menga terminal and then walk 10 minutes to the entrance of the Vía al Mar.
- Water and snacks: Bring at least 2 liters of water (buy at any D1 store for 2,000 COP per liter) and a fruit or energy bar. There are no shops on the trail.
- Gloves and protection: If you don't have any, Rodada Libre sells basic gloves from 15,000 COP. It's not mandatory, but it helps a lot.
If you're coming from outside Cali, add the cost of a taxi or Uber from the airport to the Menga terminal (about 25,000 COP on average).
Estimated times
The departure is sharp at 6:00 am. The complete Sendero del Chilco route takes between 2 hours and 2 and a half hours, depending on the group's pace and stops for photos or to help someone who gets off their bike. Mono always stops at the creek section, where it's common to see toucans and howler monkeys. That adds about 15 extra minutes.
If you rent the bike at Rodada Libre, plan to pick it up on Friday afternoon (they're open until 6pm) or very early Saturday (they open at 8am, but you'd have to arrive after the departure). The most practical thing is to pick it up on Friday and return it on Saturday at noon.
The return to the starting point is around 9:00 am. From there, you can take a MIO bus back to the city or stay for breakfast at a stall on the Vía al Mar (there are empanadas and coffee from 3,000 COP).
Practical tips
- Arrive 15 minutes early. The departure is at 6:00 am sharp. If you're late, the group has already left and there's no cell signal on the trail to catch up.
- Wear breathable, brightly colored clothing. In the forest there is fog until 7:30 am, and bright colors help you stay in sight.
- Don't forget the water. The 300-meter elevation gain is felt on the climb, and in the Farallón the sun hits hard after 8 am. Two liters is the minimum.
- Bring a camera or phone with good battery. The creek section where toucans are seen is one of the most photogenic spots in Cali. There's also a natural viewpoint halfway through the ride with a view of the city.
- If you're a beginner, don't rush. Mono always leaves an experienced cyclist at the back of the group to make sure no one is left behind. Also, during the ride he gives free basic mechanics tips: how to change a tire, adjust brakes, and climb slopes without burning your legs.
- Check the weather the night before. If it has rained heavily, the trail becomes slippery. The group announces via WhatsApp if the ride is canceled or changed to a flatter route.
- Mono's direct contact: His number is 315 678 9012 (WhatsApp). Write to him before Friday noon to confirm your spot and so he can add you to the WhatsApp group if you're not already in it.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to have mountain biking experience to join?
No. The BTT Farallones Cali group is open to anyone who knows how to ride a bike on a flat road. The Sendero del Chilco has technical sections, but Mono and the other cyclists guide you step by step. The only requirement is that you bring a mountain bike (not a road or city bike) and have basic physical fitness to pedal 8 km with climbs.
What happens if I have a medical emergency on the trail?
That's why the 5,000 COP medical insurance fee is charged. The group has a basic first aid kit and at least two people with first aid knowledge. Additionally, the insurance covers personal accidents during the route (falls, fractures, etc.). In case of a serious emergency, Mono coordinates rescue with the Civil Defense, which has a base on the hill.
Can I bring my children or someone who doesn't speak Spanish?
Yes, but with conditions. Children under 14 must be accompanied by a responsible adult and wear a helmet and knee pads. Regarding language, Mono speaks basic English and several group members are bilingual. If the foreigner doesn't speak any Spanish, it's recommended they bring a cell phone with Google Translate downloaded. The group is very welcoming to tourists.