El Retiro: Origins
3 stages / 4 nights
The beating pulse of Colombian cycling culture //
The beating pulse of Colombian cycling culture //
El Retiro is a historic town located above Medellín, where Antioquia’s climbing culture originated. Short but punchy, and constant rolling.
This is Paisa country. The birthplace of makers, artisans, and the resilience of Colombian cycling culture.
Three days based in one town. Loops that reveal Colombia as it really is. Picturesque, unfiltered, and deeply rooted in daily life.
Why El Retiro
This is where Colombia learned to climb.
El Retiro and its surrounding towns shaped a riding culture built on resilience and pride. The terrain is never flat for long. Climbs come fast and often.
Beyond the bike, this is a region defined by craft. Ceramics. Woodwork. Metal. Bikes built by hand.
What’s included:
✔︎ A support vehicle.
✔︎ 4-star hotel or villa. (double–occupancy)
✔︎ Daily breakfasts.
✔︎ Sports nutrition. (bars, gels, fruits, snacks)
✔︎ Travel accident insurance.
What’s not included:
✘ Your flights.
✘ Alcoholic beverages.
✘ Lunches & dinners.
✘ Local accommodation tax.
✘ Your shopping!
✘ Other sightseeing activities.
✘ Massages.
Stage 1:
Medellín -> Las Palmas -> La Ceja -> La Uníon -> Medellín (105km / 2500m↑)
One big loop around the Eastern Antioquia – starting from Medellín, passing through Rionegro, La Ceja, La Union, and back to Medellin.
Climb the iconic Alto de Las Palmas, the most popular climb in Antioquía.
Medellín from Alto de Las Palmas.
Stage 2:
Medellín -> Amagá -> Bolombolo -> Jardín (115km / 2230m↑)
Starting from Medellin, we will travel towards Amagá, passing through Bolombolo and Hispania before reaching Jardín, a charming heritage town nestled amongst lush mountains.
Jardín is one of the two heritage towns in Antioquia.
Stage 3: Jardín -> La Pintada -> Alto de Minas (140km / 3000m↑)
Queen stage: Heading Northeast towards La Pintada and tackle Alto de Minas (Cat. HC: 43km / 1,800m). Finish at the top of Minas and get transported to the accom in El Retiro (about one hour drive).
Alto de Minas: Antioquia’s longest climb.
Stage 4:
El Retiro -> Abejorral Loop (110km / 3000m↑)
An out-and-back loop around the Southeastern part of Antioquia, visiting the historic town of Abejorral. This stage is another punchy one with zero flats whatsoever. But the panoramic views of valleys and rivers are totally worth it.
Plaza Principal, Abejorral.
Stage 5:
El Retiro -> San Vicente -> El Peñol (110km / 1900m↑)
Leaving El Retiro and heading Northeast towards Guatapé. This stage has lots of short, punchy climbs all the way until reaching El Peñol, the iconic alien-like rock in Guatapé.
El Peñol – built by aliens 70 millions years ago.
Stage 6:
Guatapé – San Rafael Loop (85km / 1900m↑)
The Finalé - an out-and-back loop around Guatapé and San Rafael. This stage uncovers a huge part of Guatapé’s reservoir, passing through mini fjord-esque islands along the way. The jaw-dropping descent, then the climb from San Rafael, is the highlight of the stage.
Guatapé’s reservoir.
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