Iconic Alto de Letras
3 rides / 3 nights
Alto de Letras: 83 km, over 4,000 m 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
- ✓Top-rated accommodations (3 stars and higher)
- ✓Daily breakfasts
- ✓Colombici team kit (cap, jersey, team T-shirt)
- ✓Hydration & nutrition (bars, gels, fruits, snacks)
- ✓Travel accident insurance
- ✗Your flights
- ✗Alcoholic beverages
- ✗Lunches and dinners
- ✗Local accommodation tax
- ✗Your shopping
- ✗Sightseeing activities
- +Bike rental
- +Professional photography
- +Airport transfer (arrival and departure)
- +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 85 km, 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 around 4,149 m (13,612 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, bike rental is available as an add-on, along with professional photography and airport transfers.
Can this trip be private?
Private tours are available on request, your dates, your group. Scheduled departures are also kept intentionally small by design.
