I guess that countless serious cyclists worldwide have Colombia as one of the unticked boxes on the cycling bucket list, right? The country is famed near and far for its huge cycling culture. Its landscapes are very distinctive. The climate is pretty much ideal year-round. And there are many more reasons for cyclists to go there. But how exactly does one plan a cycling trip to Colombia? After all, Latin America ain’t your typical Europe, Asia or Yank-infested States. Is it even safe? Traffic-wise. And what about the more nefarious sort of violence? What are the prime riding routes and highlights to seek out? What are the top-shelf hotels to book? How in the name of all that’s holy do you get chummy with the locals and tap into their insider know-how?
Well, I’ll have you know I recently joined a proper cycling tour across Colombia, fully immersing myself in its myriad offerings starting right from the capital Bogotá. And after that trip, I’m brimming with insights I’m just itching to spill. From tapping into the local cycling scenes to navigating Colombian roads, terrain and altitudes.
So, if you’re thinking of experiencing Colombia’s finest routes with the road bike, all enriched by local expertise, you’d best believe I’ve got the right informative read for you. Read on!
A High-End Colombia Cycling Tour Worth every penny
In my particular case, the Colombia trip was a meticulously planned one. Quite the contrast to my previous, more spontaneous adventure in Ecuador. This Ecuador trip was my introduction to Latin America through the people of Clipped Experience. A serendipitous discovery I stumbled upon. I’ve laid out the nitty-gritty of that first Latin American trip in this blog post.
Riding high on the wave of enthusiasm for Clipped Experience’s top-notch services and my newfound love affair with South American cycling, I naturally gravitated towards their Colombia Tour. Aptly named “The Espresso Experience“, it promised a perfect blend of adrenaline and caffeine.
Now, having ticked both these trips off my bucket list, I can dish out some firsthand experiences on why opting for a luxury cycling tour with an operator like Clipped is worth every penny. Especially for cyclists looking to navigate the ins and outs of cycling in Latin America without taking risks while not missing a beat.
An overall High-End experience
Now I don’t know what about you, but for me goes that at this stage in my life, I’m all about balancing adventure with comfort. Despite the allure of rugged bike-packing trips as often portrayed on social media, that lifestyle doesn’t quite suit me. I’m not one to fend for myself, cooking over a makeshift fire or sleeping under the stars. Sure, I thrive on challenging rides over epic mountain passes and deep into pristine nature. Still, at the end of the day, I crave a quality meal and a good night’s sleep in a stylish and comfortable boutique hotel. Even more ideally, having someone available to clean my bike if needed when I’m enjoying a well-deserved massage.
And this preference is exactly why I opt for high-end or luxury cycling tours. Tour operators like Clipped expertly curate the best routes, coffee stops, restaurants, and accommodations, allowing me to enjoy a seamless experience without the hassle of planning and dragging around my luggage all the time.
All that is generally speaking. Let’s dive into some details now.
General safety
It’s no secret that Colombia has a reputation for safety concerns due to its history with drug cartels and violence. However, the situation has vastly improved over the years. Despite these advancements, the country still grapples with some security issues. By taking the right precautions, like steering clear of certain areas, maintaining a low profile, staying vigilant, and heeding local advice, you can safely relish all Colombia offers for cycling.
The primary challenge remains knowing which areas are safe for cycling and which are not, as these conditions are often subject to change. Leveraging local knowledge is invaluable here, and that’s where a reputable tour operator comes into play. They connect with locals, frequently scout routes, and stay well-informed, ensuring you can focus on your ride without worrying about safety.
Road safety
Firstly, the road conditions in Colombia are generally good. You’ll find proper tarmac on the main roads, but there might be an occasional exception when connecting to smaller roads. In the mountains, be mindful that heavy rainfall can have an impact on the road quality. This is usually not an issue on climbs, but I suggest being extra cautious on descents.
It’s worth noting that the main roads, especially in and around a city like Bogotá, can be extremely busy from time to time. And, from a European perspective, they may seem very chaotic. However, unlike many places in Europe, I find that there’s noticeably more mutual respect in traffic here. What impresses me most is that drivers are really used to cyclists on the road because of the huge cycling culture. They often go out of their way to give you the necessary space on the road. Still, I would suggest being defensive-minded towards traffic at any time.
I’d bet my best bike that everyone should go on a Clipped Experience at least once in their lifetime. It’s the kind of trip that not only promises but delivers – leaving you awe-struck and full of incredible memories that’ll have you grinning from ear to ear for years to come.
Rik de Voogd
Worry-free riding with sherpas
The popularity of cycling in Colombia has spurred the development of related services that greatly enhance your cycling experience. Such as the unique role of cycling ‘sherpas.’ Much like their brothers in Central Asia who assist mountain climbers by carrying equipment, these local sherpas take on a similar supportive role but specifically for cyclists. They are typically motor riders who accompany you throughout your ride for a pre-agreed fee. They help to manage traffic around you and ensuring your safety first of all. But on top of the protective presence, they also carry essentials like pumps, snacks, extra water bottles, or an additional jacket for you, allowing you to focus on your ride.
Safe cycling routes
I would undeniably rank Colombia among the premier cycling destinations globally. However, diving into this paradise with proper planning is key! Of course, as always, you wouldn’t want to miss out on the most scenic routes. On the other hand, despite generally stable security conditions, it’s prudent to research and plan your routes carefully. And I can easily illustrate the importance of local insights with an experience from my first day in Bogotá…
Because on that first day, I just mapped what seemed like a straightforward loop on Komoot. Although it would be a pre-tour ride, after crafting the route I shared it with the people of Clipped, seeking their opinion. They replied with a screenshot of my route marked with a big red circle, cautioning, “This isn’t a safe place to ride.” Seeking clarity, I asked him if his safety concerns were traffic- or gang-related. His confirmation of the latter was a clear call to adjust my plans.
I think this experience underscores the invaluable nature of local knowledge, which is expertly leveraged by high-end tour operators like Clipped Tours. They simply ensure you make the most of your trip, also in a safe way.
Curated hotels and accommodations
My excitement leading up to any trip gets often tempered by the daunting task of sifting through countless accommodation options. I mean, we all are looking for the best value for money, right? This can mean spending hours, or even days, searching for that perfect place to stay, only to find that it might not live up to your expectations upon arrival. Issues like mediocre beds, noisy rooms, disappointing breakfasts, or the fact that you’re welcome but your bike isn’t can all too easily undermine your experience.
It makes sense that reviews on Google and TripAdvisor are so frequently consulted. However, there’s nothing quite as reassuring as having experts take the helm, selecting accommodations through a curated process.
This approach completely alleviated any booking stress during my trips with Clipped Experience. I never found myself second-guessing choices and wondering if there might have been a better option. It was just the top-notch experience that I truly appreciate!
Cultural Immersion
Colombia’s renown for its coffee precedes it, and with Clipped ‘tours dubbing this trip “The Espresso Experience” you’re rightly set for a genuine coffee experience.
True to its reputation, the best way to immerse yourself in the world of coffee is through a dedicated coffee tour. Our tour kicked off in two iconic Jeeps, the kind I had noticed throughout our rides so far. Two compact Wranglers, both typically laden with either large jute bags of coffee or, as in our case, people.
After a scenic 30-minute drive through lush coffee fields, we arrived at a local, family-run coffee finca where the real magic happens. Here, we learned how to identify ripe coffee cherries, the methods of harvesting, pulping, drying, and finally, brewing the beans.
Eventually, the tour culminated in a tasting session that truly awakened our senses to the rich, aromatic flavors of Colombian coffee, experienced through various brewing techniques.
I have to say, this experience profoundly impacted my understanding and appreciation of coffee, even inspiring a change in how I prepare my brews at home.
Truly, it was the most authentic and profound tourist experience I’ve ever had.
World longest climb, alto de Letras
The rumours are true. Colombia boasts what is reputed to be the world’s longest paved climb. The Alto de Letras, which ascends to 3,679 meters (12,070 feet) over an expansive 81 kilometers!
This climb, part of the Ruta Nacional 50, creates a scenic route between the eastern city of Mariquita and the western city of Manizales. We kicked of our stage over The Letras in the colourful, colonial town of Honda. Before getting to the main menu, we enjoyed a relatively flat 20-kilometer stretch along the Rio Magdalena to Mariquita, from where the real deal began. From there, the road rises 3,220 meters with an average gradient of 4%, although you shouldn’t be fooled here because some sections are significantly steeper. Also, the climb is interspersed with brief descents that seem to reclaim your hard-fought elevation gains.
The reward, however, is the stunning scenery of the Páramos. The unique highland ecosystems are found only in the humid, high-altitude regions of the northern Andes near the equator. This exotic beauty provided a mesmerizing backdrop to a gruelling long day in the saddle.
Despite the length of the climb, the experience is incredibly rewarding. For me personally, the exhaustion really set in during the last 15 kilometers, but the support arranged by Clipped made a crucial difference. Each of us had a personal sherpa, the motorbike riders I mentioned earlier, who stayed by our side throughout, providing food and bottle refills as needed. Having a sherpa with you is something I highly recommend if it’s not only to feel pro for a day.
Credits: Rik de Voogd
