Cali unfolds between mountains, as if the city itself were a valley breathing among hills. It's not just a flat city; it's a territory that rises at strategic points to gift us perspectives that change according to the time of day, the light, the mood. Cali's viewpoints are those places where geography becomes visual poetry, where one can understand why this city is called 'heaven's branch office'.
The 7 Essential Viewpoints of Cali
1. Three Crosses Hill
Location: Cerro Los Cristales, east of the city
Access: You can reach by private car up to a certain point, then a roughly 45-minute walk along marked trails. There are also guided tours.
Hours: Recommended to visit during the day, preferably in the morning (6:00 am - 4:00 pm)
Views: Complete panoramic view of Cali, with the Cauca River winding in the background and the mountains of Valle del Cauca as a backdrop. From here you can appreciate how the city divides into north and south, with neighborhoods climbing the slopes.
2. San Antonio Viewpoint
Location: San Antonio neighborhood, near the historic church
Access: Easy access walking from the neighborhood's main park
Hours: All day, but the best views are at sunset (4:00 pm - 6:30 pm)
Views: View of Cali's historic center, with San Pedro Cathedral and colonial buildings. Perfect for photos with the orange sunset sky.
3. Christ the King Viewpoint
Location: Cerro Los Cristales, near the Christ the King monument
Access: Paved road to the base of the monument
Hours: 8:00 am - 6:00 pm daily
Views: 360-degree view that includes southern Cali, Jamundí, and the mountains of the Western Cordillera. The monument itself is an iconic photographic spot.
4. La Colina Viewpoint
Location: La Colina neighborhood, northern sector
Access: Public transportation to the neighborhood, then a short walk
Hours: 24-hour free access
Views: Privileged view of northern Cali, with modern buildings and shopping centers. At night, the city lights create a particular spectacle.
5. River Viewpoint
Location: Circunvalar Avenue, near the Cauca River
Access: Easy access by car, with parking available
Hours: 6:00 am - 8:00 pm
Views: Direct view of the Cauca River and adjacent neighborhoods. Ideal for observing river activity and water sports.
6. Loma de la Cruz Viewpoint
Location: Siloé neighborhood, western sector
Access: Stairs from the neighborhood (approximately 200 steps) or car via alternate route
Hours: Recommended to visit during the day
Views: View of western Cali and surrounding hills. This viewpoint offers a different, more intimate perspective with popular neighborhoods.
7. Intercontinental Hotel Viewpoint
Location: 23rd floor of the Intercontinental Hotel Cali
Access: Access to the hotel bar, even for non-guests
Hours: Bar open from 5:00 pm to 11:00 pm
Views: Elevated view of the entire city, perfect for enjoying a drink as night falls over Cali.
Tips for Visiting the Viewpoints
Best time: Sunrises at Three Crosses Hill are magical, while sunsets at San Antonio are the most photographed. To avoid crowds, weekday mornings are ideal.
Safety: Visiting in groups is advisable, especially for more remote viewpoints. Carry only essentials and be aware of your surroundings. More touristy viewpoints like San Antonio and Christ the King have better surveillance.
Transportation: For higher viewpoints like Three Crosses, consider organized tours. For urban ones like San Antonio, walking from downtown is part of the experience. Public transportation reaches near most viewpoints.
Suggested Route for a Day of Viewpoints
Start early at Three Crosses Hill for sunrise. Descend and head to San Antonio Viewpoint for breakfast at a neighborhood cafe. In the afternoon, visit Christ the King and end at the Intercontinental Hotel to see the city illuminated.
Additional Experiences Near Each Viewpoint
Near San Antonio: Visit the historic church, art galleries, and traditional restaurants.
Near Christ the King: Ecological hiking trails and handicraft shops.
Near the River: Bike path and spaces for outdoor sports.
Near La Colina: Restaurants with terraces and nightlife.
Cali's viewpoints are not just geographic points; they are silent witnesses to a city that grows, breathes, transforms. Each visit offers a new perspective, as if the city itself reinvents itself before our eyes. Share your photos from Cali's viewpoints on social media with the hashtag #MiradoresCali and be part of this visual conversation that never ends.
