Menga on Foot: 5 Family-Named Houses That Tell the Hidden History
Menga wasn't always that neighborhood of gated communities and shopping malls you see today. Before the buildings arrived, these slopes were pastures, sugarcane fields, and resting grounds for Cali's oldest families. While the historic center filled up with republican houses and the Obrero neighborhood consolidated as the first popular development, Menga remained a belt of haciendas where surnames like Arboleda, Londoño, and Sánchez marked the landscape. You won't find nightclubs or partying here: this is a route to walk calmly, look up, and read the facades as if they were pages of a book no one has opened in decades.
Context: Menga as an Area of Haciendas and Founding Families
To understand Menga, you have to look at the Meléndez River. Before Avenida 3N and the Autopista Suroriental split the neighborhood in two, the river was the main road. Cali's wealthy families — those who controlled sugar cane, coffee, and politics — bought land along its course during the 19th and early 20th centuries. They built houses of bahareque and clay tile with enormous patios, private chapels, and orchards that supplied their owners and workers. Unlike neighborhoods like San Antonio or El Peñón, which densified quickly, Menga preserved its rural air well into the 1980s. Today, of those 30 or 40 original properties, only a few remain standing. Some are restored, others are falling apart, and many have been devoured by shopping malls or residential complexes. But if you know where to look, you can still find the traces.
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The Route of the 5 Family-Named Houses
This walk starts at Carrera 52 with Calle 14, goes up north bordering the Meléndez River, and ends near the old road to the sea. Wear comfortable shoes, bring water, and a charged cell phone to take photos. Don't expect museums open to the public: most are private properties. The charm lies in observing them from the sidewalk, looking for details, and understanding their history.
Casa de los Arboleda (Carrera 52 #14-25)
We start with the most well-known. The Casa de los Arboleda is one of the few that still preserves its original structure of cemented bahareque and clay tile. It was built at the end of the 19th century by the Arboleda family, one of the most powerful political dynasties in Valle del Cauca. Don Julio Arboleda, poet and former president, spent time here escaping the heat of downtown. The curious thing is that the current facade is not the original: in the 1940s, a fire destroyed the front part and it was rebuilt with exposed brick, leaving the back part intact. If you peek through the gate, you'll see a cobblestone patio with a water fountain that still works. The state of conservation is fair: the facade is painted, but the roof shows leaks. The house is still inhabited by descendants of the family, so respect their privacy. There is no commemorative plaque, but neighbors will tell you that a scene from a 1980s soap opera was filmed here.
Casa de los Londoño (Calle 15 #51-12)
Two blocks away, on Calle 15, is the Casa de los Londoño. This one is more modest but equally interesting. The Londoños were coffee merchants who arrived from Antioquia at the beginning of the 20th century. They built this house with tapia pisada, a technique used by indigenous people that the Antioquians adopted. The facade is a worn ochre color, with carved wooden windows that still have their original shutters. What makes it special is the eaves: it measures almost two meters wide and is supported by guadua beams. It is typical of houses in warm climates to protect from the sun and rain. Today the house is abandoned. A "For Sale" sign has been hanging for years. Inside, you can see weeds growing in the patio. It's sad, but it's also a perfect example of how abandonment can freeze a moment in time: the kitchen tiles, the hammock hooks, the door frames. Everything is still there, waiting for someone to give it a second life.
Casa de los Sánchez (Carrera 52 #14-08)
This is the gem of the route. The Casa de los Sánchez is on Carrera 52 #14-08, right where the climb north begins. The Sánchez family arrived in Menga in 1910, when Don Pedro Sánchez bought the land to grow sugarcane and raise cattle. The house he built is a rare mix of styles: it has a republican portico with Doric columns, but the windows are Moorish arches, probably influenced by a trip he made to Spain. The most impressive thing is the bricks on the facade. If you look closely, many have a watermark: a stamp with the initials "PS" and the year "1912". That mark was made by the same brickmakers who worked on the hacienda, using wooden molds. As of May 2026, the house is still standing, although the roof needs urgent repairs. The current owners allow people to approach and see the facade, but they don't let anyone inside. The CTA of this guide is simple: find the plaque for 'Casa de los Sánchez' on Carrera 52 #14-08 and look for the watermark on the original brick. If you find it, take a photo and share it. It's a piece of history that few people know about.
Casa de los Caicedo (Calle 14 #50-30)
Heading down towards the river, on Calle 14 with Carrera 50, is the Casa de los Caicedo. The Caicedos were a family of lawyers and judges who built this house in 1925. Unlike the previous ones, this one is neoclassical in style: symmetrical, with a triangular pediment above the door and tall guillotine windows. It has a front garden with royal palms that give it a stately air. Interestingly, it housed the neighborhood's first school during the 1950s, before the public school was built. The children of Menga's working families learned to read and write in the living room of this house. Today it has been abandoned since 2018, when the last owner, Doña Mercedes Caicedo, passed away. The heirs cannot agree to sell it. Weeds already cover part of the garden and one of the palms fell during the last storm. It's a reminder that heritage isn't always saved: sometimes it rots from the inside while the city grows around it.
Casa de los Ospina (Carrera 51 #15-50)
The last stop is the Casa de los Ospina, on Carrera 51 with Calle 15. This is the largest of the five. The Ospinas owned one of the first soap factories in Cali, "Jabones Ospina", which operated until the 1970s. The house is a two-story mansion with wrought iron balconies and an octagonal lookout tower on the roof. From there, you could see the entire Meléndez River valley, before the buildings blocked the view. The facade is painted white and blue, with plaster moldings that imitate stone. It is the best-preserved on the route, because the family maintains it as a weekend house. In fact, if you're lucky, you might see an elderly Ospina sitting on the balcony reading the newspaper. Don't try to enter, but you can walk around to see the side facing the river: there is a stone staircase that goes directly down to the water, something that was common on haciendas but that almost no one preserves.
The Role of the Meléndez River in the Neighborhood
The Meléndez River is not just a geographical feature. It was the reason Menga exists. Before there was an aqueduct, families settled near the river to have water for drinking, irrigation, and bathing. The five houses on this route are less than 200 meters from the riverbed. The river also served as a natural boundary between properties and as a means of transportation: in winter, when it swelled, the hacienda owners used rafts to move sugarcane and goods to downtown Cali. Today the river is polluted and channeled in sections, but you can still see millstones and remains of old irrigation ditches on the banks. If you walk along Carrera 52 towards the north, just before reaching the Casa de los Ospina, there is a concrete pedestrian bridge from where you can best see the riverbed. There, among the stones, fragments of pottery or broken green glass bottles sometimes appear: garbage from 100 years ago that the river hasn't managed to wash away.
Current State of Conservation vs Abandonment
Of the five houses, only one (the Ospina house) is in good condition. The others show signs of deterioration: sunken roofs, cracked walls, graffiti on the facades. The Casa de los Londoño and the Casa de los Caicedo are frankly abandoned. The Casa de los Arboleda is maintained thanks to the efforts of the descendants, but without resources for a complete restoration. The Casa de los Sánchez is a special case: it is inhabited, but the owner doesn't have the money to fix the roof. In general, Menga's architectural heritage is at risk. There is no clear municipal policy to protect these houses. Many have been demolished in the last 20 years to make way for residential complexes. What you see today is what remains. If action isn't taken soon, in 10 years only photos will be left.
Safety Recommendations (Times and Areas)
Menga is a quiet residential neighborhood, but as in all of Cali, you need to be cautious. The route I propose is safe during the day, from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Avoid walking alone after 6:00 pm, especially near the river, where lighting is poor and there is less activity. The safest areas are Carrera 52 and Calle 14, because they have businesses and private security in some complexes. Calle 15, where the Londoño and Ospina houses are located, is more solitary. Keep your cell phone put away, don't wear flashy jewelry, and if you're going to take photos, do it quickly and without drawing attention. Do not enter abandoned properties: besides being illegal, you might encounter debris, broken glass, or even people using them as shelter. If you want to do the route in a group, that's better. There are historical tours organized by the Fundación Cali Cultural that sometimes include Menga, but they are not frequent.
Local Tips
- Bring a notebook: the plaques with the names of the houses aren't always visible. Sometimes only a neighbor can tell you the original surname. Write down what they tell you.
- Don't go on Sunday: many streets are empty and the houses are closed. The best day is Saturday morning, when people sweep the sidewalks and it's easier to chat.
- Look for the small details: at the Casa de los Sánchez, besides the watermark on the bricks, there is a wrought iron gate with a coffee leaf design. At the Casa de los Arboleda, the door frame has a barely legible inscription: "A.D. 1898".
- Stay hydrated: Menga is cooler than downtown Cali, but the sun is strong between 11 am and 2 pm. Bring water and sunscreen.
- Respect privacy: all these houses are private properties. Do not touch the gates or try to jump over them. If someone asks, explain that you are interested in the neighborhood's history. Most neighbors are friendly and will even tell you anecdotes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you enter the houses?
No, unless you have an appointment with the owners or participate in an authorized tour. Most are private residences or are abandoned. It's best to observe them from the sidewalk and respect the boundaries.
How long does the route take?
If you walk without rushing, stopping to take photos and read the details, the complete route will take you between 1 hour and 1 hour and a half. It's about 10 blocks in total, with gentle inclines.
Is there any cost?
None. The route is completely free. The only thing you'll spend is time and maybe a bottle of water. If you want to support conservation, look up the Fundación Cali Cultural on social media and donate voluntarily.
What if I can't find the watermark on the bricks of the Casa de los Sánchez?
Don't worry. The mark is small and may be covered by paint or dirt. If you don't see it, try looking at the corners of the facade, near the base, where the brick is more exposed. You can also ask the neighbors: some have seen it and can point you to the exact spot.
Is it worth going if I'm not an architecture expert?
Yes, because you don't need to know about styles to enjoy the history. Each house has a human story behind it: families who arrived, worked, built, and left. It's like walking through a giant photo album. Plus, it's a way to see Cali beyond the partying and shopping malls.
What to do
Parque de Menga
This park is an ideal space to enjoy a day outdoors. With green areas and playgrounds, it's a place where local families often gather. Insider Tip: Visit the park on the weekend to enjoy cultural activities and entrepreneur fairs that are often held here.
La Casa de la Cultura
A key place to understand the history and art of Menga. Exhibitions, workshops, and events that promote local culture are held here. Insider Tip: Don't miss the talks on the neighborhood's history, often organized by local historians; they are fascinating!
Restaurante El Sabor de Menga
This restaurant is famous for its typical food, especially ajiaco and bandeja paisa. It's a place that reflects the culinary tradition of the region. Insider Tip: Ask about the dish of the day, which often includes family recipes not on the menu.
Mirador de Menga
An excellent spot to appreciate the panoramic view of the neighborhood and its surroundings. Ideal for capturing photos and enjoying a sunset. Insider Tip: Bring a thermos of coffee and enjoy the view, especially on sunny days.
La Feria de las Flores
Although not exclusive to Menga, this fair is held annually in Cali and is a great opportunity to enjoy local culture. It features parades, music, and a flower exhibition. Insider Tip: Visit the local flower growers' stalls to find unique arrangements and support regional producers.
Where to eat or drink
La Pizzería de Menga
Known for its authentic wood-fired pizzas, this place is a classic for those seeking a relaxed atmosphere and delicious food. Families often gather here, and the staff is friendly and attentive.
Insider Tip: Don't leave without trying the chicken pesto pizza; it's a local favorite. Also, if you can, come in the afternoon to enjoy the 2-for-1 craft beer promotion.
Restaurante El Poblado
This place offers a variety of typical and contemporary dishes. It's perfect for a dinner with friends or a special celebration. The service is exceptional and the atmosphere is cozy.
Insider Tip: Ask about the dish of the day, which is usually a delicious surprise. Also, if you're a fan of desserts, don't miss the tres leches; it's one of the best in the city.
How to get there and transportation
To get to Menga, there are several transportation options that allow you to enjoy the journey and learn more about the neighborhood's history.
Public Transportation
The bus routes that pass through the area are a good option. The MIO system has several routes that get you close to Menga. You can take route A30, which goes directly to the neighborhood entrance. Make sure to have your MIO card loaded to avoid setbacks.
Insider Tip: Traveling during peak hours can be complicated, so it's best to plan your visit in the morning or after 7 PM to avoid traffic.
Taxi or Ridesharing Services
Taxis and apps like Uber or Didi are convenient if you prefer a more direct trip. You can request a car from anywhere in Cali, and the cost is reasonable, especially if you travel in a group.
Insider Tip: Always verify that the driver has good ratings and don't hesitate to ask the driver to adjust the air conditioning if you feel hot. Most taxi drivers are friendly and willing to help.
By Bicycle
Cali has a growing cycling culture, and Menga is an ideal place to explore by bike. There are routes that connect with downtown, and the weather is usually favorable for pedaling.
Insider Tip: Always bring water and a helmet. Many local cyclists are friendly and can offer you advice on routes and places to visit in Menga.