Colombia has been on our radar for years, and when the time came to expand into South America—making it our sixth continent—there was no better place to start. Antarctica is the last frontier! Our connection with Tomas, who has been leading tours there for many years, made it a natural choice. With Ben, our General Manager, now on the ground for six months, he’s been refining the route, inspecting hotels, and fine-tuning every detail to ensure the experience meets our standards. Much of the conversation leading up to this launch has centred around how perceptions of Colombia have shifted—from its turbulent past to its present as a vibrant, safe, and culturally rich destination. This blog, written from Ben’s perspective, aims to show why Colombia was the obvious choice for our first cycle tour foray in South America.
“Few places combine terrain, culture, and cycling heritage as naturally as Colombia. From the Andes’ high passes to the coffee country and Caribbean coast, every ride draws you into a new landscape and rhythm. Geography shapes everything here — the Andes carve through the nation’s heart, creating thousands of kilometres of roads that range from gentle rollers to lung-searing climbs. But it’s the culture that gives it soul: cycling is part of daily life, from weekend riders on the mountain passes to commuters in bustling city streets. And now, with Colombia open, safe, and welcoming, it’s the perfect time to explore it by bike.” Ben Weigl
The guide presented below is designed to offer practical insight for anyone considering a cycling trip to Colombia, whether you’re planning your own route or joining us on our Bolivar Tour
Why Cycle in Colombia?
Colombia rewards cyclists who appreciate variety. You might begin your morning at 3,000 metres in crisp Andean air, ride through cloud-forest terrain by midday, and finish the day in subtropical warmth.
The Andes dominate the interior, but the country also holds coastal plains, river valleys, and coffee-growing highlands that sit at ideal riding temperatures year-round. Many of these same routes once carried Simón Bolívar and his army toward independence — a reminder that Colombia’s landscapes have long been a stage for endurance, freedom, and determination.
Climate is one of the most practical reasons to ride here. Sitting near the equator, Colombia experiences seasons defined by rainfall, not temperature. The dry months — November through March and July through August — bring the most consistent conditions. Even in wetter periods, rain usually arrives in the afternoon, leaving mornings clear for riding.
But what makes cycling in Colombia exceptional isn’t just the roads or the weather — it’s the people. Colombians wave from doorways, cheer from roadside shops, and often ride themselves. There’s a shared language around the bicycle, whether you’re passing a weekend club ride or stopping for water at a tienda where the owner asks which climb you’re tackling.
Once you leave the cities, Colombia quickly becomes remote. Long stretches of mountain road thread through farming villages, coffee plantations, and valleys where life moves at a slower pace. It’s in these quieter sections that the country reveals its spirit — and offers an unforgettable cycling holiday.
Key Cycling Regions and Tour Routes
Bogotá and Surrounds
Bogotá serves as the logical starting point for most cycling trips, and it’s where Ride & Seek’s Colombian epic begins. The city sits on a high plateau surrounded by rolling hills and peaks, and the altitude alone makes it a training ground. Every Sunday, the Ciclovía closes over 120 kilometers of city streets to cars, filling them instead with thousands of cyclists, runners, and families. It’s less a novelty and more a cultural institution.
The roads leading out of the city climb quickly. Popular routes head toward La Calera, Patios, or Guatavita, each offering steep grades and expansive views once you’re above the urban sprawl.
Villa de Leyva
Two hours north of Bogotá, Villa de Leyva offers a completely different vibe. The town itself is colonial, built around a vast cobblestone plaza that seems frozen in the 16th century. The roads leading into and out of town are quiet, winding through high-desert terrain dotted with fossils, olive groves, and Andean farmland.
The Coffee Triangle
The region known as the Coffee Triangle—roughly between Manizales, Pereira, and Armenia—sits at the heart of Colombia’s coffee culture. The roads here roll through plantations, past fincas with sweeping porches, and into small towns where world-class coffee is treated with the seriousness it deserves.
The terrain is less extreme than the high Andes, which makes it ideal for soaking in the unique landscape after some more rigorous days. The climbs are steady rather than punishing, and the descents often lead directly into towns where you can stop for lunch, walk through a market, or visit a working coffee farm.
Alto de Letras
If you’re looking for challenging terrain, the spectacular Alto de Letras delivers, as evidenced by the publicity it has received in recent years. At over 80 kilometres and climbing from around 300 to 3,600 meters, it’s one of the longest paved ascents in the world. The road is smooth, the gradient steady, and the scenery shifts dramatically as you gain elevation, from tropical heat at the base to cold, thin air near the summit.
Worth noting, though, we don’t actually ride the Alto de Letras on Bolivar, but it’s impossible not to mention it — it’s achieved near-mythical status since GCN’s feature. Interestingly, locals don’t even consider it Colombia’s longest climb. My friend Manuela, one of my local cycling gurus, swears by the Alto El Sifón instead — a quieter, equally challenging route that trades the heavy truck traffic of Letras for serene mountain roads designed for cyclists.
We love the video that Simon Richardson made, though, as an insight into riding in Colombia. Whilst Alto de Letras is a ride we have chosen to forgo in preference to the Alto El Sifon these are the sort of videos that GCN do best, and it does give a nice idea of the kind of riding to be found in Colombia.
Alto El Sifon
The Alto El Sifón is one of Colombia’s hidden climbing gems — a long, demanding ascent that rivals the country’s more famous passes but with far less traffic. Recommended by Manuela it winds through lush Andean landscapes with steady gradients, sweeping views, and a sense of solitude that makes it a favourite among Colombian riders. Unlike the busier Alto de Letras, El Sifón feels more intimate and pure — a true rider’s climb that captures the spirit of cycling in Colombia.
Cartagena and the Coast
Cartagena makes a fitting end point after days in the high mountains, trading altitude and cool air for heat, humidity, and the sound of the Caribbean. It’s also a chance to explore a popular tourism destination in its own right; expect colonial architecture, Caribbean vibes, and food that reflects centuries of coastal trade.
Cartagena’s walled old town is dense with history and energy. Cobblestone streets wind between brightly painted facades, balconies spill with bougainvillea, and shaded plazas offer a place to rest with a cold drink. The city’s food scene rivals any in South America, with fresh seafood, tropical fruit, and inventive local cooking that reflects both Caribbean and Spanish roots.
Ride & Seek’s Colombia Cycling Tour finishes here, where the country’s contrasts finally converge — mountains and coast, endurance and ease, history and celebration. Cycling through this landscape, you can still feel that same spirit of independence and pride that defines Colombia today.
Cycling Culture and Daily Life on the Road
Cuisine is a big part of what makes Colombia an unforgettable cycling destination.
Roadside vendors sell empanadas — fried pockets of dough filled with meat or potatoes — that make ideal mid-ride fuel. Arepas, the corn cakes that show up at nearly every meal, come in dozens of regional variations. Fruit is everywhere: mango, papaya, lulo, guanábana, often sold from carts or small shops along the route.
Coffee, naturally, is a ritual. Even the smallest tienda will have a thermos ready, and the quality is consistently high. It’s common to stop mid-morning for a tinto — a small, strong cup — served in a plastic or ceramic mug that you return before continuing.
Downtime between rides reveals another side of Colombia. Markets are practical rather than polished, filled with produce, textiles, and household goods instead of souvenirs. Town plazas fill in the evening as families walk, vendors set up carts, and music drifts from nearby cafés.
Safety, Infrastructure, and Local Support
Colombia has invested heavily in cycling infrastructure over the past two decades. Major roads include wide shoulders, clear signage, and regular maintenance. In tourist regions, police often patrol routes specifically to support visiting cyclists. The country’s reputation has shifted, and the reality on the ground reflects that change.
That said, altitude requires respect. Bogotá and much of the Andes sit above 2,500 meters, and even fit riders need time to acclimate. Headaches, fatigue, and shortness of breath are common in the first 48 hours. Hydration matters more at elevation, and pacing yourself on early climbs prevents unnecessary suffering later.
Local riding etiquette is straightforward. Drivers generally give cyclists space, especially on mountain roads where they’re used to sharing the pavement. Hand signals are understood, and it’s common practice to acknowledge drivers who wait patiently behind you on narrow sections.
Riding with experienced guides like Ride and Seek offers significant advantages. We know which routes are safe, where to stop for mechanical support, and how to navigate weather patterns that shift quickly in the mountains.
Our guides also bring context—historical, cultural, and practical—that turns a good ride into a richer experience.
When to Go and What to Expect
The dry seasons—December through March and July through August—offer the most reliable riding conditions. Mornings are typically clear, with afternoon clouds or rain appearing predictably enough that you can plan around them.
Temperatures vary by elevation, but daytime highs in the mountains range from 15 to 25 degrees Celsius, while coastal areas stay warmer. Even the rainy season can be an excellent time to immerse yourself in Colombia’s best cycling; it rarely rains all day and you’ll have less crowds on main roads and lush surrounding landscapes.
Regional climates differ significantly. Bogotá can be cool and overcast. The Coffee Triangle tends toward warm days and mild evenings. Cartagena is tropical, with heat and humidity that require adjustment if you’ve been at altitude for weeks.
Gear should account for variable conditions. Mornings at altitude can be cold, requiring arm warmers, a vest, and gloves. By midday, you’ll likely strip down to a jersey and bibs. Rain gear is essential, even during the dry season, as weather in the mountains shifts quickly. A good multi-tool, spare tubes, and a pump are standard, though mechanical support is often available on popular routes.
Planning Your Colombian Cycling Trip
Good riding in Colombia is about balance — enough climbing to make it memorable, but not so much that it overshadows the journey itself. Our route is designed with that in mind: challenging enough to satisfy strong riders, yet accessible within our three-and-a-half–espresso-cup grading. It blends steady climbs with cultural immersion at every turn, with optional extensions for those who want to push a little further.
The route was developed by our General Manager, Ben, together with our local partner, Tomás, whose knowledge of Colombian roads and riding culture shapes every stage. It reflects Ride & Seek’s Epic Bike Tour approach: purposeful, immersive, and connected to place.
The result is a journey that celebrates stunning landscapes, warm hospitality, and the simple joy of exploring one of the world’s great cycling nations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cycling in Colombia
Is it safe to cycle in Colombia?
Yes. Cycling in Colombia is generally safe, especially in areas popular with riders and on established routes. The country has invested heavily in road infrastructure and cycling awareness. Many Colombians use bicycles for daily transportation, and drivers are accustomed to sharing the road. As always, local knowledge helps — guided tours or recommended routes ensure the safest and most rewarding experience.
How popular is cycling in Colombia?
Cycling isn’t just a sport in Colombia — it’s part of the national identity. From everyday commuters to elite Colombian cyclists who dominate international races, the passion runs deep. Cities like Bogotá host weekly Ciclovía events, closing major streets to cars so thousands can ride freely. The sport’s success on the world stage has made cycling one of Colombia’s most prestigious and unifying activities.
Why cycle in Colombia?
Cycling is one of the best ways to explore Colombia’s diversity — from the Andes to the Caribbean coast. The combination of smooth roads, stunning scenery, and warm hospitality makes it a truly unique riding destination. Whether you’re seeking a challenge or a cultural journey, exploring by bike is the way to go if you want to see the real Colombia.
Ready to plan your epic Colombia cycling trip? Get in touch today.