Why We Ride: A Story of Colombici
We don’t ride to escape everyday life; we ride to immerse ourselves in it.
Exploring Colombia’s cycling hotspots | Photo by @LaVueltaEsAsí.
This is our story of cycling in Colombia, a country that isn’t polished for the tourism spotlight like its neighbors. It’s raw, rugged, and waiting to be discovered. Colombia doesn’t beg for attention, but instead quietly offers something deeper. For us, cycling is an excuse to explore and connect with the essence of a place long overlooked. And now, it’s our home.
Colombia’s Travel & Tourism sector has accelerated rapidly, becoming one of the most promising industries since the pandemic. More travelers visiting Colombia are increasingly seeking unique and authentic experiences, moving away from traditional tourist hotspots to explore off-the-beaten-path destinations. The country is now seeing a surge in niche tourism. Birdwatching has become one of the leading draws, with religious tourism also claiming its place near the top. But quietly climbing up the ranks is cycling tourism, quickly taking its place at the top of the tourism podium.
Boundless horizons of the Colombian Andes | Photo by @LaVueltaEsAsí.
Riding Beyond Destinations
Cycling in Colombia has transformed from a national passion to a global phenomenon. With the world’s longest climb and the picturesque coffee heartlands, Colombia has emerged as a paradise for cyclists seeking new experiences beyond the familiar European routes. That’s where we step in. We’re not just showcasing Colombia; we’re helping riders live it fully, beyond the surface.
We just wrapped up a 6-stage tour in Antioquía, a department in northwest Colombia nestled in the Central Andes. Known as the heart of Colombia’s cycling culture, Antioquía isn’t just about stunning landscapes. It’s where the “paisa” culture lives and breathes cycling. For the nine of us, it was our first time experiencing this up close. We climbed through the hills and felt the community’s warmth, where cyclists are treated like local heroes. Cycling isn’t just a sport here; it’s woven into everyday life.
This tour is more than just miles and watts. It’s about immersing ourselves in the life around us. Every pedal stroke brings us closer to Colombia’s heart, whether through the people, the land, or each other. That’s what sets cycling holidays apart. We’re not just passing through; we’re discovering a culture that embraces every rider. In the struggles and triumphs, we find something deeper: a sense of belonging, a shared experience of Colombia’s pulse. We ride not for the destination, but to dive into the spirit of this place.
Revealing the charm of Colombia’s secret spots | Photo by @LaVueltaEsAsí.
Gathered in Abejorral, where the spirit fuels our ride | Photo by @LaVueltaEsAsí.
Mesmerized by the iconic Chivas | Photo by @LaVueltaEsAsí.
The Journey You Never Knew You Needed
Growing up between Bangkok’s vibrant chaos and Sydney’s coastal charm, I’ve lived on five continents and ventured through some of the world’s most iconic and unexplored places. But Colombia? It’s still off-the-radar for many, and that’s what makes it special. There’s an unusual, chaotic beauty here; an unpolished, raw magic you won’t find in the Alps or Pyrenees. Every ride presents something new, something real!
When Maya and I started Colombici, we had one goal: to share Colombia with the world and make it accessible for everyone wanting to experience it.
We’ve found a deep connection with Colombia that we didn’t find anywhere else. It is often misunderstood as a purely tropical destination, but the reality is far more diverse. From snowcapped páramos to the high plateau of Altiplano Cundiboyacense, from Amazon rainforests to temperate coffee plantations; Colombia is a country of extremes. You can ride through banana plantations one minute and reach high altitudes of 4,000 meters the next. It’s like a miniature South America, packed into a single country. Every ride is unpredictable; no two routes are alike.
Pan and Maya founded Colombici, connecting cyclists to Colombia’s vibrant culture | Photo by @LaVueltaEsAsí.
Climbing the Central Cordillera, the tallest of Colombia’s three ranges | Photo by @LaVueltaEsAsí.
The untamed beauty of Colombia’s countryside | Photo by @LaVueltaEsAsí.
Then there’s the urban diversity, a captivating blend of old and new, with a distinctly South American flavor. In Bogotá, there’s the sprawling energy of a high-altitude metropolis that mixes modern city life with deep-rooted traditions. Situated in the expansive savannah of the Altiplano, this capital city provides easy access to nature, allowing for quick getaways into the Andean landscapes. Meanwhile, Medellín, once known for its turbulent past, is now a symbol of resilience and creative transformation. It’s become a thriving epicenter for digital nomads, artists, and entrepreneurs.
Embracing the struggles and rewards of each turn | Photo by @LaVueltaEsAsí.
Faces Behind Each Ride
Cycling in Colombia is not just about the beautiful landscapes, but also about the people you meet along the way. As you pedal through small towns and rural villages, you become part of a rich tapestry woven with shared moments and genuine kindness. A friendly wave from a child, a local offering a smile, or the laughter of fellow cyclists echoing in the hills; each interaction adds depth to your journey. This spirit of togetherness turns every ride into a celebration of connection, reminding us that we are all part of something bigger. Here, in the heart of Colombia, every mile feels warmer thanks to the people who call this place home.
Colombians proudly display their culture and heritage, oozing a contagious passion for life, deeply rooted in their history of resilience and joy. Whether it’s through their love of music, dance, or local cuisine, their enthusiasm is tangible in every interaction. They are eager to share their stories and traditions, inviting others to experience their world. This vibrant energy inspires others to embrace the adventure and immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of Colombian life.
More Than Miles
Colombians also take great pride in their progress, and it shows in every interaction. Conversations feel raw and real, with a sense of unfiltered warmth. Family, community, and resilience are not just abstract concepts here; they are deeply ingrained values. Walking through the streets, you can feel this rhythm: vibrant salsa music playing from corner shops, freshly made arepas from local vendors, blending into a pulse that is both contemporary and steeped in tradition. The hospitality is honest here, unlike anywhere else. Locals are excited to share their country, offering an openness that’s hard to find elsewhere.
Experiencing the warmth of Colombia through every smile | Photo by @LaVueltaEsAsí.
Colombians are proud of their country and its progress | Photo by @LaVueltaEsAsí.
Memories over miles | Photo by @LaVueltaEsAsí.
We don’t do training camps. We design cycling holidays.
It’s not just about raising your FTP, improving your watts per kilo, or nailing a brutal climb. It’s about gaining a richer understanding of the places you’re cycling through. In Colombia, you don’t just ride through the country; you ride with it. This place, still wild and exhilarating, makes you feel like you’re part of its story.
The challenge is still there, but it’s wrapped in something deeper. Our holidays go beyond a typical altitude camp; it’s a vacation that integrates Colombia’s culture, landscapes, and the warmth of its people into the experience. We take care of every detail, so you can focus on the ride and the world unfolding around you.
Cyclists are always chasing speed; faster climbs, quicker times, beating their PRs. But Colombia has a way of making you want to slow down and take it all in. It’s about the journey, the stories collected along the way, and the joy of being present. That’s what sets us apart. We’re about the memories over miles; the ones made from every shared laugh, every challenging climb, every moment of suffering.
Bound by adventure | Photo by @LaVueltaEsAsí.
Suffer Together, Friends Forever
Cycling here is not easy. It’s not supposed to be. The rides that break you down a little, both physically and mentally, are the ones that stay with you. That’s what we believe at Colombici: suffer together, friends forever. It’s not a catchy slogan. It’s the mantra, something we’ve lived and want others to experience.
There’s a unique bond that’s only forged through shared suffering. When your legs are on fire, your lungs are burning, and you’re questioning why you even started the ride, you glance over and see someone else with you, feeling the same. That’s when it stops being about you; it becomes about the connection. You grind through it together, and by the end, you’re not just stronger; you’ve built something unspoken, a connection that words can’t fully capture.
The ride is everything; every climb, every descent. Whether you’re tackling Alto del Sifón or weaving through the cobble streets of Boyacá, the challenge never really relents. But the summit isn’t the reward; it’s the shared experience, the bond built through effort and struggle. It’s about confronting the challenge together, knowing that these moments will stay with you long after the pain has faded.
The moments you treasure | Photo by @LaVueltaEsAsí.
Roads to Something Bigger
The most unforgettable moments don’t come from the miles ridden; they come from the connections made along the way. It’s in the laughter over exotic juices, the tears at the summit, and the unspoken bond formed in moments of sweat and struggle. That’s the beauty of cycling here; discovering a place and forging friendships that last a lifetime.
Riding here shifts your perspective on Colombia and life itself. Each pedal stroke teaches patience and resilience, revealing that the destination is secondary. What truly matters is the journey, deepened by stories shared and friendships forged. As you navigate Colombia’s breathtaking landscapes, you uncover the heart of a vibrant culture that thrives on community.
Every climb and descent adds layers to your experience, reminding you that challenges bring you closer to those who share the ride. Each journey weaves together struggles and victories into something unforgettable. That’s where the real story lies. We don’t ride to escape life. We ride to immerse ourselves in it.
This is Colombia. This is why we ride.
Colombia’s culture is our backdrop | Photo by @LaVueltaEsAsí.
This is what our cycling holidays feel like | Photo by @LaVueltaEsAsí.
