El Peñón: forgotten paths among mansions

A neighborhood with plenty of history

If there is a neighborhood in Cali that breathes elegance without shouting it, that is El Peñón. It is not the oldest in the city — we leave that to San Antonio and La Merced — but it is the one that best preserves that mid-20th century atmosphere, when traditional Cali families began moving from the old city to the western slopes. We are talking about the 50s and 60s, when the local upper class built houses with high ceilings, internal patios, and facades that combined the Republican style with modernist touches. The result is a neighborhood that looks like an open-air museum, with steep streets, leafy trees, and a silence that contrasts with the noise of Avenida Roosevelt.

But what many do not know — and here we tell you — is that among those mansions there is a world of pedestrian paths, hidden stairways, and passages that few know. They are not routes for extreme trekking, but urban walks that take you through corners where time seems to have stopped. In May 2026, El Peñón is still a lively place, with neighbors who care for their gardens and tourists who get lost among its streets. If you are an urban hiker, architecture photographer, or simply a curious person, this article is for you.

What to do: the forgotten paths among mansions

El Peñón does not have a single marked path. The charm is in discovering them by walking. Here we leave you five pedestrian routes that are worth it, with practical details so you do not get lost (or get lost on purpose, which is also part of the plan).

1. Stairway of Calle 2A with Carrera 2

This is the classic one that every peñonero knows. It starts at the intersection of Calle 2A with Carrera 2, right next to a house with a white facade and black railings. It is about 50 steps that go up between private gardens and walls covered in bougainvillea. The climb is short but steep, perfect for stretching your legs after a coffee in the area. From the top, you have a partial view of downtown Cali and, if the day is clear, even the Cerro de las Tres Cruces.

Fun fact: this stairway was built in the 60s as pedestrian access for the workers of the houses, who lived in the neighborhoods further down. Today it is a meeting point for neighbors who go down to buy bread at the corner store.

• Location: Calle 2A with Carrera 2, El Peñón.
• Recommended time: 6:00 am to 8:00 pm. Avoid after dark for safety.
• Difficulty: Low. Any person in normal physical condition can climb it.

2. Passage of Carrera 1 between Calles 3 and 4

This passage is a well-kept secret. It does not appear on Google Maps by name, but locals know it as "the jasmine alley." It is a pedestrian corridor about 200 meters long that connects Carrera 1 with Carrera 2, bordering the side walls of several mansions. The floor is old cobblestone, and on the sides there are high railings where vines hang. In the rainy season, the smell of wet earth and jasmine is unmistakable.

The best thing about this passage is that there is no car traffic. Only silence, birds, and, if you are lucky, a cat sleeping on a windowsill. It is ideal for architecture photos: the facades of the houses have details in carved wood and stained glass that few notice from the main street.

• Location: Carrera 1, between Calles 3 and 4, El Peñón.
• Recommended time: 8:00 am to 6:00 pm.
• Difficulty: Very low. Flat and shaded path.

3. Stairway of Calle 5 with Carrera 2A

This stairway is less known than the one on Calle 2A, but it has more character. It is about 80 steps that go up from Calle 5 to Carrera 2A, passing behind a house that looks like it came out of a 70s movie. The staircase is flanked by exposed brick walls and, at the top, there is an improvised viewpoint with a concrete bench. From there you see the roofs of the houses of El Peñón and, in the background, the silhouette of Cerro de la Bandera.

Fun fact: some neighbors say this stairway was used by the children of wealthy families to sneak down to buy candy at the store on Calle 5, which still exists and is called "La Esquinita."

• Location: Calle 5 with Carrera 2A, El Peñón.
• Recommended time: 7:00 am to 7:00 pm.
• Difficulty: Medium. The steps are uneven and some are worn.

4. Pedestrian path of Carrera 3 between Calles 2 and 3

This is not a hidden path, but a pedestrian street that many ignore because it is half a block from Avenida Roosevelt. Carrera 3, in that section, is narrow and has a single lane for cars, but the sidewalk is wide and lined with mango trees. The interesting thing is that, if you walk slowly, you find solid wooden gates that belong to houses dating from the 50s. Some have plaques with the year of construction: 1953, 1957, 1962.

This section is perfect for photographers because the afternoon light filters through the branches and creates a dappled effect on the facades. Also, there is a house on the corner with Calle 2 that has a colorful stained glass window depicting a landscape of the Valle del Cauca. It is worth stopping to look at it.

• Location: Carrera 3, between Calles 2 and 3, El Peñón.
• Recommended time: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.
• Difficulty: Low. Flat and well-paved terrain.

5. Path of the Quebrada El Peñón (access via Calle 1)

This is the most adventurous on the list. Behind the mansions on Calle 1, right where the neighborhood ends and the hillside begins, there is a dirt path that goes down towards the Quebrada El Peñón. It is not an official path, but neighbors have kept it clean for years. The path is about 300 meters, with a steep descent through bushes and rocks. At the end, you reach a small concrete bridge that crosses the stream. The water runs clear and, if you go in the dry season, you can sit on the rocks and listen to the sound of the water.

Fun fact: this stream was the water source for the first houses of El Peñón, before the municipal aqueduct arrived. Today it is a refuge for birds like blackbirds and hummingbirds.

• Location: Calle 1, at the end of the neighborhood, El Peñón.
• Recommended time: 6:00 am to 4:00 pm. Do not go after heavy rains due to risk of landslides.
• Difficulty: High. Uneven terrain, with slope and loose stones. Wear closed-toe shoes.

Where to eat or drink near the paths

After walking, hunger and thirst arrive. El Peñón does not have as many restaurants as San Antonio or Granada, but there are options that are worth it, especially if you are looking for home-style cooking or a coffee with a view.

Café El Peñón (Carrera 2 with Calle 3)

A neighborhood café with tables on the sidewalk. They serve black coffee, cappuccino, and pipián empanadas. It is the meeting point for neighbors after the morning walk. Prices: from $4,000 COP for a black coffee. Open Monday to Saturday, 7:00 am to 8:00 pm.

Restaurante La Casa de las Recetas (Calle 4 with Carrera 1)

A small place, hidden in an old house. The menu changes every week, but there is always bandeja paisa, sancocho de gallina, and natural juices. The portions are generous. Prices: dishes from $18,000 COP. Open Tuesday to Sunday, 12:00 pm to 9:00 pm.

Panadería El Trigal (Carrera 3 with Calle 2)

If you want something quick, this bakery has pan de bono, almojábanas, and freshly baked pandebono. They also sell coffee with milk and hot chocolates. Prices: from $2,000 COP. Open every day, 6:00 am to 10:00 pm.

How to get there and transportation

El Peñón is on the western slope of Cali, near the historic center. Getting there is easy from any point in the city.

• By bus: Routes that go along Avenida Roosevelt (like T47 or P21) drop you off at the entrance of the neighborhood. From there, you walk 5 minutes uphill.
• By taxi or Uber: Ask to be dropped off at the corner of Calle 5 with Carrera 2. The trip from downtown costs between $8,000 and $12,000 COP.
• By private car: The neighborhood has narrow streets and little parking. Better to park on Avenida Roosevelt and walk up.
• On foot: If you come from San Antonio, it is a 15-minute walk along Calle 5. You go up a gentle slope, but it is quick.

Local tips to enjoy it to the fullest

• Bring water and a hat: The sun in Cali hits hard, even in May. The stairways have no shade during peak hours.
• Wear comfortable shoes: The cobblestones and uneven steps can be treacherous with high heels or smooth soles.
• Respect privacy: The houses are private residences. Do not enter gardens or take photos of open windows or doors without permission.
• Get up early: The paths are quieter between 6:00 am and 9:00 am. Afterwards, the movement of cars and people begins.
• Bring a camera, but without flash: Natural light is the best ally to capture the architecture. Flash can bother the neighbors.
• Do not go alone at night: El Peñón is generally safe, but the stairways and passages are poorly lit. Better in a group after 7:00 pm.

Frequently asked questions

Is it safe to walk the paths of El Peñón?

Yes, it is generally safe during the day. The neighborhood has private security on several streets and the neighbors are attentive. However, as in any urban area, avoid carrying valuables in sight and do not use the paths after dark, especially the stairway on Calle 5 and the path to the stream.

Do you need to pay to walk the paths?

No, all the paths and stairways mentioned are free public access. El Peñón is a residential neighborhood, not a theme park. Just respect the rules of coexistence and do not block garage entrances or gates.

Are there public restrooms nearby?

There are no public restrooms in the neighborhood. It is best to go to the bathroom before arriving, or ask at Café El Peñón or Panadería El Trigal, where they usually let customers who buy something use the restroom.