Cali: TRES CRUCES – Cali’s most popular hike and monument

Cali’s Three Crosses hike gives you a lot in a short outing: a proper uphill workout, broad views over the city, and a sunset followed by a night walk back down. The trail begins at Bataclán Natural Park and finishes at the monument, where you can look across Cali toward the Andes.

I like the flexible pace and the small groups of no more than 10 people. I also like the practical hotel pickup and drop-off, especially because the descent takes place after dark. The main thing to consider is the trail itself: it includes many steps, rocks, and uneven sections, so this is not a casual city stroll.

• Sunset followed by a night hike: You see Cali in changing light, then walk back with head torches.
• Bataclán Natural Park route: The trail offers two early overlooks and chances to stop for water, juice, fruit, or snacks.
• Mateo as a guide: He can explain local nature, birds, Cali’s history, and culture in English or Spanish.
• Low to medium difficulty: There are no technical scrambles, but the steps and rocks still call for trail shoes.
• Flexible route choices: Your guide can adjust the pace and, when suitable, offer a more demanding route or a path with more steps.
• Hotel transportation included: Pickup and drop-off are flexible, with a white Chevrolet Aveo GT used when suitable for the group.

Why Cali’s Three Crosses Hike Is Worth Your Time

The Three Crosses Monument is one of Cali’s best short hikes because it combines exercise with a clear reward. You do not spend half a day pushing through a long trail only to reach a modest view. Within a few hours, you climb above the city, watch the sunset, visit a well-known local monument, and return under the night sky.

The route is popular with caleños, especially on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. That matters because you are not simply following a sightseeing path designed for tourists. You are using a recreation route that local people also enjoy for fresh air, exercise, and the view.

I like that the goal is not speed. The hike is adjusted to your pace, which makes it more useful for mixed groups. You can stop for pictures, catch your breath, or spend longer at an overlook without turning the outing into a race.

The tour lasts four hours overall, with roughly two to three hours spent hiking. The extra time allows for hotel transport, stops, sunset viewing, and the slower return after dark.

Starting at Bataclán Natural Park

Your hike begins at the entrance to Bataclán Natural Park. From there, the trail heads upward through the first section of the route toward the Three Crosses Monument.

The early part is where you settle into the climb. You can expect steps and rocky stretches rather than a smooth paved walkway. The route is not described as technical, and there are no complicated scrambles, but you still need to place your feet carefully.

Your guide can keep the outing comfortable by matching the pace to the group. That is particularly helpful if one person is fit and another prefers a slower climb. The route can also be adjusted to suit your energy and interest in avoiding busier sections.

On popular days, you may see many local people using the trail. This can add a friendly, lived-in feel, but it also means the path may not feel quiet. If you want fewer people around you, ask your guide about the available route options.

Two Overlooks Before the Main View

The first section includes two overlooks where you can stop for photographs. These pauses break up the climb and give you early views across Cali before you reach the monument.

I see real value in having these stops built into the walk. You are not saving every photo for the end, and you get a chance to look back at how far you have climbed. The stops also let your guide adjust the pace without making the break feel like a delay.

During this section, you can buy water, fresh juices, fruit, and other snacks along the way. That is useful, but you should still bring enough water for your own needs. Purchases made during the hike are not included in the $45 price.

The route can also offer more than scenery. Mateo, one of the guides, has pointed out bird and other animal species along the trail. You might spot local birdlife, though wildlife sightings are never guaranteed. If nature interests you, tell the guide early so the walk can include more attention to plants, birds, and other species.

Sunset Over Cali and the Andes

The main overlook is the emotional center of the hike. Here, you stop to watch the sun go down over Cali and the Andes mountains.

Sunset timing makes this more than a simple climb to a monument. The city changes as the light fades, and the view develops in stages rather than arriving all at once. You get the bright daytime outlook first, then the softer evening view, and finally the city lights as the hike turns into a night walk.

The exact starting time depends on availability, so check the available departures when booking. Since sunset is central to the experience, timing matters. A start that is too early could mean a longer wait at the overlook, while a late start may leave less time for the earlier viewpoints.

This is a good reason to avoid treating the four-hour duration as a strict sequence of four identical hours. The guide can shape the outing around your walking speed, photo stops, and the time needed to enjoy the sunset.

Reaching the Three Crosses Monument

After the sunset stop, you continue uphill to the Three Crosses Monument. The monument is the destination most people have in mind, but the climb is only part of its appeal.

Seeing the crosses up close gives the hike a physical finish. You have already gained the city views, and now you reach the recognizable landmark that gives the route its name. From the lookout near the monument, you get another perspective across Cali and toward the Andes.

The monument area may feel busier on the days when local people commonly use the trail. That is not necessarily a problem, but it is worth knowing if your ideal hike is silent and remote. This is a popular city outing, not a wilderness expedition.

I would plan to spend enough time here for photographs and a proper look around, but not expect a full sightseeing stop with extensive facilities. The supplied details mention places to buy refreshments during the hike, but do not promise restrooms or other services at the monument.

The After-Dark Descent

When you are ready, the group starts down the same general route toward the park entrance. This becomes a night hike, which gives the outing a different character from the climb.

The descent is where footwear and attention matter most. Going downhill over steps and rocks can be harder on your legs than the climb, especially after several hours outside. Wear trail shoes if you have them. Comfortable shoes with a firm sole are a much better choice than smooth casual footwear.

Head torches are provided for the descent. You can also use a phone light, although a dedicated head torch leaves both hands free and makes footing easier. If you own a small headlamp, you may prefer to bring it, but the tour does provide lighting.

Walking after dark is an appealing part of the experience, but it is also the main practical consideration. If you are uncomfortable on uneven ground at night, tell your guide. The pace can be adapted, and the guide is there to help the group return together.

Mateo and the Guide Experience

The guide can make a big difference on a hike like this, and Mateo receives especially strong praise for his approach. He speaks English and Spanish, explains the area, and shares information about Cali’s history, culture, birds, and other species you might see.

His role is not limited to pointing toward the view. He can help you decide how hard to push, when to stop, and which route suits your group. One useful option is choosing between a more direct guided path with steps and a harder trail used by fewer people.

That flexibility is valuable because the same trail can feel very different to different people. A strong walker may want a tougher route, while someone who has not exercised recently may prefer a steady climb with more breaks. You do not need to pretend you are fitter than you are. Tell the guide what you want from the outing.

The tour is available in English or Spanish, and the group is limited to 10 participants. That is small enough for direct contact with the guide without promising a private hike. If you want a private experience, confirm the arrangement before booking.

What $45 Includes

The cost is $45 per person. That price includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Cali, plus the guided hike through Bataclán Natural Park to the Three Crosses Monument.

For me, the value rests mainly in the transport and guide. You do not have to arrange your own way to the trail entrance, and the return takes place after dark. The guide also adds local context and helps manage the pace, route, and evening descent.

The price does not include drinks, fruit, juice, snacks, or any other purchases made during the hike. Bring some spending money if you want to buy refreshments on the trail.

The vehicle is listed as a white Chevrolet Aveo GT, though another car may be used for a larger group. Pickup and drop-off can be adjusted for changes and requests, but you should still provide clear hotel details when arranging the tour.

The activity has free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms make the booking less rigid if your Cali plans are still changing.

Difficulty, Clothing, and Useful Preparation

The hike is best described as low to medium difficulty, but that label should not make you careless. The trail has plenty of steps and rocky ground, and the return is at night.

Wear:

• Trail shoes or sturdy shoes with good grip
• Comfortable clothing suitable for exercise
• A light layer if you tend to cool down after sunset
• A small amount of cash for water, fruit, juice, or snacks

The supplied information does not list a required fitness level. In practical terms, you should be comfortable walking uphill for a sustained period and descending over uneven ground. If you need frequent rests, that is not a deal breaker because the pace is flexible, but you should tell the guide at the start.

You may want to bring your own head torch even though lights are provided. A phone torch is possible, but it is less convenient when you need both hands for balance or photography.

Do not expect the $45 fee to cover food or drinks. Treat the route-side purchases as optional extras.

Who Will Enjoy This Hike Most

This outing suits you if you want to see Cali from above without committing to a full-day trek. It is also a good choice if you prefer a guide who can explain local nature and culture rather than simply lead you up a path.

It works well for:

• Visitors who want a workout with a clear payoff
• People interested in sunset and night views
• Small groups with different walking speeds
• Hikers who prefer hotel transport included
• English or Spanish speakers
• Visitors who want a well-known local route rather than a standard city tour

You may want another activity if you dislike stairs, rocks, or walking after dark. It is also not the best match if you want complete solitude, since the trail is popular with local people on several days of the week.

The route is not presented as technical, but technical difficulty is not the only measure. A steady climb, uneven footing, and night descent can still feel demanding.

Booking the Three Crosses Hike

I would book this hike if you have one free evening in Cali and want an active outing that feels connected to the city. The views are the main prize, but the combination of local walkers, Bataclán Natural Park, birdlife, and the Three Crosses Monument gives the experience more substance than a simple lookout visit.

The strongest reasons to choose it are the flexible pace, the included transport, and the guide support after sunset. Mateo is a particularly good fit if you want English-language help and an explanation of Cali beyond the basic route.

Think twice if you want an easy paved walk or dislike uneven ground. For everyone else, this is a compact, fairly priced way to get above Cali, work your legs, and watch the city turn from daylight to twinkling lights.

FAQ

How long does the Three Crosses hike take?

The full activity lasts four hours. The guided walking portion takes about two to three hours, adjusted to the group’s pace.

Where does the hike start?

The hike starts at the entrance to Bataclán Natural Park in Cali.

Where does the hike finish?

The walking route returns to the same Bataclán Natural Park entrance where it began. Hotel drop-off in Cali is then included.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off at your hotel in Cali are included, with flexibility for changes and requests.

What language does the guide speak?

The tour is offered in English and Spanish.

Who is the guide?

Mateo is one of the guides associated with this experience. Another Tour Cali guide may lead your group.

How large is the group?

The activity is limited to 10 participants.

Are drinks and snacks included?

No. Water, fresh juices, fruit, and other snacks may be available for purchase during the hike, but those purchases are not included in the price.

Do I need to bring a head torch?

Head torches are provided for the night descent. You may bring your own if you prefer, and a phone torch can also be used.