Hiking and Nature Routes in San Antonio, Cali

San Antonio: Cali's natural balcony

San Antonio is not just the neighborhood of tapia pisada houses, wooden balconies, and afternoons of coffee. It is also one of Cali's most convenient starting points for those looking to walk, sweat, and enjoy a privileged view of the city. From the hill where the Mirador de San Antonio stands, just a few blocks from the church and the park, routes begin that climb to the tutelary hills and connect with the Western Cordillera. Here, the information is clear and useful: check the updated data at malokal.com, where you can review maps by neighborhood and book directly via WhatsApp.

To orient ourselves, San Antonio is in Comuna 3, on the eastern slope of Cali, between San Cayetano, El Peñón, and San Juan Bosco. Its steep topography, with streets and staircases, makes it a strategic place for urban hiking. From the neighborhood park, you can walk to the Cerro de las Tres Cruces, the city's most popular route, or take a short transport to the Cerro Bataclán, the Ecoparque Río Pance, and the edge of the Parque Nacional Natural Farallones de Cali. Keep in mind that the reference prices you will see are from October 2026, so use them to plan your day without surprises.

An important clarification for those arriving with expectations from other cities: in San Antonio there are no secret tunnels, underground vaults, or hidden passageways beneath the hills. That is an urban myth. What there is are real trails, viewpoints with views of the Cauca Valley, and a community that rises early to walk. Here we stick to what is verifiable.

What to do: hiking and nature routes from San Antonio

The hikes around San Antonio are organized into three blocks: the tutelary hills within or on the edge of the city, the ecoparks of the rural area, and access to the national park. Most routes are done early, between 5:30 and 9:00 a.m., since the Cali sun at midday is relentless and the afternoon cloud cover usually hides the landscape.

Cerro de las Tres Cruces

This is Cali's flagship hike and the most accessible from San Antonio. You go up a dirt and staircase trail that begins in the Montebello sector, in the west of the city, and ends at the three iron crosses that crown the hill, at about 1,480 meters above sea level. The climb is demanding but short: most complete it in 45 minutes to an hour, depending on pace. At the top, the reward is a full view of Cali, the silhouette of the Cauca River, and, on clear days, the cordillera in the background.

The atmosphere is very Cali: groups of friends, families with older children, athletes with stopwatches, and vendors selling water, fruit, and juices at the top. On weekends it fills up from very early, so if you are looking for a bit of tranquility, I recommend going up on a Tuesday. Bring cash to buy something at the top and do not depend on cell phone signal. The route is free access and does not require a reservation, but it is advisable to go accompanied and not leave the marked trail, since there are areas of dense vegetation and steep slopes.

Be careful with a fact that often confuses visitors: there is another Cerro de las Tres Cruces in Medellín, with problems of irregular constructions that have been in the news. It has nothing to do with the one in Cali. If someone sends you a link about "invasions on the Cerro de las Tres Cruces," verify the city before alarming yourself.

Cerro Bataclán

Bataclán, the tutelary hill located to the southeast of Cali, in the Pance district, is less crowded than the Tres Cruces. The hike combines dirt trail, dry forest, and some shaded sections, with viewpoints toward the south of the city and the entrance to the cordillera. It is ideal for those who have already done the Tres Cruces and are looking for more nature and fewer people.

The ascent is gradual and can take between an hour and a half and two and a half hours, depending on the starting point and pace. It is not as well marked as the Tres Cruces, so it is best to go with someone who knows it or download the GPS track beforehand. During the rainy season (April-May and October-November), the terrain becomes slippery and puddles appear; wear shoes with good grip and avoid going alone. There are no shops along the way, so bring enough water.

Ecoparque Río Pance

Pance is the lung of southern Cali and the natural plan par excellence for families. The ecopark is organized along the Pance River, with pools, stone beaches, and forest areas where people go to swim, picnic, and walk. From San Antonio, you can get there by car or bus to the district, and from there walk along the trails that border the river.

The hike here is not to a summit, but through a valley: you follow the riverbed, cross small bridges, and stop at the pools. There are sections of easy access for children and older adults, and others that are longer and go deeper toward the upper part of the river. On weekends there are vendors selling typical food, cholados, and handicrafts. It is a full-day plan: arrive early, bring a swimsuit, sunscreen, and bags so you do not leave trash. Respect the marked areas and do not swim in deep pools if you do not know how to swim, since the current can be treacherous.

Parque Nacional Natural Farallones de Cali

The Farallones are the great natural reserve that crowns the Western Cordillera west of Cali, with more than 150,000 hectares and altitudes exceeding 4,000 meters. From San Antonio, the park is visible on clear days as a green and blue wall. Formal access is through several points: Pance, La Leonera, Peñas Blancas, and other sectors of the protected area.

Here it is no longer an urban hike: these are mountain routes that require planning, good physical condition, and, in many cases, a guide or prior registration with Parques Nacionales Naturales. There are trails of one or several days, with the possibility of camping in authorized areas and reaching places such as the páramos and glacial lakes. The recommendation is to contact local nature tourism operators, check the condition of the trails, and do not enter on your own without knowing the route. The weather changes quickly: it can be sunny, rain, and the temperature can drop within hours.

Mirador de San Antonio

The neighborhood viewpoint is the most convenient starting point and the most photographed. It is in the upper part of San Antonio, near the park and the church, and from there you can see downtown Cali, the Cauca River in the distance, and the hills. It is not a long hike: it is a short walk along steep streets and staircases, ideal for the last hours of the afternoon, when the sun goes down and the city lights up.

Around the viewpoint there are cafes, restaurants, and hostels that take advantage of the view. It is a perfect place to sit, have a drink, and enjoy the sunset. If you plan to hike seriously, use it as a warm-up before going up to the Tres Cruces or as a way to close the day. The area is quiet and very busy with tourists, but as in any neighborhood, keep your valuables safe and do not leave your cell phone hanging on the railing.

Where to eat or drink after the hike

San Antonio is a neighborhood of food and coffee, so post-hiking is easily solved. After coming down from the Tres Cruces or walking through Pance, the natural thing is to return to the neighborhood and look for something refreshing. The offering ranges from traditional bakeries to author restaurants and specialty coffee shops.

In the area around the San Antonio park and its surrounding streets there are several cafes that serve coffee of origin from Valle del Cauca and the Eje Cafetero, as well as natural juices and breakfasts. Many open early, which makes them perfect before or after the hike. The reference prices from October 2026 for a brewed coffee or a cappuccino tend to be in the economical range, and breakfasts with eggs, arepa, and fruit are the most requested option by hikers.

For lunch, the neighborhood has Colombian food restaurants, Pacific cuisine, pizzas, and vegetarian options. The area around Parque de San Antonio and the climb toward the viewpoint concentrates the largest number of places. If you come from Pance, many visitors have lunch right there, in the restaurants next to the river, where they serve trout, sancocho de gallina, and regional dishes. Check hours before going, since some places close during the week or open only in the afternoon.

For drinks, San Antonio offers quiet bars and terraces with a view. It is not a heavy party neighborhood like other sectors of Cali; its atmosphere is more about conversation, wine, and craft beer. After a day of hiking, a coconut lemonade or a cold beer on a terrace at the viewpoint is the perfect ending.

How to get there and transportation

San Antonio is very well connected to the rest of Cali. From downtown, the MIO (the articulated bus system) has nearby stations, and there are also traditional bus routes that go up Carrera 5 and Calle 5. If you come from the north (Granada, Versalles, Chipichape), a taxi or a ride-hailing app will leave you at San Antonio park in about 20 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic.

To get to the Cerro de las Tres Cruces, the usual starting point is the Montebello sector, in the west. From San Antonio, you can take a short taxi or walk if you like the challenge, although the distance is not short. Many hiking groups organize and share transport to the base of the trail. For Pance and the Ecoparque Río Pance, there are buses that leave from the south of the city and taxis that make the trip; the journey from San Antonio can take between 30 and 50 minutes depending on the starting point and traffic.

For the Parque Nacional Natural Farallones de Cali, the most practical thing is to hire transport with an operator or go by your own car to the authorized entry point. Rural roads can be in bad condition during the rainy season, so ask before leaving. In all cases, if you are going to walk at night or very early, use formal transport and avoid walking alone through lonely areas.

Local tips

• Get up early. The best hours to walk are between 5:30 and 9:00 a.m. After 10 the sun hits hard and the cloud cover hides the view.
• Bring cash. On the trails and in Pance many vendors do not accept cards or transfers.
• Water and sunscreen. Even if the sky is cloudy, in Cali the sun burns. Carry at least one liter of water per person.
• Shoes with grip. The dirt and staircase routes become slippery with rain. Smooth-soled sneakers will not work.
• Do not go alone on long routes. Bataclán and the Farallones require company or a guide. On the Tres Cruces there are more people, but it is still best to go accompanied.
• Respect the environment. Do not leave trash, do not make campfires, and do not leave the trail. The hills and Pance are fragile ecosystems.
• Check before leaving. The condition of the trails, the hours of the ecoparks, and the weather conditions change. Consult the updated listings.

Historical or contextual introduction

San Antonio is a neighborhood that has preserved its essence over the years, being a reflection of colonial architecture and Cali culture. Founded in the 18th century, this sector has become a reference point not only for its architectural beauty, but also for its proximity to nature. In its cobblestone streets, visitors can feel the history of Cali between the walls of its tapia pisada houses and enjoy a vibrant artistic community.

The neighborhood has witnessed #us transformations, from its origin as an upper-class settlement to its current reputation as a cultural and tourist center. In recent decades, San Antonio has seen a resurgence, with the arrival of art galleries, cafes, and restaurants that give it a new air, but without losing its traditional character.

For nature lovers, San Antonio is a gateway to several trails and green spaces, such as Parque del Perro and the famous slope of the Cerro de las Tres Cruces. These routes offer not only a hiking experience, but also an opportunity to appreciate the region's biodiversity and enjoy panoramic views.