Mirador Sebastián de Belalcázar - A marble bust of Christian Doppler is displayed against a worn red wall with peeling paint. The pedestal includes an inscription noting his tenure as a physics professor at the University of Vienna from 1850 to 1853.
1 / 10

Mirador Sebastián de Belalcázar

4.6
·11k reviews·Cali, Colombia

Iconic viewpoint with a statue of the city's founder, offering stunning panoramic views of Cali.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Daylight hours

Clearer city views

CrowdMedium
Loading map...
Mirador Sebastián de Belalcázar - A marble bust of Christian Doppler is displayed against a worn red wall with peeling paint. The pedestal includes an inscription noting his tenure as a physics professor at the University of Vienna from 1850 to 1853.

Mirador Sebastián de Belalcázar

Best Time

Daylight hours

Clearer city views

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Iconic viewpoint with a statue of the city's founder, offering stunning panoramic views of Cali.

4.6
(11k reviews)

"The uphill ascent wasn’t really that bad and the view was really that good. Reddit"

Vertical photo
TIP

📸 Capture the Cityscape

Visit during the day for the best photo opportunities of Cali's sprawling beauty.

🚶‍♀️ Uphill Walk is Worth It

The climb isn't too strenuous and rewards you with incredible views and a sense of elevation.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Panoramic City Views

Panoramic City Views

Mirador Sebastián de Belalcázar

Soak in breathtaking, elevated vistas of Cali and its surrounding landscape. A perfect spot to appreciate the city's sprawl.

Reddit
Statue of Sebastián de Belalcázar

Statue of Sebastián de Belalcázar

Mirador Sebastián de Belalcázar

An iconic monument to the city's founder, offering a striking visual against the cityscape.

Instagram+1
Street & Architecture

Street & Architecture

Streets leading to the mirador

Admire the unique architecture of the streets and buildings that lead up to the viewpoint.

Reddit
Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Best Views & Photo Ops

Capture stunning panoramic views of Cali from this elevated viewpoint. The iconic statue of Sebastián de Belalcázar is a must-see for photos, especially during daylight hours for the best city vistas. InstagramReddit

Daytime vs. Nighttime Visit

While the city lights at night are captivating, many visitors recommend visiting during the day for clearer views and a more pleasant atmosphere, avoiding nighttime smoke and excessive food vendors. Reddit

Best Times

When
Daylight hours
Why
Clearer city views
Crowd
Medium
When
During Feria de Cali
Why
Festive atmosphere
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

La Pirámide del Tulcán en Popayán. #fypシ゚ #parati #colombia🇨🇴 #contenido #historia #colombia #popayan #sebastiandebelalcazar #piramides #mundoantiguo
@laprofejoha_
166.4K likes • 1.3M views

📸 Capture the Cityscape

Visit during the day for the best photo opportunities of Cali's sprawling beauty. InstagramReddit

🚶‍♀️ Uphill Walk is Worth It

The climb isn't too strenuous and rewards you with incredible views and a sense of elevation. Reddit

(Parte 2 en los comentarios) Aquí está un poco de la historia de Sebastián de Belalcázar. #sebastiandebelalcazar #misak #indigenas #paronacional
@valenciapipelon
28.5K likes • 143.8K views
📍 Monumento Sebastián de Belalcázar. #cali #caliescali #caliescalioficial #calivalle #calivalledelcauca #calicolombia
piri.juan
1.7K likes • 30.9K views

💰 Photo Services Available

Local merchants offer to take your photo for a fee; negotiate the price beforehand. Reddit

☀️ Pleasant Weather

The temperature is usually comfortable, not too cold or too hot, making it ideal for a visit. Reddit

!Pactos de Gobernanza por el cuidado y conservación de la estatua SEBASTIÁN de BELALCÁZAR! Junto con la comunidad de comerciantes y artesanos del mirador de Sebastián de Belalcázar, la Secretaría de Gobierno de Cali y la Uaesp se evidenció la jornada de zona te queremos Cali. Donde realizaron la entrega de insumos para la preservación y cuidado del mirador también hicieron limpieza, pintaron los...
empoderarte_fans
2 likes • 194 views

Tips

from all over the internet

📸 Capture the Cityscape

Visit during the day for the best photo opportunities of Cali's sprawling beauty. InstagramReddit

🚶‍♀️ Uphill Walk is Worth It

The climb isn't too strenuous and rewards you with incredible views and a sense of elevation. Reddit

💰 Photo Services Available

Local merchants offer to take your photo for a fee; negotiate the price beforehand. Reddit

☀️ Pleasant Weather

The temperature is usually comfortable, not too cold or too hot, making it ideal for a visit. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(11k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the breathtaking panoramic views of Cali from the Mirador Sebastián de Belalcázar, highlighting it as a great spot for photos and appreciating the city's elevation. While the uphill walk is manageable and the weather pleasant, some find the nighttime environment less appealing due to smoke and vendors, recommending a daytime visit for a more serene experience. Reddit

"The uphill ascent wasn’t really that bad and the view was really that good. A nice spot to catch your breath and take in the sights and sounds."

Lee Owens

"Absolutely, great view. It's a cool place to take a picture and soak in the experience of the elevation above the city. You'll love the architecture of the streets and buildings leading up to the statue."

Alex Hennis

"One of the best experiences I’ve ever had. Including the nights of “Feria de Cali” and the city sightseeing during the day or night, plus you have a great view of the city right here."

Juan Manuel Duran Hernandez

What People Like

Spectacular city views
Iconic statue
Pleasant weather

What People Dislike

Nighttime smoke/vendors

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

You can reach the Mirador Sebastián de Belalcázar by taxi or ride-sharing service. The streets leading up offer a unique architectural experience. Instagram+1

While specific bus routes might vary, taxis and ride-sharing apps are the most convenient ways to access the mirador directly. Instagram

Many visitors enjoy the walk up, appreciating the architecture along the way. The ascent is generally considered manageable. Reddit

Driving is possible, but be prepared for potentially narrow streets and limited parking as you get closer to the viewpoint. Instagram

Visiting during daylight hours is generally recommended for safety and better visibility. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

There is typically no entrance fee to access the Mirador Sebastián de Belalcázar itself, making it a free viewpoint. Instagram

The mirador is generally accessible during daylight hours. It's best to visit when there's ample natural light for the best views. Reddit

No advance booking is required as it's an open public space. You can visit spontaneously. Instagram

While not officially stated, it's advisable to avoid very late hours due to potential safety concerns and limited visibility. Reddit

Yes, visiting during events like Feria de Cali can be a unique experience, though expect larger crowds. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Daylight hours offer the clearest and most vibrant views of Cali. Golden hour can also provide beautiful lighting. InstagramReddit

The area around the statue of Sebastián de Belalcázar and the main viewing platforms provide excellent vantage points. Instagram

Yes, local merchants often offer photography services for a fee. It's good to agree on the price beforehand. Reddit

Expect sweeping panoramic shots of Cali, including its urban landscape, streets, and surrounding hills. InstagramReddit

While not explicitly prohibited, check local regulations regarding drone usage in urban areas. Instagram

🎫 📍 Onsite Experience

The main activities are enjoying the panoramic city views, taking photos of the statue and cityscape, and appreciating the architecture. InstagramReddit

Yes, there are food vendors, particularly at night, offering junk food. Many visitors prefer to visit during the day. Reddit

Crowds can vary, with higher numbers during events like Feria de Cali or on weekends. Daytime visits tend to be less crowded than evenings. Reddit

The night environment can be characterized by smoke from vendors and a lively, albeit sometimes overwhelming, atmosphere. Reddit

It's a great spot to catch your breath and take in the sights and sounds of the city from a unique perspective. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Mirador Sebastián de Belalcázar offers a great opportunity for families to enjoy a scenic outing. The relatively easy uphill walk is manageable for most children, and the expansive views provide a fun way to learn about the city's geography. Reddit Pack some snacks and water, as the food options might be more appealing to adults or older children. Visiting during daylight hours ensures a safer and more visually engaging experience for younger visitors. Reddit

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

For photographers, the Mirador Sebastián de Belalcázar is a prime location. The iconic statue of Sebastián de Belalcázar provides a strong foreground element, while the sweeping panoramas of Cali offer endless possibilities for landscape shots. InstagramReddit Consider visiting during the golden hours of sunrise or sunset for dramatic lighting, though daytime offers the best clarity for capturing the city's details. Reddit Be prepared to potentially hire a local to capture your perfect shot. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Active Explorers

The walk up to the mirador is a pleasant way to get some light exercise while enjoying the surroundings. The architecture of the streets leading to the statue adds to the exploration experience. Reddit It's a rewarding climb that offers a sense of accomplishment along with the stunning views. Wear comfortable shoes and stay hydrated. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The History and Significance of Sebastián de Belalcázar

Sebastián de Belalcázar was a Spanish conquistador who played a significant role in the Spanish conquest of the Americas. He is credited with founding several cities in what is now Ecuador and Colombia, including Santiago de Cali in 1536. TikTok The monument at the mirador stands as a tribute to his role in the city's establishment, though his legacy is complex and viewed differently by various communities. TikTok

While the statue represents the historical founding of Cali, it's important to acknowledge the indigenous populations who were present and impacted by the arrival of the conquistadors. Discussions around historical figures like Belalcázar often involve perspectives from indigenous groups like the Misak. TikTok The mirador, therefore, serves not only as a viewpoint but also as a site that can spark conversations about history and its interpretations. TikTok

The monument itself is a prominent landmark, offering a visual anchor for the city's historical narrative. Its presence at an elevated point allows visitors to connect the physical landscape with the historical figures who shaped it. Instagram+1

Experiencing Cali from Above

The Mirador Sebastián de Belalcázar offers one of the most accessible and rewarding panoramic views of Cali. From this vantage point, you can truly appreciate the city's layout, nestled within the Cauca River valley and surrounded by lush green hills. InstagramReddit The sheer scale of the urban sprawl becomes apparent, giving visitors a sense of the city's vastness and its dynamic energy. Instagram

During the day, the clarity of the views allows you to distinguish different neighborhoods, major roads, and even distant landmarks. Reddit The experience is enhanced by the pleasant weather often found in Cali, making it comfortable to linger and absorb the scenery. Reddit Many visitors find it a perfect spot to pause, reflect, and capture memorable photographs of the 'Sucursal del Cielo' (Branch of Heaven). InstagramReddit

While the daytime offers clear vistas, the city lights at night transform the landscape into a glittering spectacle. However, some travelers note that the nighttime environment can be affected by smoke from food vendors and a more intense atmosphere, leading many to recommend a daytime visit for a more serene experience. Reddit