What is an archaeological bike ride and why does it only happen in Cali?
Picture this: it's 9 PM, the heat of the day has subsided, and instead of being stuck in traffic or at a bar, you're pedaling up a dark hill with a group of strangers. Suddenly, someone slows down and points a red flashlight at a seemingly ordinary rock. But it's not: it has carvings of spirals and geometric figures etched by the first inhabitants of the Valle del Cauca over a thousand years ago. That, exactly, is a nighttime archaeological bike ride. And although it sounds like something out of a movie, in Cali it's done for real, almost in secret, for about three years now.
The movement was born from a group of urban cyclists who got tired of the traditional routes (Champagnat, Ciudad Jardín, the same old grind) and started exploring the city's guardian hills with a different focus: searching for petroglyphs, remnants of indigenous trails, and pre-Columbian viewpoints that most locals don't even know exist. Since official archaeology hasn't done much to mark these sites, the cyclists themselves have become informal guardians. And because the city government doesn't regulate these routes, everything operates under the radar, in closed WhatsApp or Facebook groups.
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If you're a tourist or a local wanting to experience Cali in a way that even tour guides don't know about, here's what you need to know to join without putting your foot in it.
Available Options
The Secret WhatsApp and Facebook Groups
There is no official page or public event on Instagram. The only way to find out is to get into the right groups. The main one is called "Cali Pedalea Historias" on WhatsApp, with about 200 active members. There's also the Facebook group "Bicicletada Arqueológica Cali", but it's less active. To get into the WhatsApp group, the easiest way is to ask at bike shops downtown or at Parque de la Caña on weekends, where they often leave flyers with a QR code. You can also search for "Pedro Nel Ospina" on Facebook (an amateur historian who organizes most of the routes) and send him a direct message asking for the link.
Callouts are made with a maximum of three days' notice, almost always on Thursdays or Fridays, and the capacity is limited to 30 people to avoid drawing attention. If you see the post, reply fast: they fill up in hours.
Self-Guided Routes (If You Can't Find a Group)
If you can't get into the group, you can do the route on your own. The classic route is marked with phosphorescent paint (green) that the cyclists themselves have put on posts and trees. However, don't expect to find anyone explaining the petroglyphs to you. Download the map on Google Maps with the terrain layer activated, because cell signal is lost in several parts of Cerro de la Bandera.
Updated Costs
The archaeological bike rides are completely free. No one charges an entry fee or registration fee. The organizers do it for the love of it and because they believe heritage should be accessible. However, there are indirect costs you should consider (reference prices from May 2026):
- Bicycle: If you don't have one, you can rent one at Cali Bike Tours (near Plazoleta Jairo Varela) for about $25,000 COP per night. Make sure it has gears, because the climbs are tough.
- Lights: A basic set of front and rear LED lights costs from $15,000 COP on Calle 13 (the pedestrian bike street). Don't skimp: the route is completely dark.
- Hydration and snacks: Bring at least 1 liter of water and something to eat (fruit or granola). There are no stores on the route.
- Return Transportation: If you don't have the energy to pedal back, a taxi with a bike rack from Cerro de la Bandera to downtown costs about $12,000 COP.
Estimated Times
The classic route lasts between 3 and 4 hours, depending on the group's pace and how long they stop at each archaeological site. The meeting point is usually at 8:00 p.m. at Plaza de San Antonio (in front of the church). From there, the route goes like this:
- 8:15 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.: Climb from San Antonio to Barrio Obrero, passing through Calle 5 and then Carrera 1. This is the toughest part, with gradients of up to 15%.
- 9:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.: Stop at Mirador de los Petroglifos, right behind the old water tank in Barrio Obrero. There are three rocks with spirals and anthropomorphic figures.
- 9:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.: Final ascent to Cerro de la Bandera. The group advances in silence. At the top, there is an improvised indigenous altar (candles, flowers, offerings) maintained by the cyclists.
- 10:30 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.: Controlled descent to Parque de la Caña, where some stay to grab a drink at the local shops.
Recommended Gear
You don't need to be a mountain bike expert, but you should bring the following to avoid getting stranded or ruining the group's experience:
- Powerful lights: A headlamp (miner-style) and a flashing red rear light. 70% of the route has no street lighting.
- Patches and air pump: The trails have loose stones and thorns. If you get a flat tire and don't have a patch, you'll have to walk.
- Cell phone with red flashlight: Why red? Because white light scares away nocturnal animals (bats, opossums) and can ruin the group's night vision. Plus, it respects the dark atmosphere the petroglyphs require.
- Comfortable, cool clothing: Long shorts (to avoid scrapes if you fall) and a light long-sleeved shirt. Mosquitoes on the hill can be intense.
- Small backpack: For water, food, and a raincoat in case it rains (in Cali, rains are unpredictable even in May).
Unwritten Rules
This is what separates a respectful participant from a tourist no one wants to invite back:
- Total silence upon reaching the petroglyphs: No talking, no music, no white lights. The idea is to listen to the wind and feel the place as it was felt centuries ago.
- Do not touch the carved rocks: The oil from your hands accelerates erosion. If you want a better look, use the red flashlight at a grazing angle so the shadows highlight the carvings.
- Do not share exact locations on social media: The organizers insist on not posting coordinates or geotagged photos. The reason? They've had problems with looters stealing stones or painting graffiti over the petroglyphs. If you post something, do it days later and without tagging the location.
- If you find an artifact (a pot, a stone tool, a bone): Do not touch it. Take a photo with the red flashlight, mark the point on your GPS, and notify the organizer. They have contacts with archaeologists from Universidad del Valle who can make the official record.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to do this at night in Cali?
The group always stays together, and the organizers know the area inside and out. There have been no robberies on the routes so far, but as with any nighttime outing in Cali, it's best not to display valuables and keep your phone put away. The route avoids dangerous areas and stays in the hills, where the risk is more from falls than from insecurity.
Can I go if I don't have a mountain bike?
Yes, but with caution. A city bike (urban or fixie) can make the climb if you're in good shape, but the descent is technical and has loose stones. If you're not sure of your skills, it's better to rent a mountain bike. The group waits for the slowest riders, but no one wants to be the one who has an accident in the middle of the night.
Practical Tips
If you decide to join the nighttime 'archaeological bike rides' in Cali, here are some practical tips to make the most of this unique experience.
Comfortable Footwear
Insider Tip: Use sneakers that allow you to pedal easily. The terrain can be uneven in some areas, so make sure your footwear has good grip. Many local cyclists prefer footwear they can also use for their daily activities, allowing them to move around easily after the ride.
Hydration
Insider Tip: Always carry a water bottle. Cali's climate can be warm even at night, and it's easy to get dehydrated while pedaling. Some cycling groups often stop at small local kiosks to buy agua de panela, a refreshing and energizing drink very popular in the city.
Lights and Reflectors
Insider Tip: Make sure your bike is equipped with front and rear lights. This will not only help you see better but also make you visible to others. In Cali, some local shops offer bike rentals with these features already installed, which can be useful if you don't want to bring your own.
Alternative Routes
Insider Tip: Knowing less-traveled routes can be key to enjoying the experience. Ask local guides about trails that offer panoramic views of the city. Some cyclists recommend the route to Cerro de las Tres Cruces, which offers a stunning view of Cali at dusk.
Joining Local Groups
Insider Tip: Look for cycling groups on social media. Many of them organize nighttime outings and can offer an authentic perspective of Cali's cycling culture. Connecting with locals will allow you not only to pedal but also to make new friends and see the city in a different way.