GFNY announces

GFNY Cali – Colombia
July 25, 2027

The Course

GFNY Cali race week is headquartered at Centro Comercial Chipichape in the heart of Cali. The pre-race activities like group rides and packet pickup will be held inside the mall courtyard.

The start and finish line is located on Avenida Sexta, directly beside the mall, providing easy access to the expo, parking, race office, finish festival and activities for your supporters.

You will roll out from Avenida Sexta, one of the city’s most iconic avenues, where warm tropical air and the rhythm of salsa will create an unforgettable atmosphere from the very first kilometers. You will ride northeast towards Yumbo and La Torre, crossing the Cali – Cerrito Oeste bridge over the Cauca River. Over the next many kilometers, you’ll ride along flat and fast sections, passing endless sugar cane fields, where wind strategy and teamwork will play a major role.

At KM 38, is the split between long and medium routes, with medium route riders making a full loop of the roundabout and heading back to the finish line along Paso La Torre – El Cerrito. In La Torre, you’ll ride along Paso La Torre – Yumbo, and then access the main return route back to Chipichape.

For the long route riders, you’ll continue along the flat and fast section past Sonso, until you reach Buga. The character of the course changes dramatically after Buga. There, the day’s defining challenge begins: the legendary climb from Mediacanoa toward Lago Calima. This Hors Catégorie climb is 11km long and 693m climbing, with an average 6% and maximum 15% incline. It’s not a steady climb, with many sections are 6-10%, a few sections where you get a break with 2-5%. The last 4.5km are the hardest, with several relentless sections of 8-12%. While the climb will test your legs, pacing and determination, the scenery of the surrounding nature will inspire you. During the almost 700m ascent, to 1611masl, the intense valley heat fades into cooler mountain air, surrounded by lush green landscapes, occasional mist, and breathtaking panoramic views of the Pacific-side mountains of Valle del Cauca. Every curve reveals a new scene, turning suffering into a pure epic adventure. This is the signature section of the race.

At the summit of the climb, there is the Lake Calima lookout point, where you can get a glimpse of Colombia’s largest man-made reservoir. You’ll have a 3.5km gradual descent, 2km flat, and a 2.5km with 100m climb to climb back over the pass before descending back toward Loboguerrero and the famous Panorama Road. Here, you’ll be back on flat, fast roads where working with your group will save you time and energy. You’ll pass through traditional towns such as Vijes, San Marcos, and Yumbo.

The final return into Cali combines fatigue, adrenaline, and emotion, welcomed by the warmth of the local people and the passion that defines your GFNY Cali experience. The  route was created to inspire cyclists from all over the world and showcase why Valle del Cauca is one of Latin America’s great cycling destinations. At the finish line, a festive party will await cyclists and their supporters, with live music, salsa, and celebrating the day’s achievement.

Long Route – 160.8 km / 1,653 m+

Medium Route – 74.5  km / 455 m+

About Cali

 

Cali is Colombia’s 3rd largest city and the main urban and economic center in the south of the country. The mid-altitude plain of Valle del Cauca is the fertile basin of the Cauca River, between Colombia’s Western and Central Andean mountain ranges, which sits at an elevation of 1000-1200 meters above sea level (3300-4000ft). This moderate altitude gives the city a warm, tropical climate that stays consistent throughout the year. The mid-altitude mountains bordering the plain, Farallones de Cali, host spectacular dry and tropical rainforests, and are home to incredible biodiversity. Cali has 12 eco-parks that are a natural attraction for both locals and tourists, with waterfalls, hiking and relaxing.

Cali’s historic downtown is a cultural heritage area. These architectural treasures are framed by stunning natural landscapes, including the hills of Cristo Rey, Las Tres Cruces, and the colorful San Antonio neighborhood. Other must-see sights include Bulevar del Río, Plazoleta Jairo Varela and El Gato del Río.

Internationally recognized as the Salsa Capital of the World, Cali captivates visitors with its music, spirit, and the genuine warmth of its people. The city’s tropical climate creates the ideal setting to enjoy an active urban lifestyle that perfectly combines sport, fitness, outdoor cafés, restaurants, with the festive spirit and Latin flavor that defines Cali.

Your Cali experience is not complete until you’ve enjoyed the local cuisine such as sancocho valluno, empanadas, cholado, and an incredible variety of tropical fruits unique to the region. As night falls, the city transforms to the rhythm of salsa, with dance schools, live music venues, and unforgettable performances showcasing the passion Cali has for music and dance. Cali is a city that invites every GFNY participant to enjoy, connect, and create unforgettable memories from the moment you arrive.

 

Getting Here

By plane:

Alfonso Bonilla Aragón International Airport (CLO)

Cali’s main aviation hub is Alfonso Bonilla Aragón International Airport (CLO). Located in Palmira, just 14 km (8.5 miles) northeast of downtown Cali, it operates 24/7.

Almost half of weekly arrivals are from Bogota (BOG) airport. The top international routes to Cali are from Miami (MIA) and Panama City (PTY).

The main airlines that fly to CLO airport are: Avianca, Copa, LATAM, JetSMART.

Ground transfers:

The journey from Alfonso Bonilla Aragón International Airport (CLO) to the Chipichape Shopping Center in northern Cali is approximately 20 kilometers and takes between 30 and 45 minutes by car, depending on traffic.

Route by car or taxi:
1. Exit the airport and take the Palmira Airport Road.
2. Connect to the Cali-Palmira Highway (Route 25) towards Cali.
3. Continue on the South-Eastern Highway / Carrera 1 or head north on Avenida 2 Norte.
4. Take the exit towards the Sameco or Menga roundabout to find Avenida 6 Norte.
5. Drive on Avenida 6 Norte to Calle 38 Norte, where the shopping center is located.

Public transportation alternative:

• You can take an authorized taxi at the airport (which has a fixed fare) or use a rideshare service through an app.
• If you prefer to use the MIO system, you must first take a bus or shared taxi from the airport to the Cali Transportation Terminal (operated by companies like Rápido Aeropuerto). From the terminal, you can take the MIO route P21E or P27D, which will drop you off near Chipichape.