Unseen Savannah
Road cycling in Bogotá’s high plateau
3 Rides · Bogotá
$990 USD per person
(Accommodation not included)
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.
The Particulars
Cajicá · Neusa · Margarita · Zipaquirá | Summit: 3,152m (10,341ft)
North from Bogotá through the Cajicá corridors onto open plateau roads. Low traffic, long sight lines, a road that rewards a steady pace. The centerpiece is Alto de las Margaritas: 11.2 km at 4.9% average from the Neusa reservoir, finishing in exposed páramo at 3,152 m.
The day ends in Zipaquirá, a colonial salt-mining town and the birthplace of Egan Bernal. Transfer back to the city.
Day 1 · Northwestern Plateau
Subachoque · La Pradera
The western edge has a different character: quieter roads, denser farmland, tractors and horses on the tarmac. 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 draw regular comparisons to Girona's farmland riding, the full Eastern Cordillera visible on the horizon throughout.
Day 2 · Western Backroads
La Calera · Alto de la Cuchilla · Guatavita | Summit: 3,360m (11,024ft)
Starting at the top of Alto de Patios, one of Strava's most attempted segments in the world. North through La Calera, Alto de las Arepas, and Guasca's farmland.
Climb the iconic Alto de la Cuchilla, into páramo above 3,300 m. Local breakfast stop, then Tominé, the reservoir tied to the legend of El Dorado. Through Guatavita before ending in Sesquilé.
Day 3 · The Eastern Plateau
Alto de la Cuchilla and the Páramo del Verjón are the two highest paved summits in Bogotá’s savannah.
Both reach above 3,360 m (11,024 ft), higher than any paved road crossing used in a Grand Tour.
- ✓A support vehicle
- ✓Colombici team kit (cap, jersey)
- ✓Hydration & nutrition
- ✓Travel accident insurance
- ✗Flights
- ✗Alcoholic beverages
- ✗Lunches & dinners
- ✗Accommodation
- ✗Local accommodation tax
- ✗Your shopping
- ✗Sightseeing activities
- +Bike rental
- +Professional photography
- +Sports massage
- +Airport transfers on arrival and departure
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
Unseen Savannah in pictures
Three rides across Bogotá's high plateau, reservoir roads to open páramo.
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Questions about the ride
How fit do I need to be?
Built for riders comfortable covering 55 to 90 km at altitude, familiar with sustained climbing. Not a race, but you should be at ease on a bike for three to five hours.
Do I need prior altitude experience?
Helpful, not required. Baseline is 2,625 m (8,612 ft), rides reach above 3,300 m. If arriving from sea level, two to three days of acclimatisation in Bogotá beforehand is strongly recommended.
Is this a private tour only?
Yes. The Unseen Savannah runs as a private tour, your dates, your group. Solo riders welcome.
Is accommodation included?
No, accommodation is not included. Hotel recommendations and reservation support are provided on booking, in one of Bogotá's most walkable neighbourhoods.
Can I rent a road bike?
Yes, at additional cost. Specify your frame size and preferred setup on reservation. Mechanical support is included throughout every ride.
Start Your Journey
Three days on Bogotá's high plateau. Your dates, your group. Solo riders welcome.
Start Your Journey