Redesigned

Riding the Colombian Andes

Price from
US$ 4,500
Duration
12 Days / 11 Nights
Distance
410 km
Tour Code
COL-BCA
Next departure
09-Feb-2025
Number of Cycling Days9
Average Distance Per Day: 46
0
150 Km
Average Climbing Per Day: 1176
0
2,250 m
Accommodation
Basic
5 Star
Total Cycling Distance410 kilometres
AccommodationIncluded
Bike Hire29" Mountain Bike: US$ 295
Single SupplementUS$ 650
Client Rating (based on 4 reviews)

About this Cycle Tour

The Colombian Andes form the northernmost stretch of this majestic South American mountain range. Lofty peaks shrouded in cloud forests, rugged canyons carved by rushing rivers, and foothills dotted with cattle pastures and coffee plantations create an intriguing landscape for a bike journey. A long history and living heritage are ever-present in the traditions of indigenous groups and the terracotta-hued architecture of towns built by Spanish explorers. This 12-day bike journey takes us from the capital, Bogotá, north through the Departments of Boyacá and Santander, riding from one heritage-rich Andean town to the next, each seemingly lifted from a painting. We tackle gravel roads, conquer technical climbs and descents, take in breathtaking views, sip fresh coffee, discover local crafts, savour traditional cuisine, and embrace the spirited charm of Colombian hospitality!

Starting from Bogotá’s high-altitude urban buzz, we drive north for a gentle warm-up ride in the Andean foothills, leading us to the cliffs of Suarez. Over the next few days, the cycling gets longer, higher, and tougher as we ride a mix of paved and gravel roads through an agrarian hinterland filled with cattle ranches, farmlands, and villages where artisans craft colourful ponchos and intricate ceramics. Next, the scenery shifts dramatically as we traverse the Candelaria Desert – the “desert of souls” – with its arid moorlands, rocky paths, and an ancient astronomical observatory. After a night in Villa de Leyva, one of Colombia’s best-preserved colonial towns, we transition into the highlands of Santander, riding past waterfalls, through rainforests, and past stone churches. The final two riding days take us up and down the Suarez River valley along winding gravel roads, culminating in an ascent to Barichara, one of the country's most beautiful heritage towns, perched atop a plateau. We end by exploring this gem of a town on foot before transferring to Bucaramanga for onward flights or extended stays.

Join us on this adrenaline-pumping, culturally-enriching bike adventure through the Colombian Andes!

Book Your Cycling Holiday

Itinerary

Day 1

We meet at our tour hotel in Bogotá in the afternoon for a trip briefing and welcome dinner.

Day 2

We transfer out of Bogotá and enjoy a gentle introduction to the agrarian landscapes of the Andean foothills. Passing cattle ranches, we take in the scenic beauty of Tomine Lake before ending our ride in Suesca, a charming town famous for the rugged cliffs at its doorstep.

Day 3

We tackle an 8 km climb on a gravel road with stunning views of pastures and forests, followed by 20 km on rolling highland farmer lanes. We finish with a fast 5 km descent into Cucunubá, renowned for its artisan ruanas and peaceful rural charm.

Day 4

Today’s ride takes us from one small Andean town to the next, transitioning from agricultural landscapes of potato fields and dairy ranches to the rugged mountains of the Ráquira region. We tackle challenging climbs and descents on gravel roads and visit a town known for its artisanal pottery.

Day 5

Get ready for a remarkable visual shift as we cross the Candelaria Desert, an arid, high-altitude moorland, also known as the 'desert of souls.' We’ll tackle some technical up and downhills, visit an indigenous astronomical observatory, and roll into the former colonial town of Villa de Leyva.

Day 6

From the montane desert, we ascend to Gachantivá, surrounded by rugged mountains. After a descent to the Moniquirá River we ride through pastures, farms, and villages leading us to Moniquirá, the "Sweet Capital of Boyacá." Try bocadillo veleño, a popular, energy-boosting Colombian guava jelly snack!

Day 7

Today’s ride takes us through the hidden paths of the Santander region, filled with coffee fields, sugarcane plantations, and a variety of other crops draped across the landscape. We connect a string of quaint agricultural communities, ending in the village of Vado Real.

Day 8

Today we continue up and down through the enchanting landscapes of Santander, revealing the region's rich agricultural and natural heritage. Enroute we visit the magnificent Los Caballeros Waterfalls which cascades dramatically down the cliffs.

Day 9

We start with an exhilarating 8 km downhill to the Suárez River, followed by a challenging 8 km uphill ascent. The remainder of the ride takes us through the beautiful, mountain-framed highlands of Santander, ending our ride in the town of Socorro, boasting lively plazas, and historic churches.

Day 10

Our final ride takes us deeper into the Suárez Canyon, with plenty of ascents and descents as we enjoy the rural, wild scenery. A final climb brings us to Barichara, one of Colombia’s most beautiful heritage towns, perched atop a plateau.

Day 11

We explore Barichara on foot, starting with the central plaza and the Cathedral, then meandering through cobblestone streets lined with houses built using traditional methods. Afterward, you’ll have time to relax or go cafe hopping before we gather for a well-deserved farewell dinner.

Day 12

The tour ends with a transfer to Bucaramanga (around 3 - 3.5 hours) where we will drop you off at your post-tour hotel or the airport.

Elevation Profiles

Day 2 - Bogotá - Guasca - Suesca Ride 41km. +435m / -533m.
Day 2 - Bogotá - Guasca - Suesca Ride 41km. +435m / -533m.

Reviews

The trip "Riding The Colombian Andes" was a fantastic combination of visiting valley farms, rolling hillsides along with high mountain ridges of the Andes Mountains which offered spectacular views! Being able to visit a vineyard including a tour, tasting and an amazing lunch was very memorable. Another highlight was visiting the organic coffee plantation which also included a tour tasting and a wonderful lunch served in the courtyard of the property. Also along the way each day we explored many small towns which all offered amazing central plazas or parks to rest, enjoy the view and take in a local treat and a beverage of choice usually amazing coffee, before continuing on cycling.

Our guide Camilo Santos was fantastic, the best, who went out of his way to accommodate our wishes. He worked hard to give us various route riding options which were tailored to our individual riding abilities. Camilo gave excellent detailed briefings each day as to what our route conditions would be for the following day along with presenting our options. Camilo was very attentive to accommodating the differences with our 3 different riding abilities.

Our driver was Oscar Robayo, he was an amazing driver. He was very smooth operating his clean and comfortable support pickup truck which was used to transport our group of 3 tourists, guide, luggage, rest stop supplies (snacks and hydration), along with our bikes. Oscar was always smiling, helpful and eager to be in position to take photos of us along the way.

Stephen MiddletonMarch 2023

The trip "Riding The Colombian Andes" was a fantastic combination of visiting valley farms, rolling hillsides along with high mountain ridges of the Andes Mountains which offered spectacular views! Being able to visit a vineyard including a tour, tasting and an amazing lunch was very memorable. Another highlight was visiting the organic coffee plantation which also included a tour tasting and a wonderful lunch served in the courtyard of the property. Also along the way each day we explored many small towns which all offered amazing central plazas or parks to rest, enjoy the view and take in a local treat and a beverage of choice usually amazing coffee, before continuing on cycling.

Our guide Camilo Santos was fantastic, the best, who went out of his way to accommodate our wishes. He worked hard to give us various route riding options which were tailored to our individual riding abilities. Camilo gave excellent detailed briefings each day as to what our route conditions would be for the following day along with presenting our options. Camilo was very attentive to accommodating the differences with our 3 different riding abilities.

Our driver was Oscar Robayo, he was an amazing driver. He was very smooth operating his clean and comfortable support pickup truck which was used to transport our group of 3 tourists, guide, luggage, rest stop supplies (snacks and hydration), along with our bikes. Oscar was always smiling, helpful and eager to be in position to take photos of us along the way.

Stephen MiddletonMarch 2023

Enjoyed cycling hills and trails in Colombia. There was no flat sections and I am proud of finishing the trip. See back country Colombia and the colonial villages up close. Great tour leader!

Roger DelbaereMarch 2023

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