Iconic Alto de Letras
3 stages / 3 nights
Colombia’s most legendary climb
⛰️
Colombia’s most legendary climb ⛰️
82 km. Over 4,000 m of elevation gain. This is the climb that has defined Colombian cycling for generations, pros and weekend riders alike measuring themselves against it. No other climb in the country carries this much history and legacy.
Why Alto de Letras?
Alto de Letras is where Colombian cycling made its name. Before Nairo, before Egan, before the world knew what a Colombian climber looked like, there was this road. 82 km from the tropical valley of Mariquita to the cold, open páramo. Over 4,000 m of gain in a single, unbroken climb. Pros have raced it. Club riders have measured themselves against it for generations. It is the climb that defines what it means to ride in Colombia.
The route out of Bogotá crosses the Eastern Cordillera into the Central, dropping into the Magdalena River valley before rising again toward the high páramo. Honda's colonial streets. The flat heat of La Dorada. Coffee farms giving way to cloud forest, cloud forest to open sky. Colombia doesn't announce itself. It reveals itself, one altitude band at a time.
What’s included:
✔︎ 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.
What’s not included:
✘ Your flights.
✘ Alcoholic beverages.
✘ Lunches and dinners.
✘ Local accommodation tax.
✘ Your shopping!
✘ Sightseeing activities.
Possible add-ons (additional costs):
+ Bike rental
+ Professional photography
+ Airport transfer: arrival, and departure.
+ Single occupancy (instead of double)
Chasing gravity while the valley watches.
Stage 1: Facatativá → Cambao
93km | 795m↑ (58 mi | 2,608 ft↑)
We begin our journey just outside of Bogotá and venture into the countryside. The day starts with a descent from Alto la Tribuna, followed by a climb to Vianí. After that, we enjoy a long, scenic descent along the Eastern Cordillera, which offers stunning views of the Magdalena River far below. As the air becomes warm and humid, we will conclude our ride in Cambao and then transfer by van to Honda.
You will experience the city's colonial beauty, marked by its iconic 40 bridges, cobblestone streets, and vibrant plazas. Once a bustling river port, Honda is renowned for its rich history, colorful facades, and historic churches that convey stories from a bygone era.
False flats and slow signs are Colombia’s way of saying, ‘Take it easy.
Stage 2: Honda → La Dorada → Mariquita
95km | 780m↑ (59mi | 2,560ft↑)
Ride through the scenic Magdalena River valley, transitioning from fertile plains to the lush, tropical vibes of La Dorada. The route follows the river’s edge before climbing towards Mariquita, a historic town tucked in the valley below the Andes.
Expect a mix of steady climbs and fast descents, offering a glimpse into Colombia’s diverse landscapes and natural beauty.
Pedaling past the point where the sky meets the struggle.
Stage 3: Mariquita -> Alto de Letras
85km / 4060m↑ (53 mi | 13,320 ft↑)
The ultimate bucket-list climb is tackling the legendary Alto de Letras, a challenge that’s etched into every cyclist’s dreams (and nightmares).
Starting from the warm valley of Mariquita, this climb features an epic 80 km ascent through shifting landscapes, transitioning from tropical heat to the misty heights of the páramo. It’s a relentless test of endurance, but the reward is worth every pedal stroke. Completing this stage gives a sense of achievement at one of cycling’s most iconic summits.
Small-group by design.
Reserve your place.
Private tours available on request.
Cycling journeys · Cycling tours Colombia · Small group travel · Expert-led travel · Immersive travel Colombia · Founder-led travel
Cycling journeys · Cycling tours Colombia · Small group travel · Expert-led travel · Immersive travel Colombia · Founder-led travel
Cycling journeys through the Colombian Andes · Coffee heartlands · Páramos · Caribbean Coast · High Altiplanos · Antioquia · Boyaca · Quindio · UNESCO-Listed · Cocora Valley · Alto El Sifón ·
→ → →
Cycling journeys through the Colombian Andes · Coffee heartlands · Páramos · Caribbean Coast · High Altiplanos · Antioquia · Boyaca · Quindio · UNESCO-Listed · Cocora Valley · Alto El Sifón · → → →