Iconic Alto de Letras
Colombia’s Most Legendary Climb.
80.7 km / 50.1 mi of climbing, from tropical lowland to páramo, to a summit at 3,677 m / 12,064 ft.
From the journal: Road to El Sifón, 115 km / 71 mi from Armero to the Letras summit →
Alto de Letras: 80.7 km / 50.1 mi, over 4,000 m / 13,000 ft of elevation gain, the climb that has defined Colombian cycling for generations. From professional racers to weekend riders, everyone measures themselves against it. No other climb in Colombia carries this much history and legacy.
The Particulars
Day 1 · The Cordillera Descent
Just outside Bogotá, Colombia’s capital of over 8 million people, the day begins with a descent from Alto la Tribuna, then a climb to Vianí, before a long, scenic descent along the Eastern Cordillera opens onto sweeping views of the Magdalena River far below.
The air turns warm and humid as the ride finishes in Cambáo, then a van transfer carries the group into Honda for the night, a former river port known for its 40 bridges, cobblestone streets, and colonial facades.
Day 2 · The Magdalena Valley
The route follows the Magdalena River's edge out of Honda, through the fertile plains and tropical warmth of La Dorada, a steady thread of river-valley riding before the road turns toward the Andes.
A mix of steady climbs and fast descents carries the group to Mariquita, a historic town tucked below the mountain that defines tomorrow.
Day 3 · Alto de Letras
The queen stage, and the reason this tour exists. From the warm valley floor at Mariquita, the road climbs without real relief, tropical heat giving way to coffee farmland, cloud forest, and finally the open sky of the páramo.
This is the climb that built Colombian cycling, ridden by generations of pros and club riders before Nairo or Egan were household names. The summit sign at 4,149 m is one of the country's most photographed finish lines.
- ✓A support vehicle
- ✓Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
- ✓Top-rated accommodations (3-star and above)
- ✓Daily breakfast
- ✓Hydration & nutrition (bars, gels, fruits, snacks)
- ✓Colombici team kit (cap, jersey, team T-shirt)
- ✓Travel accident insurance
- ✗Flights
- ✗Alcoholic beverages
- ✗Lunches & dinners
- ✗Local accommodation tax
- ✗Shopping expenses
- ✗Other sightseeing activities
- +Premium road bike rental (international brands, electronic shifting, disc brakes)
- +Professional photography across all stages
- +Single occupancy (instead of double)
Alto de Letras in pictures
The climb that built Colombian cycling, from the valley floor to the summit sign at 4,149 m.
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Questions about the climb
How hard is the climb to Alto de Letras?
Challenging. The final stage alone climbs roughly 4,060 m (13,320 ft) over about 80.7 km / 50.1 mi, from the warm valley floor at Mariquita to the summit páramo. It's the single hardest day across all three stages, and one of the toughest continuous climbs in the country.
Is this the same climb as Road to El Sifón?
Same summit, different roads. Road to El Sifón reaches Alto de Letras from the east, via Honda, Líbano, and Murillo. This tour approaches from the west, three stages starting near Bogotá through Facatativá, Honda, La Dorada, and Mariquita. Both finish at the same iconic sign.
Is altitude a concern on this ride?
Yes. The summit sits at 3,677 m / 12,064 ft, among the highest points reachable by bike in Colombia. Most riders feel some effect on the final stage. The support vehicle is present throughout, and the route is built with two easier stages before the climb.
Can I rent a road bike?
Yes, premium road bike rental is available as an add-on (international brands, electronic shifting, disc brakes), along with professional photography. Airport transfers, arrival and departure, are included.
Can this trip be private?
Alto de Letras is offered as a Private journey, your dates, your group, on its own or combined with Alto El Sifón in one trip.
