Cerro de Las Tres Cruces

Cali, Valle del Cauca, Colombia

---

Cerro de las Tres Cruces is a prominent hill in Cali, Colombia, located west of the Santa Mónica neighborhood, famous for the three large concrete crosses that crown its summit and for offering panoramic views of the city. According to local legend, the hill’s crosses were placed in 1837 by two friars to ward off Buziraco, an evil spirit blamed for plaguing Cali with diseases, fires, and famine, with the original cross later destroyed by an earthquake and replaced in 1938 by the three durable crosses standing today. The ascent is a popular weekend ritual for Caleños (people from Cali), involving a steep, roughly 2-kilometer (about 1-hour) hike that can require climbing on hands and knees in parts, with many visitors starting early to avoid heat and enjoy the morning views. At the top, hikers find an outdoor workout area, vendors selling fresh orange juice and refreshments, and a lively atmosphere where families and fitness enthusiasts gather, especially on Sundays when the hill is bustling with local tradition. Visitors are advised to bring water, wear sturdy shoes, carry cash, and travel in groups on weekend mornings for safety, as police patrol the well-marked trails.