Introduction: Menga is not just a neighborhood, it's a journey through time
If you live in Cali and think you know all the bike routes, I have a surprise for you: Menga. North of the city, behind the noise of the Autopista Suroriental and the shopping malls, there is a corridor of pastures, bahareque houses, and dirt roads that few know about. It is not an ecological park or a Sunday bike path. It is a living neighborhood, with the smell of wet grass, horses grazing at dawn, and community washhouses that still tell stories from the early 20th century. In May 2026, this route remains one of the best-kept secrets of local tourism in Cali.
This article is for urban cyclists who want to get off the asphalt, families with children looking for a quiet ride, and neighborhood photographers chasing the golden light of six in the morning. Here I tell you point by point how to put the ride together, what to see, where to stop, and how not to miss the details that make Menga a special place.
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Starting point: Menga Central Park (before dawn)
The meeting point is at Menga Central Park, right where Carrera 8N meets Calle 70. Arrive before 6 a.m., when the sky is still gray and the roosters start to crow. You don't need an expensive mountain bike; a hybrid or road bike with slightly wider tires will do. The park has a couple of benches and a store that opens early to fill up on water and buy a strong black coffee.
This park is the heart of the neighborhood. Around it are low houses, some with exposed brick facades and others with clay tiles. If you come by car, you can park on the street without any problem. If you come by bike from downtown, it's about a 20-minute ride along Carrera 8. The terrain is flat, ideal for warming up your legs.
Why before dawn
The light at 6 a.m. in Menga is a gift. The sun rises behind the eastern hills and bathes the pastures in an orange tone that lasts only 20 minutes. Also, the highway traffic hasn't started yet, and the only sounds are the birds and the engine of a distant tractor. It is the perfect moment to feel that Cali is a big town.
Route: 5 key stops along the way
The complete route is about 8 kilometers total, round trip from the park. There are no steep climbs, but there are sections of loose dirt and small stones. Bring a camera or a fully charged phone, because each stop deserves a photo. These are the five stops you can't miss:
1. Old sugar mill of the Arboleda family
As soon as you leave the park, take Calle 72 west. About 500 meters ahead, on the left side, there is a half-collapsed adobe structure with a rusty mill wheel. It is the old sugar mill of the Arboleda family, which operated until the 1960s. There, sugarcane was ground to make panela that was sold throughout northern Cali. Today only the walls and the wheel remain, but the neighbors still say the smell of sugarcane honey could be felt for several blocks.
Do not enter the property without permission; it can be seen well from the street. It is a good place to explain to children how panela was produced before factories existed.
2. Community washhouse on 73rd Street
Continuing straight, you reach Calle 73 with Carrera 9. There is a concrete community washhouse that some ladies from the neighborhood still use. It has three water basins that spring from a natural source. In the 1940s, this was the meeting point for the women of Menga to wash clothes, share gossip, and raise their children while they worked. Today the water still flows, clear and cold.
If you are lucky, Doña Bertha, who lives next door, will offer you a lemonade and tell you what the neighborhood was like when there was no aqueduct. It is a place that screams local history and that few tourists know about.
3. Bahareque house from 1910
On Carrera 8A with Calle 74, there is a bahareque house that looks like it came out of a book on popular architecture. It has a clay tile roof, cane and mud walls, and a corridor with pots of geraniums. It was built by Don Eusebio Mina in 1910, when Menga was nothing but bush and pasture. The house is inhabited by his grandchildren, who keep it almost intact. If you knock on the door respectfully, they sometimes let you into the yard to see the wood-fired oven where they still make arepas.
It is the best example of bahareque architecture left in Cali. Most similar houses were demolished in the 1970s to build gated communities. This one survives because the family refused to sell.
4. Horse pasture of the Moreno family
Advance two more blocks north, to where the pavement turns into a dirt road. On the right, there is a large pasture with about ten horses grazing. They belong to the Moreno family, who have been breeding paso fino horses since the 1950s. There is no electric fence or signs; only a wooden gate that children can open carefully.
The horses are tame and will let you pet them if you bring an apple or carrot. It is a stop that delights the little ones. The pasture has a spectacular view of Cerro de la Bandera, and in the background you can see the city skyline. If you bring a blanket, you can sit on the grass and have breakfast.
5. Cali River viewpoint
The last stop is a natural viewpoint over the Cali River, right where the water curves before entering the urban area. To get there, follow the dirt road to the end, about 800 meters past the pasture. There is a dirt trail that goes down about 50 meters to the shore. The river runs clean in this part, with large rocks and shallow pools where children can dip their feet.
From the viewpoint you can see the river canyon and, if the day is clear, even Pico de Loro. It is a quiet place, with no vendors or crowds. Bring water and something to eat, as there are no stores nearby. It is the perfect point to turn around and head back to the park.
Local historical facts: why it was called 'Menga'
The name 'Menga' does not come from any famous character or an indigenous word. The neighborhood elders say that, at the end of the 19th century, a woman named Menga (diminutive of Carmen) had a roadside inn at the crossroads between Cali and Yumbo. The muleteers who carried coffee and tobacco to the port of Buenaventura would stop there. Menga's inn was famous for its chicken sancocho and well-chilled guarapo. Over time, people began to say "I'm going to Menga's place," and the name stuck to the territory.
There are no official records or documents to confirm this, but the oral history is consistent. What is recorded is that Menga was a corregimiento of Cali until 1954, when it was annexed as a neighborhood. Its streets were dirt, and most of the houses were bahareque with thatched roofs. The first aqueduct arrived in 1962, and electricity in 1970. That explains why there are still so many vacant lots and pastures: urban growth came late.
A curious fact: in the 1930s, Menga was a leisure destination for Cali families who wanted to escape the heat of downtown. They arrived in carts or on horseback, and spent the day bathing in the river and eating under the trees. Today, almost a century later, the bike route revives that tradition.
Bike tips: terrain, traffic and best times
This is not a route for road bikes with slick tires. The best times are between 5:30 a.m. and 9:00 a.m., when the sun is not too strong and vehicular traffic is minimal. After 10 a.m., cars start circulating on the dirt roads, kicking up dust. If you go with children, leave early and plan to be back before noon.
Terrain
- Asphalt: Only the main streets (Carrera 8N, Calle 70) are paved. That's about 2 km in total.
- Compact dirt: Most of the route is a dirt road with small stones. A mountain or hybrid bike with front suspension is ideal.
- Loose dirt trail: The last stretch to the river viewpoint has sand and loose stones. Reduce speed and keep your weight back.
Traffic
Traffic is almost non-existent in the morning. The only vehicles you will see are farm pickups, neighbors' motorcycles, and the occasional school bus. There are no traffic lights or signs on the dirt roads. Be careful on the curves and carry a bell or horn to announce your presence.
What to bring
- Water (at least 1 liter per person)
- Snacks (fruit, granola, arepas)
- Sunscreen and cap
- Camera or phone with battery
- Basic bike repair kit (tube, patches, pump)
- Blanket to sit on in the pasture or at the viewpoint
Where to hydrate and buy fruit
At Menga Central Park there is a store called Tienda El Parque, which opens at 5:30 a.m. They sell water, sodas, coffee, pan de bono, and sandwiches. The prices are neighborhood prices: a black coffee costs $1,500 COP and a pan de bono costs $1,000 COP (reference prices from May 2026).
Mid-route, at the corner of Calle 73 and Carrera 9, there is a fruit cart that Doña Lucía sets up from 7 a.m. She sells mangoes, papayas, bananas, and natural juices. A glass of lulo juice costs $2,000 COP. It is the best stop to rehydrate before reaching the viewpoint.
At the end of the route, at the river viewpoint, there is no commerce. Bring everything you need from the start. If you run out of water, you can ask at a house along the way; the neighbors are friendly and will fill your bottle for free.
Local tips
- Go in a group: The route is safe, but it's always better to ride with company. Also, children have more fun if they go with other children.
- Don't use headphones: The sound of the birds, the river, and the horses is part of the experience. Leave the headphones at home.
- Respect the properties: The bahareque houses and pastures are private. Do not enter without permission and do not leave trash.
- Bring cash: The neighborhood stores do not always accept cards or Nequi. Bring small bills.
- Check the weather: If it rained the night before, the dirt road may be muddy. Better reschedule for a dry day.
- Download the map: To avoid getting lost, download the free route map at malokal.com/en/routes/menga and join the guided ride on the first Sunday of every month at 6 a.m. The ride is free and led by a Menga local who knows every nook and cranny.
Frequently asked questions
Is the route suitable for young children?
Yes, as long as the children have experience riding on dirt. The route is flat and has no heavy traffic. Children under 6 can go in a bike seat or trailer. Bring plenty of water and sunscreen, and plan frequent stops so they don't get tired.
Can the route be done at any time of year?
The best time is between December and March, when there is less rain. From April to November, rains can leave the dirt road muddy and the trail to the viewpoint slippery. If you go during the rainy season, check the forecast the day before and bring waterproof clothing.
Are there any safety risks in the area?
Menga is a quiet neighborhood with a low incidence of theft. However, as in any place in Cali, do not leave your bike unattended or valuables in sight. It is advisable to go in a group and avoid wearing jewelry or expensive equipment. The neighbors are friendly and will help you if you have any problems.
Where can I get the route map?
The free map is available at malokal.com/en/routes/menga. It includes the coordinates of each stop, reference photos, and contact information for the local guide. You can also download it before you leave to use it offline.
Can I do the route by car or motorcycle?
Yes, but it's not the same. The route is designed for bicycles. By car, you would only reach the horse pasture, because the trail to the viewpoint is too narrow for vehicles. By motorcycle, you can do the whole route, but you lose the experience of feeling the wind and the smells of the countryside.
What to do
Ride the Menga route
The Menga route is full of natural beauty and hidden corners. Enjoy a quiet ride through the pastures and bahareque houses. Make sure to bring your camera; the landscapes are ideal for capturing the essence of the Cali countryside.
Insider Tip: Leave early in the morning to avoid the heat and enjoy the tranquility before the area gets crowded. Bring water and snacks, as you won't find many stores along the way.
Visit Plaza de la Paz
This square is a meeting point for cyclists and an ideal place to rest after your ride. Here you can find several options for a light bite and enjoy the local atmosphere.
Insider Tip: Try a refreshing sugarcane juice from one of the street vendors. It is a typical drink that will give you energy to continue your day.
Explore the trails of Parque de los Gatos
This park is a perfect space to enjoy nature and relax a bit. There are trails ideal for bicycles and a variety of cat sculptures that give the place a unique touch.
Insider Tip: Bring a picnic. There are shaded areas where you can sit and enjoy the view while you rest for a while.
Where to eat or drink
La Fonda de la Plaza
This place is known for its cozy atmosphere and delicious typical food. Try the beef empanadas and the bandeja paisa, they are a must. Insider Tip: Go early to secure a table on the terrace, where you can enjoy the breeze while you eat.
El Rincón de los Abuelos
A restaurant that stands out for its home-style dishes and customer service. Here the ajiaco is prepared with love and will make you feel at home. Insider Tip: Don't leave without trying the tres leches dessert, a delight that perfectly complements the experience.
How to get there and transport
To get to Menga by bike, there are several routes you can consider, depending on your starting point. Here are some practical tips and transport options that will make your journey easier.
Public transport
If you don't have your own bike, you can use the public transport system. The bus routes that go north usually get you close to the Menga area. Make sure to ask the driver if they pass near the Autopista Suroriental, as from there you can start your ride towards Menga.
Bike route from downtown
One of the most recommended routes is to leave from downtown Cali. Take Avenida 5 north, and upon reaching Calle 52, turn east. From there, you can continue to the Autopista Suroriental and proceed to Menga. It is a ride of approximately 10 km, ideal for enjoying the urban landscape before entering more rural areas.
Access to Menga
Once you are in Menga, make sure to explore the streets adjacent to the main road. Many of these roads are less traveled and offer a quieter, more authentic experience. Don't forget to bring a map or use a navigation app so you don't get lost in this maze of pastures and bahareque houses.
Insider Tip: Bring a bottle of water and some snacks with you, as you may not find many stores along the route. Also, it's always a good idea to go with company if it's your first time in the area.