A view that starts early and keeps going

Three Crosses gives you payoff in stages. This short hike pairs Andes-style steps with big sunset city views over Cali and the surrounding mountains, then keeps the experience going after dark.

I like that it’s paced for real people. The hike is guided, but it’s adjusted to your pace, so you can enjoy the trail instead of racing your group.

One consideration: you’ll be walking up and down lots of steps and rocks. If night hiking makes you nervous, wear proper shoes and plan for the fact that the ground gets darker and more uneven.

Key points at a glance

• Bataclán Natural Park start: you begin right at the park entrance and climb through the best viewpoints.
• Two scenic photo overlooks plus a dedicated sunset lookout over Cali and the Andes.
• Three Crosses Monument up close: you don’t just see it from far away—you get the feel of the place.
• Night hike return to the same entrance, with head torches available.
• Small group (max 10) with a guide who can adjust the route to your fitness and comfort.
• Hotel pickup and drop-off makes the hike feel simple, not logistically annoying.

Cali’s Tres Cruces: a short hike that feels bigger than it is

Cali is famous for being lively, but this hike reminds you there’s another side to the city. The Tres Cruces route gives you a small taste of the Andes without needing an all-day trek. You’ll climb out of the park area, hit multiple viewpoints, and end back where you started—just later, under night skies.

What makes it work is the structure. You get early effort, then planned breaks for photos, then the main moment: watching the sunset with the city laid out below you and the mountains framing the view. It’s the kind of outing where your legs do the work and your eyes do the celebrating.

Getting to Bataclán Natural Park and setting your pace

The experience starts with pickup in Cali. You’ll be collected by car (often a white Chevrolet Aveo GT), and you’ll be dropped back at the end of the hike too. Pickup and drop-off are flexible to changes and requests, which matters when Cali traffic or timing is a factor.

You’ll begin at the entrance of Bataclán Natural Park. From there, you start moving uphill on the first segment of the trail. This is not a long trek, but it’s enough to make your body pay attention. Expect a steady climb with rocks and steps, so shoes with good traction help a lot.

The guides aim for a pace that makes the hike enjoyable. In one standout experience, the guide Mateo was able to accommodate a slow pace and still keep things fun and informative. The takeaway for you: if you want to stop for photos, slow down for breathing, or just enjoy the view without rushing, this format supports that.

Two photo overlooks, plus real trail snack options

After the initial climb, you’ll stop at two overlooks along the way for pictures. These aren’t random stops; they’re placed so you get glimpses of the city and the Andes as the climb unfolds.

Between those stops, you can also buy water, fresh juices, fruit, and other snacks. That’s useful because it keeps you from having to guess how much you’ll want to drink during the hike. It also turns the climb into something less like a grind and more like a slow-moving walk with rewards.

At this stage, you’ll also get a sense of how the day changes depending on crowds. The hike runs on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays, and on those days you’ll often see more people enjoying nature, the trail, and the views. That’s good for energy and safety in numbers—but if you want a calmer feel, you can ask the guide about route options.

The sunset overlook: your main scene over Cali and the Andes

The best part of the hike is the sunset moment, and it’s built in with intention. After the earlier photo overlooks, you continue to the sunset overlook where you watch the city and the Andes mountains as evening rolls in.

This is where the hike turns from exercise into a real experience. From this viewpoint, the route feels like it’s connecting Cali’s urban life to the surrounding highlands. The sky shifts, the light changes, and you get that classic viewpoint feeling—except you earn it with a climb, so it lands harder.

Timing is part of the value here. The tour duration is about 4 hours, so you’re not stuck planning an entire day around one viewpoint. You’ll spend enough time moving to feel accomplished, then enough time watching the sunset to actually enjoy it.

Also, since this hike continues after sunset, you won’t just sprint to a view and call it done. You’ll be transitioning from daylight viewpoints into a night hike, which keeps the momentum going.

Three Crosses Monument up close, then the night hike back

After the sunset, you keep going upward to reach the Three Crosses Monument. This is one of those places where seeing it at a distance is one thing, but approaching it and getting close changes the feel. You’ll be able to take in the view from the monument overlook and take pictures without feeling like you’re peering through fences or from far away.

Once you’re done at the monument viewpoint, you start heading down. This is a night hike, so the trail becomes a different challenge: darker ground, more reliance on footing, and less ability to ignore uneven steps and rocks.

The good news is that you’re not left to figure it out alone. One review notes that head torches are provided. If you prefer your own gear, you might bring your own headlamp, but the key point is you should expect night visibility tools to be part of the experience.

In terms of guidance, this tour shines when the guide is active, not silent. Mateo, for example, was praised for being passionate and knowledgeable about the area and for pointing out birds and other species you might see. You should expect explanations during the hike, and you may even get lucky with wildlife sightings—one group reported spotting rare birds.

Price and value: why $45 can make sense here

At $45 per person, you’re paying for more than a basic walking route. You’re getting a guided hike through Bataclán Natural Park, plus hotel pickup and drop-off in Cali, plus a night component that requires planning for visibility.

For you, that adds up in three practical ways:

1. Less coordination stress. You don’t have to arrange transport to the park entrance or figure out how to return after dark.
2. More time enjoying the hike. A good guide helps you pace yourself and focus on the views instead of the route.
3. Support on the night portion. Night hiking is simpler when there’s a plan and the group moves together.

The tour is also small group (limited to 10 participants). That matters because you’re more likely to get attention from your guide, and the pace is easier to manage. In a small group, it’s also easier to ask for options—like taking a slightly harder trail or choosing a route that avoids the busiest parts.

Fitness level: who this hike fits best

This hike is a great match if you want something short but satisfying. Based on real feedback, the difficulty is best described as low to medium. There are no technical scrambles, but you will handle steps and rocks, which is the part that demands real attention.

You’ll likely enjoy it most if:

• You want big viewpoints without committing to a full-day trek.
• You’re comfortable hiking uphill and walking on uneven ground.
• You like guided storytelling and small nature details, not just scenery.
• Night hikes don’t freak you out.

You might want to think twice if you:

• Have trouble with lots of steps and rocky footing.
• Strongly dislike hiking after dark, even with a torch.
• Prefer fully flat walking routes.

The good element here is pacing. One of the best things about this tour is the idea that you can go at your pace. You’re not forced into a sprint just to keep up.

Practical tips for the steps, rocks, and night footing

If you do one thing to prepare, make it this: wear proper trail shoes. The tour includes steps and rocks, and traction will save your ankles and your mood.

For your packing brain, focus on the essentials:

• Water and light layers for temperature changes between day and night.
• A small snack if you get hungry easily (and remember, you can buy water, juices, fruit, and snacks along the trail).
• A headlamp option if you want your own lighting comfort for the night hike.

Also, bring a calm mindset. This is not a silent mountain retreat; it’s a guided outing with a mix of climbing, viewpoints, and night walking. If you accept that rhythm—up, stop for photos, up again, sunset, then down—you’ll find it feels smoother and more rewarding.

Finally, ask your guide about route options. You’ll have opportunities to choose based on fitness and whether you want to avoid crowds. In one experience, Mateo offered options and the group selected a harder trail compared with the more stepped guided path others took—so you’re not locked into one single style of hiking.

Should you book the Tres Cruces hike in Cali?

I’d book this if you want a high-reward Cali outing with a clear plan: sunrise energy (even if it’s sunset), real views, a monument moment, and a night hike that turns the experience into something memorable instead of just another day hike.

Skip it if you hate uneven footing or you’re uncomfortable walking at night, since the return hike happens after dark and the trail includes steps and rocks.

If you’re looking for a smart way to see Cali from above—without spending all day away—this one is built for you. The combination of sunset timing, Three Crosses proximity, and small-group guiding makes the $45 feel less like an expense and more like purchased confidence.

FAQ

How long is the Tres Cruces hike?

The hike is about 4 hours, though exact starting times depend on availability.

Where does the hike start and end?

You start at the entrance of Bataclán Natural Park and return to the same entrance.

What views do I get during the hike?

You’ll visit overlooks for pictures, watch the sunset over Cali and the Andes mountains, and then see the views from the Three Crosses Monument.

What day(s) does this hike run?

It runs on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays.

Is pickup and drop-off included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off are included and can be flexible depending on changes and requests.

What language is the guide?

The guide provides live commentary in Spanish and English.

How big is the group?

The group is small, limited to 10 participants.

What should I wear for this hike?

Wear trail shoes if possible. The route includes steps and rocks, especially on the climb and return at night.

Will I have light for the night hike?

Head torches are provided for the night portion, though you may prefer to bring your own or use your phone torch.

What is included in the price, and what costs extra?

Included: the guided hike through Bataclán Natural Park plus pickup and drop-off. Not included: any purchases you make during the hike.

What is the cancellation policy?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.