Bridges, volcanoes and coffee routes: a cycling epic in Colombia

This day immerses you in the heart of Colombia's colonial and revolutionary history. Departing from Villeta , you'll embark on a morning climb through lush landscapes before joining the scenic route to Guadúas . Ranked among the most beautiful villages in the country, this town welcomes you with its cobblestone streets and carved wooden balconies. There, you'll visit the Casa Museo de Policarpa Salavarrieta , dedicated to "La Pola," the iconic heroine of Colombian independence.

After this historical interlude, you'll hop back on your bikes for a descent into the warmth of the Magdalena Valley . Your stage ends in Honda , nicknamed the "City of Forty Bridges." This engineering masterpiece, nestled on the riverbank, reveals a unique charm with its narrow streets and the famous Navarro Bridge . It is here, where the Andes meet the tropics, that you'll truly feel the importance of the Magdalena River to the country's identity. The 70km route, alternating between climbs and technical descents, requires between 6 and 7 hours of effort.

Elevation gain: Hilly terrain with a steep descent into the valley. Difficulty: Moderate to difficult

Your cycling journey begins amidst the warm landscapes of the Magdalena Valley . Your first stop takes you to Mariquita , a colonial town steeped in tradition, where you'll discover the Church of San Sebastián and the typical architecture of its historic center. After this immersion in Tolima 's culture, your route takes on a more solemn dimension in Armero . You'll participate in a guided interpretive walk among the ruins of this village, which disappeared in 1985—a powerful moment dedicated to memory and local resilience.

The road then gradually climbs into the verdant mountains to reach Líbano , a gem of the coffee-growing region perched in the Andean foothills. As you ascend, you'll admire the colorful balconies and Republican-era architecture that give this high-altitude city its charm. This 75km stage, with its significant elevation gain, represents a challenging 6 to 7 hours in the saddle. The fresh mountain air and the city's peaceful atmosphere will allow you to recover before tackling the highlight of your journey.

You leave Líbano and begin a spectacular ascent towards the Andean peaks. As you climb, the coffee plantations give way to Andean forests, then to the rare páramo ecosystem. You reach the village of Murillo , located at 3,000 meters above sea level, which offers a unique view of Nevado del Ruiz and its glacial lagoons. Weather permitting, your route continues into the heart of Los Nevados National Natural Park , between volcanic formations and tall grasses. This 60km stage presents a physical challenge, with a section reaching over 3,800 meters in altitude. After approximately 7 hours of effort on mountain roads and dirt tracks, you begin the descent towards Termales El Otoño . The day ends with a relaxing soak in the hot springs , surrounded by a soothing forest setting.

You begin your final cycling leg by crossing the foothills of the central Andes towards Manizales . This mountain city welcomes you with its republican architecture and intellectual atmosphere. You explore the historic center , discovering its iconic monuments. Depending on the timing, a cable car ride allows you to soar over the valleys and admire the surrounding landscape. The highlight of the visit is undoubtedly the Manizales Cathedral : the more adventurous can take the Polish Corridor , an interior passage offering a unique panoramic view of the neo-Gothic edifice. Your route then continues to Hacienda Venecia , a traditional coffee plantation. In the heart of the plantations , you discover the rituals of Colombian coffee production and enjoy the tranquility of the countryside to conclude this immersive sporting adventure.

You begin your final morning at the heart of Hacienda Venecia , enveloped by the aroma of freshly brewed coffee. You'll participate in a complete immersion experience, discovering the entire coffee production cycle, from bean to cup . Your journey starts with a tasting session to learn how to distinguish local varieties, their origins, and their aromatic profiles. Next, you'll embark on a walk through the plantations , where you'll learn about the specific cultivation and harvesting processes. The tour continues in the processing areas to observe the washing, drying, and packaging of the beans. Your visit concludes at the roastery , where you'll witness the final transformation of the green coffee. After this sensory exploration of Colombia 's iconic product, you'll head to the local airport for your return flight.