Cycling in Colombia
Including Alto de Letras, Boyacá Highlands, and Chicamocha Canyon. On the map.
The vibe
Cycling is woven into the national identity, with winding mountain passes that demand serious stamina and reward you with endless, sweeping descents. The early morning hours are the best time to ride to avoid the heat and the heaviest traffic on the narrow, winding roads. You will feel like part of the local flow, as cyclists are a common sight even on the most challenging climbs.
Alto de Letras
Tolima
Earth Science and Remote Sensing Unit, NASA Johnson Space Center / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)
Widely considered one of the longest and most challenging road climbs in the world, this route ascends over 3,000 meters from Mariquita to the paramo. It is a legendary pilgrimage for road cyclists testing their endurance against one of the most iconic mountain passes in the Andes.
Access. Accessible from Manizales or Mariquita; support vehicles are highly recommended for the long ascent.
Notes. Extremely difficult; high altitude requires acclimatization; traffic can be heavy with trucks.
Boyacá Highlands
Boyacá
Juan Sebastián Echeverry Grisales / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)
The heartland of Colombian professional cycling, this region offers high-altitude rolling terrain, colonial towns, and quiet paved backroads. It is famous for its steep, punchy climbs and the deep-rooted cycling culture that has produced many of the world's top climbers.
Access. Best accessed from Tunja or Paipa; bike shops and cycling-friendly hotels are common in the area.
Notes. High altitude; best weather is during the dry seasons (Dec-Feb, July-Aug).
Chicamocha Canyon
Santander
Nikolaiky / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
This dramatic canyon offers some of the most spectacular and punishing road cycling in South America. The route involves massive descents followed by grueling climbs out of the canyon floor, surrounded by arid, desert-like landscapes.
Access. Accessible from Bucaramanga or San Gil; best tackled as part of a multi-day tour.
Notes. Extreme heat in the canyon floor; high traffic on the main highway; requires strong climbing legs.
Coffee Axis (Eje Cafetero)
RAP Eje Cafetero
Ride through lush green valleys and steep coffee plantations in the heart of the Andes. This region provides a mix of challenging paved mountain roads and rugged dirt tracks that wind between colorful towns like Salento and Filandia.
Access. Hubs in Armenia, Pereira, or Salento; mountain bike and road bike rentals are available in Salento.
Notes. Very hilly; expect frequent rain; gravel roads can be technical.
Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta
Magdalena
Rolo Andes / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 4.0)
Experience a unique transition from Caribbean beaches to high-altitude tropical cloud forests. The trails here offer extreme elevation changes and technical descents through indigenous territories and coffee farms.
Access. Best accessed from Santa Marta; requires local guides for trail access and navigation.
Notes. Requires high fitness and technical skill; permits may be needed for certain indigenous areas.
Sierra Nevada del Cocuy
Boyacá
JUANES MENDI / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
The rugged gravel roads surrounding the Cocuy National Park offer breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks and dramatic glacial valleys. It is a premier destination for gravel cyclists seeking remote, high-altitude adventure in a pristine wilderness setting.
Access. Accessible via the town of El Cocuy; requires self-supported or guided multi-day planning due to limited infrastructure in the high mountains.
Notes. Best from December to March; expect steep gradients and significant elevation gain.
Tatacoa Desert
Huila
Jorge Láscar from Australia / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)
Riding through the Tatacoa Desert offers an otherworldly experience, with trails winding through ochre-colored canyons and labyrinthine rock formations. It is a popular destination for MTB riders seeking unique scenery and technical, dry-terrain riding.
Access. Accessible from Neiva; local guides provide bike rentals and tours through the desert trails.
Notes. Extremely high temperatures; night riding is sometimes organized by local clubs to avoid the midday sun.
Valle del Cauca Plains
Valle del Cauca
Earth Science and Remote Sensing Unit , Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)
The vast, flat landscape of the Cauca River Valley provides a unique contrast to Colombia's mountainous regions, offering miles of fast, paved roads through endless sugar cane plantations. It is a favorite for road cyclists looking to build endurance and speed in a temperate climate.
Access. Easily accessible from the city of Cali, which serves as a major hub with numerous cycling clubs and bike shops.
Notes. Hot weather year-round; flat terrain makes it ideal for group road rides.