Welcome to the coffee-scented mountains of the Western Colombian Andes. Filled with brightly colored towns and enchanting landscapes, Colombia’s main coffee-growing region is like something out of a fairytale, and perfect to discover Colombia by bike.
Our journey starts in the modern city of Medellín, city of eternal spring and birthplace of colourful Colombian artist Fernando Botero. Take in a 380 km loop east from Medellín into the mountains, past volcanoes and through coffee plantations. Stay in a magical mix of boutique guesthouses, rural eco-lodges & finish in style at a 5* hotel in the centre of Medellín.
Enjoy warm hospitality, delicious fresh food and soak up coffee culture.
Rated 3 out of 4 our Advanced tours are designed for people who ride regularly and want back to back challenging days on the bike. Riders should be confident riding in a small group, comfortable on extended climbs (at your own pace) and have good bike handling skills on corners and descents. E-bikes are available on all of our tours.
Meet your guides and fellow riders in Medellín Centre and transfer (1 hour 40 mins) to our starting point on the shores of the Embalse del Peñol at 2,000 m altitude. We’ll enjoy a relaxed afternoon getting the bikes set up and going for a warm-up ride before settling in to our first evening meal together.
The next day adventure calls! We strike a course south east through the forest. During the ride we’ll descend from 2,000 m altitude to 600 m – rest assured there are still some good climbs to tackle en route! At the end of the ride we’ll take a short transfer to tonight’s hotel in Nápoles. In the afternoon there’s an opportunity to visit Hacienda Nápoles, the estate of notorious Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar.
Our rest day ride takes us further south at lower altitudes. Cross from Antioquia to Caldas through farmland and open pastures. We’ll pass through the town of San Miguel and hug the route of the Rio La Miel. In the afternoon relax in nature at our eco hotel or visit the Botanical Gardens of Magdalena – a centre dedicated to preserving the biodiversity of the region.
Today the climbing starts again as we start the journey west back towards Medellín. Our rolling route takes us towards the mountains on gravel tracks and a quiet country road. Farmland will give way to tropical vegetation as the altitude goes up! At our resting place in Norcasia a short detour to see the Mirador del Embalse Amaní is a must.
Enjoy a spectacular day in the rural hills of Colombia! Ride west into the hills through coffee plantations and back into the Antioquia region. Our highest point of the day is 1,600 m, when we pass the Volcán el Escondido. At the end of the ride enjoy quality recovery in the natural hot springs. Disconnect and unwind in the spa or take a dip in the river.
The Queen stage of the tour packs a leg-sapping 2,500 m of elevation into just 55 km of riding. Climb high into the mountains on a mix of gravel & paved roads. Sleep in Sonson, a local town at 2,500 m. This is rural Colombia!
Today’s grand finale is takes us cycling in coffee region. Ride on gravel tracks at alitude for the first half of the ride and enjoy a great descent to Nazareth. At the base of our last climb we’ll stop for a delicious coffee at Café Finca El Reposo – taste the world’s best coffee at it’s source! Our final climb takes us to El Retiro and the end of the road. After lunch we’ll take a transfer to Medellín and celebrate the end of the ride in style!
It’s time to say adios to this beautiful country. Plan your onward travel from our last hotel in Medellín centre.
FULL SUPPORT
Enjoy full ride support from our professional guide team & support vehicle.
The ride support vehicle is stocked with natural ride nutrition, electrolytes and water, as well as a full set of tools to resolve any mechanicals. On selected days the support crew will serve a delicious picnic lunch in a scenic location en route. Enjoy local foods chosen to keep you feeling energized and healthy.
Eat Sleep Cycle guides are experienced riders from all walks of life united by a love of cycling who’ll help to keep the group safe, motivated and savouring the trip of a lifetime.
All guests will receive access to our digital Road Book and routes, giving everyone the flexibility to ride at their own pace.
Hotels shown are examples and are subject to change
Located by a beautiful lake, Hotel Boato is a luxury eco hotel. Rest among nature, eat great food enjoy the anticipation of the ride ahead!
A comfortable hotel with a swimming pool and modern rooms located close to the old estate belonging to notorious drug lord Pablo Escobar.
La Cachaza is surrounded by the tranquility of the imposing jungle of Magdalena Medio. Warm, rustic and natural are part of the essence of the hotel located on the banks of the La Miel river. Stay in a cabin surrrounded by palm trees, fruit trees and lush gardens.
High above the town of La Dorada the Avani hotel offers truly breathtaking views of the La Miel river valley (yes, it’s a climb up to the hotel!) Enjoy relaxed, stylish rooms and soak up the landscape.
Deep in mountains find the perfect spot for post-ride recovery. Relax in the natural hot springs and soak up the mineral rich waters. Sleep in rural accommodation y the river & prepare for tomorrow’s Queen Stage!
Located in the centre of the lively town of Sonson at the lofty height of 2,500 m, El Tesoro is a meeting place for travellers from across the world. The quirky, traditional building is also registered as a museum. The restuarant serves Colombian food as made by all abuela’s in Colombia, rich, delicious and full of amor!
Modern architechture meets beautiful gardens to create an oasis in the city of Medellín. Perfectly located to discover the city with all the luxuries necessary to recover from the ride, the Click Clack hotel promises to be the perfect host to our post-ride celebrations.
Bike hire is not included in the tour. Add bike rental to the trip from €60 per day.Bikes shown here are examples and are subject to availabilty at the time of booking. We'll let you know the available options in your size when you book with us.
Ask us about available bikes to rent for this tour. We recommend an adventure style gravel bike, with a relaxed geometry, 47c tyres and plently of gears for the climbs.
David is from Medellin and a lifelong cyclist. He lives in Medellin with his wife & kids and spends the weekends climbing Las Palmas!
Juan Pablo lives & breathes cycling and is super strong on and off-road. He’s completed the Transcordilleras several times and is a en experienced bike-packer. Juan Pablo is Colombian cycling culture!
Esteban is a Colombian cyclist passionate about everything with two wheels, mainly gravel! An expert in tours through Colombia, Esteban dedicates his time to traveling and knowing the best routes through his country.
Colombia is a magical country in South America that's home to the majestic Andes mountains and has a wonderful climate for cycling all year around. As one of the world's main producers of coffee it makes sense that cycling is Colombia's national sport. Expect a warm-welcome from a population of cycling aficionados and prepare to get off the beaten track on our Colombia cycling tours.
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