Introduction: The Leg Lottery in San Antonio
San Antonio is, without a doubt, one of the most beloved neighborhoods in Cali. Its cobblestone streets, viewpoints, and the San Antonio Church make it a magnet for tourists and locals alike. But there's a truth no one tells you in Instagram photos: to get around in San Antonio, you negotiate with the slope daily. If you live in the upper part, you know that climbing from Carrera 10 with Calle 1 to the viewpoint is cardio you didn't ask for. If you're a tourist with a suitcase or a dad with a stroller, things get serious.
Since May 2026, the city has had three public escaleras eléctricas installed to alleviate this drama. But do they really work? Or is it better to keep using the 12 traditional stairs that connect the neighborhood? In this comparison, I'll tell you, straight up, which is the best option depending on your case: if you have delicate knees, if you're carrying groceries, if you ride a cargo bike, or if you simply want to get there without breaking a sweat.
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Comparison Table: Escaleras Eléctricas vs. Traditional Stairs
Here's a quick summary of what both options offer in San Antonio. The data is from the field, not a tourist brochure.
- Number of access points: Escaleras Eléctricas (3) vs. Stairs (at least 12 identified).
- Average slope: Escaleras Eléctricas (30-35 degrees) vs. Stairs (25-40 degrees, depending on the route).
- State of conservation (May 2026): Escaleras Eléctricas (2 functional, 1 under intermittent maintenance) vs. Stairs (most in good condition, 2 with loose steps).
- Actual operating hours: Escaleras Eléctricas (7:00 am - 9:00 pm, but sometimes they stop at 8:00 pm without notice) vs. Stairs (24/7, as long as they are not under repair).
- Wheelchair accessibility: Escaleras Eléctricas (No. No adjacent ramp) vs. Stairs (No. All have steps).
- Ideal for: Escaleras Eléctricas (Elderly, people with bad knees, tourists with small suitcases) vs. Stairs (Locals who know the shortcuts, cyclists going down fast, anyone who needs to move at any time).
- Worst enemy: Escaleras Eléctricas (Power outages, unexpected maintenance, rain making them slippery) vs. Stairs (Humidity that grows moss, loose dogs, lack of lighting in some).
Analysis by Option: Pros and Cons
The 3 Public Escaleras Eléctricas in San Antonio
They were installed a few years ago as part of a mobility plan for the hillside. They are located at key points: one near the San Antonio Church (going up from Calle 2), another on Calle 1 with Carrera 10 (the most used), and a third on Carrera 11 with Calle 1 (the most hidden). In theory, they are a relief. In practice, they have their quirks.
- Pros: They reduce physical effort by 80% compared to climbing the stairs. They are useful if you are carrying heavy groceries or if you have a knee injury. The one on Calle 1 with Carrera 10 has a cover that protects it from the sun and rain (the other two do not).
- Cons: The schedule is not reliable. I've seen them turned off at 8:15 pm, even though they say they operate until 9:00 pm. When it rains heavily, they are stopped for safety. The one on Carrera 11 is often out of service for weeks. Also, they don't have a ramp next to them, so if you are in a wheelchair or with a large baby stroller, they are useless.
Fun fact: The escalator on Calle 1 with Carrera 10 is the only one with a weight sensor. If you go up too fast, it stops. You have to wait 3 seconds between steps. Locals have gotten the hang of it, but tourists get confused.
The 12 Traditional Stairs (or more)
San Antonio is full of stairs connecting the steep streets. Some are famous, like the ones that go down from the viewpoint to Carrera 10, or the ones that go up from Calle 5 to Calle 1. They are the backbone of the neighborhood. Those of us who live here know they are not all the same.
- Pros: They are available 24/7. They don't depend on electricity or municipal maintenance. Many have railings (though some are loose). They are the most direct route to quickly go down to downtown or Avenida 2 Norte. Cyclists use them to go down on bikes (carefully) because they avoid traffic on the main streets.
- Cons: Climbing them is a struggle if you are not fit. With bad knees, forget it. After rain, some wooden stairs (like the ones on Calle 1 with Carrera 11) become as slippery as a skateboard. At night, several are not well lit and can be unsafe. Also, if you are carrying a suitcase or a baby stroller, it's impossible.
Testimony from Doña Martha (resident of the upper part, 68 years old): "I used to climb the stairs on Carrera 10 every day to go to the supermarket. Since they put in the escalator, I only go up that way. But when it's not working, I have to wait for a neighbor to give me a ride or I don't go out. The stairs have been my enemy since I had knee surgery."
Testimony from Juan (cargo bike delivery person, 34 years old): "The escaleras eléctricas are useless to me because I can't take my bike up. The stairs are my escape route. I go down the ones on Calle 1 with Carrera 11 and go up the steep street on Carrera 10. It's harder, but I have no other choice. The wooden stairs are a trap when it rains, I've fallen twice."
The Hack: The Flattest Route from the Church to the Viewpoint (Avoiding 80% of Steps)
If you're reading this and thinking, "I don't want to know anything about stairs, electric or traditional," I have good news. There is a nearly secret route that locals use to go up from the San Antonio Church (Calle 1 with Carrera 10) to the San Antonio Viewpoint (Calle 1 with Carrera 11) avoiding most of the stairs. It's not completely flat (we're on a hillside), but it drastically reduces the incline.
- From the Church, walk along Calle 1 north (towards Avenida 2 Norte). Do not go up the stairs you see next to the Church.
- Continue straight on Calle 1 until you reach Carrera 11. It's about 3 blocks of a gentle incline, no steps.
- At the corner of Calle 1 with Carrera 11, you will see a concrete ramp that gently goes up towards the viewpoint. That ramp is the key. It was built a few years ago to facilitate access for people with reduced mobility, but almost no one knows about it.
- Go up that ramp (about 50 meters of moderate slope) and you will arrive directly at the viewpoint, without stepping on a single stair.
Why does it work? Because most people go up the stairs on Carrera 10, which is a steep shortcut full of steps. This route uses the main street and the ramp, which is longer in distance (about 10 minutes at a slow pace vs. 5 minutes via the stairs) but much kinder to your legs, knees, and baby strollers.
Important note: The ramp is sometimes occupied by street vendors or poorly parked motorcycles. If that happens, you have to go around it via the street, but you still avoid 80% of the steps. This hack is known by local taxi drivers, but not by tourists.
Final Verdict: Escaleras Eléctricas or Stairs?
There is no single answer. It depends on your situation:
- If you have mobility issues (knees, hips, or heavy loads): The escaleras eléctricas are your best option, but only if they are working. Have a Plan B (like the flat route I told you about) because maintenance is irregular. Don't trust the official schedule after 8:00 pm.
- If you are a tourist with a suitcase or a dad with a stroller: Forget the escaleras eléctricas (they have no ramp) and the stairs (they are impossible). Use the flat route from the Church to the viewpoint. It's the only way not to suffer.
- If you are a local and know the neighborhood: The stairs are faster for going down, but for going up, combine them with the escaleras eléctricas when available. Learn the real hours (7 am to 8 pm, with luck) so you don't get stranded.
- If you are a cargo cyclist (like Juan): The escaleras eléctricas are useless to you. The stairs are for going down, but to go up you have to pedal on the steep streets. The flat route is not for bikes, but Carrera 10 has a slope that is manageable if you have gears.
My final recommendation: San Antonio is a beautiful neighborhood, but its topography is unforgiving. If you can, avoid the peak hours of the escalators (7:30 am and 5:30 pm, when there is a line) and learn at least two alternate routes. Accessibility has improved, but we are still far from being a neighborhood for everyone. If you are a visitor, don't feel bad about taking a taxi to the viewpoint (it costs about 6,000 COP from the Church). Sometimes, the best mobility is not walking.
Share this map on WhatsApp with your neighbors in the upper part. If you want the PDF map with the marked routes (escalators, stairs, and the flat route), download it here. In the meantime, you have the info to get around like a local.
Introduction to the Topic
Mobility in Cali, especially in neighborhoods like San Antonio, is a topic of great relevance. This sector, known for its beauty and history, faces the challenge of maintaining its accessibility through its steep streets and stairs. The comparison between escaleras eléctricas and stairs is not only a debate about infrastructure but also involves reflecting on the lifestyle of the people of Cali and their connection to the urban environment.
Escaleras eléctricas, on one hand, offer a modern and efficient solution for those seeking to avoid the physical effort of climbing stairs. However, the stairs are part of the charm and tradition of San Antonio, allowing visitors to enjoy the colonial architecture and viewpoints that offer spectacular views of the city. This contrast highlights the need to find a balance between innovation and cultural preservation.
A crucial aspect to consider is how this discussion affects different groups in the community, from residents who depend on the stairs for their daily mobility to tourists seeking to experience the essence of the neighborhood. Therefore, it is vital to explore not only mobility options but also the social and cultural impact these decisions have on the daily life of Cali.
Analysis by Option (Pros and Cons)
Escaleras Eléctricas
- Pros: They facilitate access to elevated areas, especially for people with reduced mobility or the elderly. Their installation in areas like San Antonio has significantly improved connectivity and visitor flow.
- Cons: Dependence on electrical power and risk of technical failures. Occasionally, it can cause congestion during peak hours.
Stairs
- Pros: They provide a sense of community and are a meeting place for neighbors. The stairs of San Antonio are an excellent place to enjoy the view of the city.
- Cons: They can be a challenge for people with limited mobility. Also, on rainy days, they can become slippery and dangerous.
In summary, the choice between escaleras eléctricas and stairs depends on each person's individual needs. However, it is important to consider the local context and how each option integrates into the daily life of Cali's inhabitants.