Colombia

Colombia is one of South America's most beautiful but least-visited countries. The Colombian passion for cycling is on a par with the nation’s love of football, making it a fantastic destination for the intrepid cyclist.

Now that Colombia is opening up as a travel destination, you have the chance to explore this hidden South American gem. The redspokes Colombia cycling holiday begins in Medellin (the city of eternal Spring) taking you on a cycle ride of challenging long mountain climbs and dramatic Andean scenery to reach lively high altitude capital Bogota; the city that never sleeps.

Between these two vibrant Colombian destinations we cycle through an amazing variety of landscapes, sights and cultures characterised by the lush verdant hillsides of the coffee district. We cycle the Altro de Letras; reputedly the world's longest road and ride right off the beaten track to discover the Colombian countryside. With a history of European colonialism and a troubled era of political struggles and drug wars, modern Colombia has moved on from the past, striving for a new future and now welcomes visitors.

redspokes Colombia cycling holiday begins with a few days of acclimatisation in Medellin including the Sunday Ciclovia. From 8 am until 2 pm certain main streets of Bogotá, Cali, Medellín and other municipalities are closed to cars and designated as 'ciclovia': available for the exclusive use of runners, skaters, and bicyclists.  We then head North West cycling to Santa Fe de Antioquia, a colonial former gold mining town with whitewashed buildings and intricately carved woodwork. From here we ride on heading South West to La Pintada and Salamina cycling along mountain ridges and through spectacular coffee regions.

We cycle through the Caldas region, home of the Paisas people and one of the main coffee growing areas, visiting rural towns with views of curving mountains as far as the eye can see, thick forestation and the odd dwelling dotted here and there. There are many cattle ranches and Guadua groves. We visit Manizales before the ultimate challenge of the trip cycling the Altro de Letras up to Padua;  the world’s longest uphill cycle with a high point of 3,679m. We ride on through small mountain top historic towns towards Bogotá. At 2,625m above sea level amongst towering Andean peaks Colombia's vibrant capital city is rich with history. There are no less than 58 museums and over 70 art galleries.

Colombia claims to be 'one of the happiest places on the planet' and with cycling not just a past time but a national sport, what better destination is there for an adventure cycling holiday?