Colombia has the mountains, cycling culture and variety of riding to make it one of South America’s most interesting destinations for cyclists.
You can ride long paved climbs in the Andes or tackle high-altitude roads around Bogotá. The Coffee Region, which covers Caldas, Risaralda and Quindío, offers hilly roads through coffee-growing landscapes.
Cycling is also deeply rooted in Colombian culture. Many professional Colombian cyclists compete on the world stage making the sport is a source of pride and an important part of Colombian identity. Food, coffee and local traditions add another layer to the trip.
Why is Colombia attracting cyclists?
Geography has a lot to do with it.
The Colombian Andes split into three main mountain ranges, creating high passes and long climbs around Bogotá, Antioquia and Tolima and the Coffee Region.
Here are some of the reasons Colombia deserves a closer look:
- Alto de Letras is one of the country’s great endurance challenges. The classic route begins in Mariquita and climbs for around 80 kilometres towards a pass at more than 3,600 metres. Our guide to cycling Alto de Letras, Colombia (coming soon!) explains how to ride it, as well as the nearby Alto del Sifón route and other cycling options around Mariquita, Líbano and Manizales.
- Other mountains surrounding Colombia’s cities provide plenty of road cycling climb options. For example Alto de Patios and Alto del Verjón near Bogotá, Alto de Las Palmas outside Medellín and Alto de Minas in Antioquia are some popular names.
- The Coffee Region (or Eje Cafetero) combines cycling with one of the country’s best-known cultural landscapes. The region covers Caldas, Risaralda and Quindío, where hilly roads, coffee farms and towns provide plenty to explore both on and off the bike.
- Colombia’s racing calendar keeps cycling highly visible. The Vuelta a Colombia is the country’s principal national stage race; some of the most popular climbs and regions include Antioquia (for the Alto de Minas climb), Tolima (for Alto de la Línea and Alto de Letras) and Bogotá (for Alto de Mondoñedo and Alto del Vino).
- Amateur events offer another reason to visit, including the Gran Fondo Nairo Quintana Fest.
Want to work out which part of Colombia suits your riding and what to expect from its biggest climbs? Explore our guide to cycling Alto de Letras, Colombia.
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