Cycling tour in Colombia

Arrival at Bogotá’s El Dorado international airport, at an altitude of 2,640 m. Transfer to your hotel in the Candelaria district and end of the day free to enjoy the Colombian capital at your leisure, with its mix of modern and historic districts, urban architecture and verdant parks. Overnight at the Hotel De La Opera in a Standard room.

Depart by bike for an unusual immersion in Bogotá’s historic and cultural center, which has preserved its authentic colonial atmosphere. Along the cobbled streets, you’ll discover colorful facades, beautifully carved wooden balconies and Baroque churches. Discover the Plaza Bolivar, with its imposing buildings (City Hall, Palace of Justice, Cathedral, National Congress…) Then head for the Paloquemao market, where you can sample exotic flavors and shop for the Bogotanos’ favorite dish. Note: the order and content of the activities are indicative, depending on the day of the week. Overnight at Hotel De La Opera in a standard room.

Departure for the Boyaca department. En route, visit of the Guatavita Lagoon, sacred lake of the Muiscas Indians and cradle of the myth of El Dorado. Transfer to the hotel and end of the day free to enjoy the colonial atmosphere of Villa de Leyva. Note 1: 5 to 6 hours’ drive in total. Note 2: Free visit – Entrance not included. Overnight at the Posada San Antonio hotel in a Superior room.

Depart for a day in the heart of the Iguaque Fauna and Flora Sanctuary, located on a misty highland plateau. During an « ecological » hike, you’ll enjoy the tropical vegetation along the trails leading to the Laguna Bachue (3,600 meters above sea level). Birdwatchers will be able to observe hummingbirds, toucans and other birds. Note 1: Hiking on uneven terrain; 5 to 6-hour round-trip walk at altitude (2,400 to 3,800 msnm); difficult level. Note 2: bring walking shoes – cold-weather clothing (4° C to 12° C). Night at Hotel Posada San Antonio in Superior room.

Departure for the Santander department, with its impressive landscapes and powerful rivers. Leaving Villa de Leyva, after a 1h40-minute drive, we pass the village of Barbosa, renowned for its production of bocadillos (local fruit jellies). Just before arriving in Barichara, we stop off at the pretty colonial village of El Socorro. Check-in at the hotel in Barichara, considered one of Colombia’s prettiest towns. Note: 4 to 5 hours’ drive Half-day devoted to exploring the Santander region by mountain bike. The morning starts at an altitude of 1,800 m in the Cabrera area, where you’ll begin a 25 km descent to the bottom of the majestic Suarez Canyon. You’ll first pass through Barichara for a break at the mirador, then through the small village of Guane and finally arrive at the Suarez River, where you can appreciate the grandeur of the scenery. Return to Barichara for lunch en route. Note 1: approx. 23 km of mountain biking. Note 2: a support vehicle is available along the way. Note 3: swimming available. Overnight at Hotel Posada La Nube in a standard room.

Return transport between Barichara and San Gil. A day dedicated to exploring the Barichara area by mountain bike. The day begins at an altitude of 1,800 metres with a 4 km climb, at the end of which you’ll take your first break at a viewpoint. Then it’s a 25 km descent to the bottom of the majestic Chicamocha Canyon. During the day, you’ll have the opportunity to observe the different crops grown in the region (coffee, fique, tobacco). Lunch by the river, with the possibility of a swim depending on the water level. You will then arrive at the abandoned village of Jordan, 400 m above sea level. Return to Barichara by vehicle. Note 1: approximately 30 km of mountain biking. Note 2: a support vehicle is present along the route. Overnight at Hotel Posada La Nube in a Standard room.

Transport between Barichara and Bucaramanga . Domestic flight to Pereira. Note: Easyfly is a low-cost airline. Baggage allowance is 15 kg per person. Any extra kilos must be paid for at the airline’s airport counter. Arrival in the « coffee triangle » (made up of three departments: Quindío, Risaralda and Caldas). It is here, on the high Andean plateaus of western Colombia, that almost 10% of the world’s coffee is grown, at altitudes ranging from 800 to 1,800 m. Welcome and transfer to your hotel. Overnight at Hotel Casa du Velo in a Standard room.

Transfer between Filandia and Armenia . Spend the day discovering the coffee region by bike. Early in the morning, you’ll reach Armenia by private vehicle, the starting point of your mountain bike tour. With a surface area of 150 hectares, Patasola is one of the most beautiful nature reserves in the coffee region. You’ll wind your way through fields of coffee and banana trees, as well as observing the many species of tropical birds found in the region. You will be accompanied by a guide throughout the excursion, and a support vehicle will follow you all the way. Distance: 25 km; Difficulty level Note: a 3-minute video of the day’s highlights will be given to you after the excursion. Return transfer between the villages of Salento and Filandia. Note: Approx. 1-hour drive Overnight at Hotel Casa du Velo in a Standard room.

Transport between Filandia and Manizales. Note: approx. 2 hours’ drive Half-day visit to a large orchid collection. Long kept secret, this 35-hectare property opens its doors to you to share the owners’ passion for this plant of many varieties. During the walk, you’ll also have the opportunity to taste the different fruits grown here. You’ll finish the tour with an excellent fresh juice, while observing the many hummingbirds that have made their home here, with a beautiful view of the Pacific mountains. Note: approx. 1h30 round trip. Overnight at the Hacienda Venecia hotel in a standard room.

A day to discover the coffee region by bike. Departing from the town of Manizales, you’ll head off through coffee fields, banana plantations and guadas. Numerous viewpoints and miradors will enable you to appreciate the beauty of the eje cafetero and its surroundings. If the sky is clear, you’ll also have the chance to see the glacier and the active El Ruiz volcano, before arriving at the heart of a traditional plantation to discover the Colombian coffee culture. On site, you’ll have the opportunity to discover the complete coffee production process, before tasting the beverage produced on site. Lunch at the finca, then back on the road by bike. Note: approx. 3 hours of coffee tour. Overnight at the Hacienda Venecia hotel in a Standard room.

Transport between Manizales and Medellin: approx. 4 hours’ drive Important note: due to roadworks on the Medellin – Coffee Region road, driving time can vary between 6 and 12 hours, with a lot of time at a complete standstill. It is possible to take a flight with a Bogota connection to avoid this road. Please contact us for further information. Overnight at the Celestino boutique hotel in a standard room. Note: as the hotel is located in the heart of the trendy Poblado district, nights can be noisy from Thursday to Sunday.

On this tour, you’ll discover the city of Medellin in an original and environmentally-friendly way. On board electric bikes, you’ll ride through the city of eternal spring, visiting the Museum of Modern Art, Los Pies Descalzos and Del Rio parks, and Botero Square. You’ll also climb up to the Pueblito Paisa (without getting tired, thanks to your bike’s little motor!), where you’ll enjoy a 360° view of the city. Note 1: tour lasts around 4 hours Note 2: museum entrance fees are not included. Depart in the early evening for an original tour of the city of Medellin. Medellin is renowned for its nightlife, especially in the trendy El Poblado district. You’ll start with a panoramic tour that takes you to the mirador for a beautiful view of the city, then on to a small village for a walk through the park to the main square. After a tasting of traditional « piquadeos », you’ll return to Medellin and more precisely to the very select Zona Rosa district, known for its many bars and restaurants. You can stay for dinner or return to your hotel with your guide. Note: If you decide to stay in the Zona Rosa district for dinner, the transfer back to your hotel is not included. However, you can easily find cabs on the street. Mountain bike rental Overnight at the Hotel Boutique Celestino in a standard room. Note: as the hotel is located in the heart of the trendy Poblado district, nights can be noisy from Thursday to Sunday.

Transfer to Medellin airport. Domestic flight to Cartagena de Indias. Welcome to Cartagena de Indias, on the Caribbean coast. Transfer to your hotel in the historic center and end of the day free to discover the unrivalled charm of this superb colonial city, listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Afternoon at leisure to enjoy Cartagena’s many attractions. Night at Hotel Tcherassi in Superior room.

Departure for a guided bike tour of Cartagena. The ride begins in the historic center, where you’ll pass by the main squares and monuments of the colonial center. The tour continues to Gethsémani, home to Florentino Ariza, the main character in the famous novel Love in the Time of Cholera, written by Colombian Nobel Prize winner Gabriel García Márquez. Next, you’ll cross the Roman Bridge to the Manga district, to visit Cartagena’s oldest cemetery. Finally, you’ll ride along the promenade of Bocagrande, an ultra-modern district often nicknamed « Little Miami », to reach the colonial center. This original discovery of the city will be punctuated by stops so that your guide can explain Cartagena’s rich history to you… Note: approx. 3 hours by bike Afternoon at leisure to enjoy Cartagena’s many attractions. Overnight at Hotel Tcherassi in a Superior room.

Morning at leisure to enjoy Cartagena’s many attractions. You can visit the historic city at your own pace and enjoy its unique atmosphere, discover the modern district of Bocagrande, store for handicrafts in Las Bovedas, take a day trip to relax in the Rosario Islands. Transfer to Cartagena de Indias airport for your flight to Bogota. Domestic flight to Bogota.