Road to El Sifón
One Road. Many Colombias.
2 Rides · 3 Nights
$ 1,600 US (double accom)
Ride from tropical valleys deep into the high páramo of the Colombian Andes
Ride from tropical valleys deep into the high páramo of the Colombian Andes
Experience Colombia’s most immersive climb. El Sifón connects the Magdalena Valley to the high Andes, revealing rare landscapes, small communities, and diverse cultures along a single road.
Officially, the longest climb ever used in a UCI race (Vuelta a Colombia 2024). A monumental climb across 4 climate zones, reaching the high páramo above 4,100 m.
The Particulars
How El Sifón Compares
Day 1 · Valley & Highlands
Ride through tropical lowlands lined with banana, lulo, and papaya trees before the road begins its slow, dramatic rise. You'll pass the ruins of Armero, swallowed by a volcanic mudslide from Nevado del Ruiz in a single night in 1985, nature has reclaimed what was once a town.
As you climb, the air cools and the jungle gives way to coffee plantations clinging to steep hillsides. Feel Colombia's climate zones shift beneath you, from hot, humid valley to the fresh tierra templada of Líbano, a quiet coffee town wrapped in misty green mountains.
Day 2 · Alto El Sifón
The queen stage, and the reason this road exists. Climb through Murillo, Río Lagunilla, and La Ventanas, past Kumanday and through El Sifón itself, before reaching Alto de Letras and its iconic sign at 4,149 m.
The road crosses Colombia's most extreme climate zones on the way up, coffee hills, cloud forests, fields of frailejones, and high-altitude páramo. This is the longest paved climb ever used in a professional race, featured in the Vuelta a Colombia 2024.
What’s included:
✔︎ A support vehicle.
✔︎ Top-rated accommodations (3-star and above).
✔︎ Daily breakfasts.
✔︎ Nutrition & hydration. (gels, fruits, local snacks)
✔︎ Travel accident insurance.
✔︎ Professional photographer on the Queen stage.
What’s not included:
✘ Your flights.
✘ Alcoholic beverages.
✘ Lunches and dinners.
✘ Local accommodation tax.
✘ Your shopping!
Possible add-ons (additional costs):
+ Bike rental
+ Airport transfers
+ Single occupancy (instead of double)
El Sifón in pictures
Coffee hills. Pine forest. Páramo above the clouds. The queen stage, as the riders who rode it saw it.
Scroll through
Questions about the climb
How hard is the climb to Alto de Letras?
Challenging. This is one of Colombici's hardest journeys, built for intermediate to advanced riders comfortable pedaling four to six hours a day across mountainous terrain. Stage 2 alone climbs 3,300 m (10,827 ft) over 83 km (51 mi). The terrain sets the difficulty, not the group.
Is altitude sickness a risk on this ride?
Alto de Letras tops out above 4,150 m (13,612 ft), among the highest points you can cycle in Colombia. Most riders feel some effect in the first day or two, typically mild. The route is built with an easing-in period, and the support vehicle is always present.
What's the best time of year to ride El Sifón?
All year round, though the dry season, December through February, gives the most reliable conditions on the climb.
Can I rent a road bike in Colombia for this tour?
Yes, bike rental is available as an add-on. Details are provided at inquiry.
How many riders join each departure?
Scheduled departures are capped at ten riders, most run smaller by design. Prefer it just for you or a smaller crew, on your own dates? This climb is also offered as a private tour, 1–8 riders, solo riders welcome.
Does this cycling holiday include travel insurance?
Basic accident coverage is included. Comprehensive travel insurance covering medical costs, evacuation, and trip cancellation is strongly recommended on top of it.
“I just experienced an extraordinary ride up Alto del Sifon with Maya and Pan, the owners of Colombici. The pre-ride communication, coordination, route selection, nightly accommodation, food and on-road leadership was all five-star.” — Dave W, Canada
“I just experienced an extraordinary ride up Alto del Sifon with Maya and Pan, the owners of Colombici. The pre-ride communication, coordination, route selection, nightly accommodation, food and on-road leadership was all five-star.” — Dave W, Canada
Start Your Journey
Ride El Sifón privately, your dates, your pace, 1–8 riders. Or start your journey with us and we'll build it around you.