El Retiro is a historic town above Medellín, where Antioquia’s climbing culture began. The roads are short, punchy and always rolling.
This is Paisa country, home to the makers and artisans behind Colombian cycling and its resilience. Three days based in one town, on loops that show Colombia as it really is: picturesque, unfiltered and rooted in daily life.
The Particulars
Who made this ride
The bike, the bed and the craft along the way all come from people who live here. You meet each of them.
Scarab Cycles
Steel frames built by hand in El Retiro, shaped by the roads around the workshop. Your trip starts there with a fit. Then you ride one for three days.
Casa Safetti
A guest house on an organic farm in native forest, in Vereda Don Diego. Four twin rooms, a deck around the house, and a workshop with a stand and tools for the bikes.
The artisans
Eastern Antioquia still makes things by hand. Paint ceramics in El Carmen de Viboral or cook a Paisa lunch with a local host. One class is included.
Day 0 · Scarab Cycles
Land at Medellín’s José María Córdova airport (MDE) and settle into Casa Safetti. In the afternoon, we head to the Scarab workshop in El Retiro, where every steel frame is built by hand.
You leave with your bike fitted and ready for the morning.
Stage 1 · El Carmen de Viboral
One big loop through Eastern Antioquia, from El Retiro through Rionegro to El Carmen de Viboral. Rural Antioquia at its most charming.
El Carmen is known for its hand-painted ceramics. Stay for the afternoon and paint your own piece with a local workshop.
Stage 2 · Abejorral
Out and back to the historic town of Abejorral, through the southeast of Antioquia. Not a single flat kilometre the whole way.
The views across valleys and rivers earn every metre. We stop in the Plaza Principal before the ride home.
Stage 3 · Alto de La Unión
Through La Ceja, then a steady climb to Alto de La Unión across farmland and open hills. A long descent into town for breakfast and fresh coffee, then back to El Retiro on familiar roads.
In the afternoon, cook a Paisa lunch with a local host. Monday is breakfast at the house, then home.
- ✓A Scarab steel bike, fitted at the workshop
- ✓Four nights at Casa Safetti (twin rooms)
- ✓Daily breakfasts at the house
- ✓One cultural class (ceramics or cooking)
- ✓A support vehicle
- ✓Nutrition & hydration (gels, fruits, local snacks)
- ✓Travel accident insurance
- ✗Your flights
- ✗Alcoholic beverages
- ✗Lunches and dinners
- ✗Local accommodation tax
- ✗Your shopping
- +Airport transfers (MDE)
- +Massage at the house
- +A second cultural class
- +Single room (+20%, limited)
El Retiro in pictures
Backroads, plazas and the workshop. Eastern Antioquia, as our riders saw it.
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Questions about El Retiro
How hard are the stages?
Short climbs come often, with little flat in between. Stage 2 to Abejorral is the hardest: 110 km / 68 mi with 3,000 m / 9,843 ft of climbing. Stages 1 and 3 are shorter and gentler.
Do I need to bring my own bike?
No. Every rider gets a Scarab steel bike, fitted at the workshop in El Retiro on arrival day. Bring your own pedals, shoes and saddle if you prefer.
Where do we stay?
At Casa Safetti, a guest house on an organic farm in Vereda Don Diego, El Retiro. Four twin rooms, each with its own bathroom, and a bike workshop on site.
How do I get to El Retiro?
Fly into José María Córdova International Airport (MDE), outside Medellín. The house is a short drive away, and we can arrange your transfers.
How many riders join each departure?
Eight at most. The house sleeps eight, so the whole group stays under one roof.
What is the cultural class?
Choose one: hand-paint ceramics in El Carmen de Viboral after Stage 1, or cook a Paisa lunch with a local host after Stage 3. The second class can be added.
Is travel insurance included?
Travel accident insurance is included. We recommend your own travel insurance for flights, cancellations and belongings.
First Departure · 14 to 18 January 2027
We open this tour with a ribbon cutting at the Scarab Cycles workshop in El Retiro. Eight seats, one house, three days of handmade steel.
$1,600 US · With Scarab Cycles and Casa Safetti
Start Your Journey
Join the first departure, or ride El Retiro privately on your own dates, at your own pace, with your own group.