Last updated on .
Cerro de las Tres Cruces is a hill on the northwest side of Cali, Colombia. It’s a popular destination for hikers and anyone looking to get a good workout.
Overview of Cerro de las Tres Cruces
Cerro de las Tres Cruces gets its name from the three large crosses at the summit. According to local legend, a demon named Buziraco arrived in Cali after being expelled from La Popa in Cartagena and placed a curse on the city. On May 3, 1837, two friars climbed the hill carrying crosses made of guadua to exorcise the demon. They repeated the ritual every May 3 until 1850, when they were expelled from the city for interfering in local politics. After that, locals continued the tradition, though interest slowly faded over time.
On June 7, 1925, a powerful earthquake struck Cali, toppling the crosses along with several churches. Many blamed the destruction on Buziraco’s lingering curse. In response, Fr. Marco Tulio Collazos decided to replace the crosses with permanent structures made of iron and concrete. In 1937, he hired Argemiro Escobar and Luis Felipe Perea to carry out the work. Construction began on May 26 and was completed on January 6, 1938. The central cross stands 26 meters high and 11 meters wide, while the two side crosses measure 22 meters high and 8 meters wide.
Hiking at Cerro de las Tres Cruces
Hiking to the top of Cerro de las Tres Cruces is a popular activity for locals and visitors alike. The trail offers a solid workout and rewarding views over Cali.
There are three main routes to the top: Bataclán, Normandia, and Chipichape. If you’re having trouble finding a trailhead, a local will usually be happy to point you in the right direction.
Here’s some information and advice for your hike:
- The hike is moderate to strenuous.
- While the hike is generally safe, you’ll want to do it between 4am and noon — that’s when police are present. It’s not recommended to go in the afternoon or evening unless you’re hiking up with a large group.
- Go on a weekday to avoid large crowds.
- Early morning is the best time to go if you want to avoid the heat.
- Carry enough water.
- Wear shoes with good traction — it can get slippery, especially after rain.
- Bring cash, since vendors along the trail and at the top sell snacks, fruits, juices, and coffee.
Bataclán Route
The Bataclán route, which is the one we hiked, is the most popular and arguably the most pleasant. It starts on Avenida 10B in Barrio Granada and is about 1.4 kilometers long, with an average grade of 26%. The first section is a short walk along a paved road past a few homes and small stores where you can stock up on water and snacks. After than, the trail becomes unpaved, and shortly after, you’ll turn left under a canopy and climb a set of stairs.
At the top of the stairs, you’ll turn left and continue along the road until you reach a sign pointing in two directions. From there, you can either tackle the seemingly endless steep stairway of the Sendero Deportivo or take the more gradual Sendero Eucalipto. Both routes eventually lead to the same place.
Sendero Deportista
The Sendero Deportista is the more direct route, featuring a long stairway that climbs to roughly the halfway point of the hike. It’s the most demanding and also the most popular route to the top.
Sendero Eucalipto
The Sendero Eucalipto follows a more gradual series of switchbacks that eventually intersect with the main route to the top. We didn’t encounter as many hikers along this route on the way up.
The Wall
Both trails come together just before the Wall (La Pared), the section where you’ll scramble over rocks for the final stretch of the hike. After passing the snack bar, follow the trail to the right and you’ll see a sign pointing towards the Wall.
There are a few rough spots, but it’s the most fun part of the trail, in my opinion. You’ll need to pick your own way up in places, so take your time, and don’t forget to look back and enjoy the view!
Top of Cerro de las Tres Cruces
Congratulations! You’ve made it to the top. Once you reach the welcome sign, you can climb a few more stairs to reach the crosses and the main viewpoint overlooking Cali.
While you’re up there, you’ll find an open-air gym if you want to keep the workout going, or you can relax with a fresh orange juice, coffee, and a snack like most people do. Tents selling all kinds of items line the road at the top.
Hiking Down
The route down follows the road from the crosses. Along the way, you can enjoy more great views, and there’s a small hill you can climb for photos.
Normandia Route
The Normandia route is also popular. It’s about 1.8 kilometers long, with an average grade of 20.8%. You start near El Gato del Río and work your way up through the neighborhood before reaching the trail. After a while, it intersects with the Bataclán trail, and from there you’ll hike up the Wall to the top of the hill.
Chipichape Route
The Chipichape route is the longest of the three, at around 4.3 kilometers with an average grade of 14.8%. It starts on the road behind Hotel Spiwak. This trail tends to be more popular with mountain bikers.
