Farallones de Cali is a group of mountains in the West Andes of Colombia. It is located west of the city of Cali and helps form many rivers that supply water and electricity to Cali. The PNN Farallones de Cali covers 150,000 hectares (580 square miles) in the mountains and much of the Pacific slope. This area has high biodiversity. The average temperature ranges from 25°C (77°F) in the tropical foothills to 5°C (41°F) in the páramo. This area includes the districts of Pichinde, Andes, and Leonera, as well as two villages, Penas Blancas and Lomas de la Cajita.
Climate and topography
The average yearly rainfall in the Pacific region is 6,000 mm (240 in), while the mountainous area receives 2,500 mm (98 in) of rain each year. Plants in the area have enough water all year to grow.
The park’s topography includes high, rocky peaks, the tallest of which is 4,050 m (13,290 ft). These peaks are called Los Farallones, which means "cliffs" in Spanish, and they are the namesake of the mountains and national park. The foothills on the eastern side connect to the Cauca Valley and the city of Cali. On the western side, many river canyons stretch toward the Pacific Ocean.
People in Cali can see the Farallones from the city.
On the eastern slope, rivers that flow from the Farallones de Cali (from north to south) include Cali, Pichindé, Cañaveralejo, Melendez, Lilí, Pance, and Jamundí. All of these rivers flow into the Cauca River.
On the western slope, many rivers flow into the Pacific Ocean. The main rivers are Dagua and Anchicayá. A hydroelectric dam is built on the Anchicayá River.
National Park and biodiversity
The PNN Farallones de Cali is the largest national park in the Valle del Cauca Department and was created in 1968. The area is popular for hiking and birdwatching. Access from Cali is by two main routes: through the Pance River at the southern end or at the northern end via Peñas Blancas or the Pichindé River. Access to the Anchicayá area is through the town of El Queremal. The lowest altitude of the park is 200 m (660 ft) in the Pacific lowlands.
Due to the very high mountains and the nearby Pacific Ocean, which greatly influences the climate in western Colombia, the park has many different ecosystems, such as lowland jungle, mountain cloud forest, and páramo.
The ecosystems in the park face several threats, including commercial logging, illegal mining, agriculture, tourism, forest fires, hunting, and road construction.
The Farallones de Cali is home to more than 300+ bird species, including several that are found only in this area, such as the multicolored tanager (Chlorochrysa nitidissima), crested ant-tanager (Habia cristata), and chestnut wood-quail (Odontophorus hyperythrus). Andean cock-of-the-rock (Rupicola peruvianus) leks can be seen, with the most famous located in the Peñas Blancas area of the Pichindé River valley. The bird diversity in Anchicayá is well known worldwide.
Mammal species that live in the park include bats, squirrels, procyonids, anteaters, several types of cats, foxes, and marsupials. The spectacled bear (Tremarctos ornatus) has suitable habitat on the western slope of the mountains and is listed as a vulnerable species.
Five primate species live in the park:
- White-headed capuchin (Cebus capucinus) – Mono manicero
- Red howler (Alouatta seniculus)
- Mantled howler (Alouatta palliata)
- Gray-bellied night monkey (Aotus lemurinus): listed as vulnerable; called Marteja in Colombia.
- Colombian spider monkey (Ateles fusciceps rufiventris): listed as vulnerable; called Marimonda in Colombia.
Amphibians in the park include:
- Bufo hypomelas – Sapo Mamboré
- Dendrobates lehmanni – Red-banded poison frog or Oophaga lehmanni
On the western slope, between 200 and 1,000 m (660 and 3,280 ft), there is a dry tropical forest with trees up to 40 m (130 ft) tall. Under these trees grow tall grasses. The area has many lianas and woody vines. On tree branches, there are many epiphytes. Some endemic species in this region include cargadera, guabo sleeper, wild cacao, and sirop. Among the palms in this forest are taparín, barrigona or pambil, and cumbi.
In the temperate zone, between 1,000 and 2,000 m (3,300 and 6,600 ft), the most common tree species are oak, sapote bush, media cara, encenillo, azuceno, white yarumo, and balsa.
In the cold zone, between 2,400 and 3,600 m (7,900 and 11,800 ft), there are many epiphytes. Above 3,600 m (11,800 ft), the area becomes moorlands, where frailejones are the main plant. Among the Farallones de Cali's endemic plants is a wild violet.
Sites of interest
El Topacio Acampadero Pance is located near the town. To spend the night in a tent, a permit is required from the Regional Autonomous Corporation of the Valle del Cauca (CVC). The parking area is very limited. It has basic services, such as a radio station in the ranger's home. From Topaz, visitors can see two waterfalls.
Pico de Loro is a trail that begins at Topaz. The climb can take several hours, depending on the hiker. At the peak, which is 2832 meters above sea level, the view includes parts of the city of Cali, the Cauca River, and its valley. There is no camping area at the summit. Along the trail, there are several springs.
Punta Pance is a journey that reaches 4020 meters and can take one or two days. It is recommended for experienced hikers. At the top, there is a unique view of the region. On clear days, the Pacific Ocean port of Buenaventura can be seen to the west, with larger ships visible. To the east, Cali, the Cauca River, and its valley are visible. In the south-west, the Cerro Naya can be seen, and to the north-west, the Cerro Calima.
Camping is possible at a place called "Balconies," which has a spring and a large area that can fit 5 to 10 tents. Another option is to climb slightly higher and camp at the Punta Pance Lagoons.
Alto del Buey is located at 3480 meters. The ascent begins at the entrance to Peñas Blancas and can take a full day on a well-conditioned road. From the top, parts of Buenaventura and Cali are visible. The camping area is limited, accommodating no more than 2 or 3 tents.
Gaps of Alto del Buey refers to the steep and challenging descent from the top. This path is sometimes necessary when there is no water at the summit. From above, the gaps appear much larger than they actually are. Always travel with a guide.
Valley de los Osos is accessible from the mountain edge north of Punta Pance and toward the western side. There is a river, and the landscape has been changed by human activity. It is located between the blade tip and the Massif Cajambres.
Macizo Cajambres is located to the west of Punta Pance, after passing the Valley of the Bears. It shows some erosion on its eastern slopes.
Gallery
List of Locations:
• Macizo Cajambres & Valle de los Osos
• Peñas Blancas
• Panorama
• Panorama
• Punta Pance from the northeast
• Punta Pance from the southeast
• Ranger Home: El Topacio
• Rainforest
• Anchicayá River