Tour Highlights
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Explore Bogotá on the day of its famous Ciclovia
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Learn more about the world of coffee on a private tour in Colombia's coffee zone
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Visit Guaduas, Honda, Jardín, Jericó - Some of the Pueblos Patrimoniales (patrimonial towns) of Colombia
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Cycle through the National Park De los Nevados
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Unique City Tour of Medellín
Overview
This tour starts in Bogota, Colombia’s Capital City – A diverse and multicultural city at 2600 meters (8530 feet) above sea level. The Colombian Capital is known to be one of the pioneers in South America to promote the daily use of a bicycle. Check it out for yourself every Sunday when this city closes more than 100km (62 miles) only for cyclists and pedestrians to use – Our famous Ciclovia.
After 2 eventful days in this fascinating city, it’s time to come down. Literally!!! Our first epic descent towards Guaduas one of the „Pueblos Patrimoniales“ – a number of towns selected by the ministry of tourism, outstanding for their historical richness.
On our tour, we’ll see a couple more of them, little towns along our way. Each one different but beautiful in its own way. After crossing the country’s largest river, the Magdalena River, we’ll spend some time climbing the hills of the lush coffee region.
On the tour’s most challenging day we’ll even ride at over 4000 meters (13,000 feet) above sea level before descending towards Manizales, one of the most important universitarian cities in Colombia.
Leaving Manizales we pass the authentic Paisa Region known for its traditions, lovely people, mountainous landscapes and of course tasty food.
Our tour ends in Medellín, a city that drastically changed its past constantly improving, which has been awarded to be „City of the Year“ by the Wall Street Journal in 2013.
Itinerary
DAYS 1-2:Bogota
On the first official tour day, we’ll come to pick you up at the airport and bring you to your hotel. On this first night, we’ll welcome you with a dinner where we can get to know each other and we’ll talk to you about the adventure to come.
The best way to explore a new city is definitely by bike. And the best day to do it in Bogota is Sunday where the famous Ciclovia takes place. It’s more than 100 km (62 miles) of roads closed for cars and reserved exclusively for cyclists, skaters, runners or simply people who want to take a walk with their family and friends. You’ll get a first impression of how passionate Colombians are about cycling. Today we’ll get on our bikes and learn a little about Colombia’s vibrant culture.
DAY 3:Bogotá-Honda
Already on our first stage, you’ll see what cycling in Colombia is – a little a bit of everything: Gravel, paved roads, challenging climbs and amazing descents (over 2000 meters (6500 feet) of descent) bringing us directly to „Tierra Caliente“. We’ll ride through very rural parts of Colombia showing us a first peek of why this country is one of the greenest and most biodiverse in the world.
Do you like warm weather? Experience the dramatic change of climate that that first 63km will bring. We’ll start this day at 14°C. With every pedal stroke we will feel the temperature rise and arriving in Honda the thermometer will easily reach 30 °C.
Meals: Breakfast
Cycling data: Distance 64 km,39.7 miles-Climbing:1047 meters,3435 feet
DAY 4:Honda-Libano
Let’s leave Honda to face an entirely paved stage today. We’ll start pedaling through the valley of the Magdalena River starting at the lowest point slowly climbing until the second half of the day where we’re going to climb our first epic ascent overlooking this lush area.
But before that, we’ll pass through the town of Mariquita famous for its many tree nurseries and exotic fruit trees. Ever dreamt of having a juice made of sweet and tasty fruits picked directly from the tree? It is your opportunity to dig in and don’t miss Salpicon a traditional fruity drink. It will definitely refresh us and give us the extra energy boost for the coming climb.
Meals: Breakfast
Cycling data: Distance 84 km,51.9 miles-Climbing:1912 meters,6273 feet
DAY 5:Libano-Manizales
In the big bicycle races, there is the queen stage. We can’t think of a better way to describe today’s challenge. A day full of emotions. Surely you have climbed numerous mountains but how many times have you ridden in a national park at over 4000 meters above sea level. Mastering this hard off-road climb you will be rewarded by looking at the second highest volcano in Colombia – the „Vulcan Nevado del Ruiz“ (5321m).
Meals:Breakfast
Cycling data: Distance 88 km,55 miles-Climbing:3200 meters,10600 feet
DAY 6:Manizales-Riosucio
After our Queen Stage, it’s time to rest and enjoy the famous Coffee Zone of Colombia. Here they grow one of the best coffees in the world. If you like coffee it’s time to indulge, it’s your chance to get a taste of some very special coffees. We will descend 2000 meters passing by farms and field until arriving in the Valley of the Rio Cauca the second most important river in Colombia.
Meals: Breakfast
Cycling data Distance:45 km,28 miles-Climbing:650 meters,2133 feet
DAY 7:Riosucio-Jardín
Before deserving our rest day we have a treat for our gravel lovers: 51km of climbs and descents passing cloud forests, waterfalls and riding through an area with a diversity of bird species you will hardly find anywhere else in the world. Arriving in Jardin will culminate our ride. Jardin (garden in English) gives us a hint of what to expect.
Meals: Breakfast
Cycling data :Distance 51 km,31.7 miles-Climbing:1400 meters,4587 feet
DAY 8:Jardín Rest day
After many epic and hard rides, we finally deserve to rest. And what better place could there be than the most beautiful town in Colombia, Jardin, another „Pueblo Patrimonial“. A small town of colorful houses where we’ll have time to get to know some traditions of the Paisa culture, savor the food and spend the evening in the traditional and funny fondas (bar).
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 9:Jardín-Jerico
Energized we’ll start the day with yet another fast descent on a paved road. But by now you should know us. What would a day be without some gravel and climbing?
Tonight we’ll stay in the beautiful mountain town of Jerico where Holy Mother Laura the only Colombian Saint was born. In this town, you can look at and maybe even buy a handmade Carriel, a special leather purse that has been developed for and is used extensively by the countryman of the area.
Here we will have the opportunity to visit one of the many coffee farms where they will show us the process of growing and making one of the best coffees in the world – El Café Colombiano.
Meals: Breakfast
Cycling data: Distance 48 km, 29.8 miles-Climbing:1262 meters,4140 feet
DAY 10:Jerico-Medellin
After descending into the Valley of the Cauca River we will then cross it. Another beautiful climb will give us the chance to enjoy and overlook this beautiful and green country. Take your time and get plenty of photos!
And remember in Colombia we don’t ride hills, we ride mountains!!!
Meals: Breakfast
Cycling data: Distance 41 km,25.7 miles-Climbing:1472 meters,4829 feet
DAY 11:Medellín Rest Day
A day of rest to explore the city of eternal spring, cycling ended but this day we still have some adventures. In the last 20 years, Medellín transformed into a worldwide reference regarding urban transformation, being awarded as „City of the Year“ in 2013 for its innovations.
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 12:Medellin
Today our tour ends. Colombia is one of the most colorful countries in the world. Let’s have a last breakfast together and look back on this adventure. We hope that we could show you that traveling through a country by bike is the best way to see, smell, taste and feel it and it gives you the time to make new friends for life.
Meals: Breakfast
Arrival + Departure Details
ARRIVE
Airport City: Bogota, Colombia
Pick-Up Location: Aeropuerto el Dorado, Bogota
DEPART
Airport City: Medellin, Colombia
Drop-Off Location: El Aeropuerto Internacional José María Córdova,Medellin
Inclusions + Information
Accommodations
All accommodation will be in hotels or guest houses. We choose accommodation on the basis of comfort rather than luxury. Our prices are based on sharing a twin room; single rooms are available at extra cost.
Meals
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Daily breakfast
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Snacks and local fruit on riding days
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Dinner on our last night
Support
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Expert bilingual guide with extensive cycling experience and local knowledge
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Support vehicle that follows the day’s route, distributes refreshments, and offers lifts
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Bike maintenance to ensure optimal performance
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Pick up and drop off at the airport.
Activities
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Ciclovia tour Bogota
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Coffee tour in one of the most traditional areas of the coffee region.
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Medellin city tour.
Not Included
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Airfare
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Travel insurance
Dates & Prices
We design tours according to the needs of our clients, we also adapt to your availability of time. If you or your friends or family are interested in doing this tour, send us an email and we will get to work on the great adventure that is touring Colombia by Bicycle.
Optional Extras
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Own Room From: $430
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Bike Hire from: $250