Unseen Savannah:
Road cycling in Bogotá’s high plateau
3 Rides · 3 Nights · Bogotá
$990 USD per person
(Accommodation not included)
Open plateau · Reservoir roads · Páramo climbs · 2,650m baseline · Alto de la Cuchilla · Farmland backroads · Local breakfast stops
Open plateau · Reservoir roads · Páramo climbs · 2,650m baseline · Alto de la Cuchilla · Farmland backroads · Local breakfast stops
Bogotá is a capital of eight million. It is the world’s most congested city and, but also has one of the most complete road cycling environments.
The Sabana de Bogotá is a high plateau surrounded by the Eastern Cordillera. Wake up at 2,650m (8,700ft) and climb into páramo above 3,360m, higher than the summit of any paved road in Europe. These are the routes the locals ride on weekday mornings. Recognized within the capital. Barely known beyond it.
The Unseen Savannah is three days of fully supported riding through the northern and western corners of the plateau: reservoir roads, farmland backroads, pine forests, open páramo, and the town where Egan Bernal grew up.
Accommodation is in the heart of Bogotá’s north, one of the city's most walkable and well-connected neighbourhoods. Door-to-door transfers daily.
Private tours available.
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Who this tour is for
Level: Intermediate to Advanced
Sustained climbing: Yes
Prior altitude experience: Helpful, not required
The Unseen Savannah is designed for road cyclists with a solid base, comfortable riding 55 to 90km at altitude and familiar with sustained climbing.
You don't need to be a racer. You need to be at ease on a bike for three to five hours. The altitude is real. The baseline is 2,650m. Rides reach above 3,300m.
If you're arriving from sea level, two to three days of acclimatisation in Bogotá before the tour is strongly recommended.
What’s included:
✔︎ A support vehicle.
✔︎ Colombici team kit. (Cap, jersey)
✔︎ Hydration & nutrition.
✔︎ Travel accident insurance.
What’s not included:
✘ Flights.
✘ Alcoholic beverages.
✘ Lunches & dinners.
✘ Accommodation.
✘ Local accommodation tax.
✘ Your shopping!
✘ Sightseeing activities.
Possible add-ons (additional costs):
+ Bike rental
+ Professional photography
+ Sports massage
+ Airport transfers on arrival and departure.
Ride 1:
Northwestern Plateau · Cajicá · Neusa · Margarita · Zipaquirá
~55km (34mi) | 1,000m (3,280ft) · Summit: 3,152m (10,341ft)
North from Bogotá through the Cajicá corridors and onto the open plateau roads connecting the northern towns. Low traffic, long sight lines, a road that rewards a steady pace. The centerpiece is Alto de las Margaritas: 11.2km at 4.9% average from the Neusa reservoir, finishing in exposed páramo at 3,152m (10,341ft).
The day ends in Zipaquirá, a colonial salt-mining town and the birthplace of Egan Bernal. Transfer back to the city.
Ride 2:
Western Backroads · Subachoque · La Pradera
~65km (40mi) · 1,500m (4,920ft)
The western edge of the savannah has a different character: quieter roads, denser farmland, tractors and horses on the tarmac. The terrain is more broken than the north, a succession of climbs and valley descents through the Subachoque corridor rather than sustained elevation.
Breakfast stop in La Pradera, a small agricultural town on the western plain. The road conditions and gradient profile here draw regular comparisons to Girona's farmland riding, with the full Eastern Cordillera visible on the horizon throughout.
Ride 3:
The Eastern Plateau · Patios · La Calera · Alto de la Cuchilla · Guatavita · Sesquilé
~90km (56mi) | 1,400m (4,593ft) climbing · Summit: 3,360m (11,024ft)
Starting at the top of Alto de Patios, one of Strava’s most attempted segments (in the world). Heading north, passing La Calera, Alto de las Arepas, Guasca, and many scenic agricultural farmlands.
Climb the iconic Alto de la Cuchilla, reaching the páramo over 3,300m. Local breakfast stop, then discover Tominé, the reservoir famous for the legend of El Dorado. Visit the charming town of Guatavita before ending our ride in Sesquilé.
Alto de la Cuchilla and the Páramo del Verjón are the two highest paved summits in Bogotá’s savannah.
Both reach above 3,360m, higher than any paved road crossing in any Grand Tours.
2,650m baseline · Open plateau · Reservoir roads · Páramo climbs · Alto de la Cuchilla · Local breakfast stops · Fully supported
2,650m baseline · Open plateau · Reservoir roads · Páramo climbs · Alto de la Cuchilla · Local breakfast stops · Fully supported
Logistics
Stay:
The heart of Bogotá's north. One of the city's most walkable and well-connected neighbourhoods, close to good restaurants, independent cafés, and easy access across the city. Hotel recommendations and reservation support provided on booking.
Daily transfers:
Your hotel is the start and end point each day. The support vehicle collects you each morning and returns you each evening. No logistics to manage.
Bike rental:
Road bike rental available at additional cost. Specify your frame size and preferred setup on reservation. Mechanical support included throughout every ride.
Private departures:
The Unseen Savannah runs as a private tour. Set your own dates and your own group. Solo riders welcome.
Three days road cycling on Bogotá’s high plateau.
Fully supported. Private departures.
From $990 USD per person.
Start Your Journey
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