Farallones de Cali

The park covers some 150,000 to 200,000 hectares, by different counts, on the western cordillera immediately behind Cali, and the altitude range is what makes it - from around six hundred metres in the Pacific-facing foothills to over four thousand at Pico de Loro and Pico Pance, which means it crosses several life zones and holds a bird list running to over five hundred species, including Choco endemics found nowhere east of this range. The Pance river valley on the Cali side is the easy access, used heavily at weekends for swimming and walking. The high routes need guides and take two days. Illegal gold mining inside the park has been a serious and recurring problem, with operations dismantled repeatedly and water contamination documented.

What's there

• Six hundred to over four thousand metres - in one park.
• Over five hundred bird species - including Choco endemics.
• The Pance valley - the easy weekend access from Cali.
• Illegal mining pressure - a live problem inside the boundary.

When to go

December to March. A full day, or two for the high peaks.

Practical notes

The high routes require guides and are long, steep and often wet. Pance is very crowded at weekends. Illegal mining and associated activity affect some sectors - take local advice on where to go. Rain is frequent.

Nearby

Cali is east; the Pacific slope drops west towards Buenaventura.

Key facts