Alto de Letras - the legendary bike climb
In summary
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Sports
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Duration8 days
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LevelConfirmed
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DestinationAmerica / Colombia
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AgeFrom 18 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions200.72 kg CO2
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Type of stayIndependent traveler
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Languages
English
French
Spanish
In a few words
Cycle through the heart of the Colombian Andes, traversing three iconic departments , between lush valleys, picturesque villages, and spectacular panoramas. This 8-day cycling tour immerses you in the authentic Central Andes mountain range , culminating in the legendary ascent of Alto de Letras , one of the longest climbs in the world. A demanding route, enhanced by a warm atmosphere , a rich local culture , and breathtaking landscapes. This trip is for cyclists eager for a physical challenge , but also for encounters and discoveries off the beaten path. Each stage brings you a little closer to the summit, in a progression that blends endurance, emotion, and pride . A unique adventure , designed to push your limits while savoring the natural and human diversity of this fascinating country.
The highlights
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A true cycling challenge: 485 km and 8100 m of elevation gain
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Comprehensive support from experts and flawless logistics
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An authentic, natural and human experience in the heart of Colombia
Photos
Sport
Level
Road cycling
In figures
Road bike
- Average distance/day: 70 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 1390 m
- Predominant type of terrain : Road
Management
Program
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The beginning of the adventure
- Transportation Car - 00h30 - 15km
- Accommodation 4-star hotel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Upon arrival at Bogotá's El Dorado Airport , you will be met and transferred to your hotel to settle in and recover from your journey. The afternoon is dedicated to assembling and preparing your bikes , followed by a technical briefing to review the program and upcoming stages in detail. The day concludes with a welcome dinner , a friendly opportunity to get to know the group and the support team.
Day 1 -
Wheels, culture and coffee
- Transportation Car - 00h30 - 15km
- Activity Road bike
- Distance 60 km
- Positive elevation gain 850 m
- Predominant type of terrain Road
- Accommodation 4-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
This day allows for a gradual warm-up while discovering the must-see sights of Bogotá .
After breakfast , a short 30-minute transfer takes you to the starting point of your first bike ride: 60km with an elevation gain of 850mD+ on accessible roads for a gentle return to cycling.
A well-deserved lunch precedes the return to the hotel.
Free afternoon, or if you have chosen the tourism option, then:
The afternoon is dedicated to visiting Monserrate , accessible by funicular , offering a panoramic view of the city.
You continue with a stroll through the historic center , before enjoying a tasting of local coffee . The day ends with dinner , then a return to the hotel.
Day 2 -
Cycling and underground wonders
- Transportation Car - 00h30 - 15km
- Activity Road bike
- Distance 52 km
- Positive elevation gain 750 m
- Predominant type of terrain Road
- Accommodation 4-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
After breakfast , a 30-minute transfer takes you to the starting point of your second bike ride.
Today's route, 52km with 750mD+ , takes you through the hilly landscapes of the Cundinamarca region.
In the late morning, you take a break for lunch.
Free afternoon, or if you have chosen the tourism option, then:
In the afternoon we will visit one of the most amazing sites in Colombia: the underground salt cathedral of Zipaquirá , dug into an old mine more than 180m deep.
Return to your hotel in the late afternoon, then dinner there. (Dinner is optional).
Day 3 -
From the cold to the heat of the tropics
- Transportation Car - 01h - 60km
- Activity Road bike
- Distance 125 km
- Positive elevation gain 1200 m
- Predominant type of terrain Road
- Accommodation 4-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
After breakfast , you will depart for a transfer of approximately 1 hour to the starting point of the stage.
The day promises to be sporty with a 125km route and 1,200m elevation gain , through a great diversity of landscapes, towards the city of Honda , nestled in a warmer and tropical region.
On the way, a lunch break is planned, followed by a convivial moment of tasting exotic fruits , an opportunity to discover the richness of Colombian flavors.
You arrive at the hotel at the end of the day for a well-deserved rest around dinner (dinner optional).
Day 4 -
The ultimate challenge! Onward to the summits!
- Transportation Car - 00h15 - 30km
- Activity Road bike
- Distance 80 km
- Positive elevation gain 3250 m
- Predominant type of terrain Road
- Accommodation 4-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
After breakfast , a short 15-minute transfer takes you to the starting point of a legendary stage: the ascent of the Alto de Letras .
Over 80km , you'll climb 3,250m of elevation gain, ascending from 400m to 3,680m , making it one of the longest cycling climbs in the world . The effort is intense but gradual, and the landscapes change throughout the ascent, ranging from tropical heat to high mountains.
A lunch break is planned either en route or upon arrival. After this extraordinary day, you will reach your accommodation via a transfer of approximately 2.5 hours , before enjoying a well-deserved dinner . (Dinner is optional).
Day 5 -
Between warmth and calm
- Transportation Car - 04h - 120km
- Accommodation 4-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
This day allows you to release some of the intensity while continuing to cycle through superb landscapes.
After breakfast , you set off on a fifth stage of 118km with a moderate elevation gain of 890mD+ , ideal for getting your legs moving after yesterday's climb.
Lunch is provided before the return transfer to Bogotá , which takes approximately 4 hours . Check-in at the hotel in the late afternoon, followed by dinner (dinner optional).
Day 6 -
Let's pedal in Bogota!
- Transportation Car - 00h30 - 15km
- Activity Road bike
- Distance 30 km
- Positive elevation gain 900 m
- Predominant type of terrain Road
- Accommodation 4-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
To conclude your stay, after breakfast you'll set off on a final 30km ride with 900m of elevation gain , along an iconic route: the most popular Strava segment in the world , a favorite among local cyclists. This short stage immerses you in the verdant landscapes of the hills above Bogotá , in a relaxed atmosphere.
Upon arrival, you'll enjoy lunch at a typical market , where you can sample a variety of regional Colombian specialties . In the early afternoon, transfer to the hotel for free time or rest.
Day 7 -
A departure with a heart full of beautiful memories!
- Transportation Car - 00h30 - 15km
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
After breakfast , you'll share a final moment with the group before receiving a surprise souvenir , a nod to this Colombian adventure. Then comes the transfer to Bogotá's El Dorado Airport , your heart filled with memories and the miles traveled.
Day 8
Accommodation
The hotel shown is just one example of the many stays available in our catalog. The room type depends on the package purchased.
Access
Go to the starting point
Price details
The price includes
- Accommodation in a shared room with private bathroom
- Transfers for you and your bike in comfortable transport
- Welcome dinner (day 1), 2 meals per day (breakfast and lunch from day 2 to day 7 – breakfast on day 8)
- Refreshments (all stages)
- Cycling guide ( all stages)
- Bicycle mechanic (assembly and preparation on day 1)
The price does not include
- Round-trip flights
- Your personal expenses during your stay (drinks outside of meals, souvenirs, etc.)
- Your own bike (spare parts) and/or rental (additional charges apply for a rental of €50 per day)
- Repatriation insurance (mandatory for registration for the trip)
Options
- Non-cycling companion : CHF-411.66 / person
- Private room (1 traveler or a couple) : CHF155.52 / person
- Full board (+ dinner) : CHF128.07 / person
- Professional Photography (Step by Step) : CHF146.37 / unit
- Mechanic (by bike and by stage) : CHF27.44 / unit
- Self-guided tourism (by tourist site) : CHF45.74 / person
- Sports recovery massage : CHF68.61 / person
- Bike rental (including helmet and insurance) : CHF530.58 / person
- Bike rental (including helmet, shoes, pedals and insurance) : CHF576.32 / person
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment provided on site
Optional bike rental. Please notify us one month before your arrival. We will confirm as soon as the rental is secured, subject to availability from our partners. Brands: Pinarello, Trek, Giant, Cannondale, Giant
Equipment to bring
- Plan to have a spare tire.
- If you wish, bring your own helmet, shoes and pedals; you also have the option to rent them on site.
Clothing to bring
We recommend packing clothing suitable for varying weather conditions, as Colombia's weather is unpredictable. Bring several layers for both warm and cool temperatures, as well as a raincoat, gloves, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Don't forget your helmet and personal cycling accessories.
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- ✅ A 100% identical offer: Same dates, same services, same sales conditions.
- ✅ A public and accessible price: The offer must be proposed by a French professional website, in euros.
- ❌ Flights and transport in your name: Airline or train tickets already issued in your name are not refundable under this guarantee.
- ❌ Specific named services: Certain personalized services (such as a special permit or a named registration for a race or accommodation) may be excluded.
- You pay a 30% deposit today to reserve your stay.
- The balance (the remaining 70%) must be paid no later than 30 days before departure.
- ✅ Of an amount greater than €300.
- ✅ Whose departure is in more than 30 days.