The Alto de Letras Challenge — Guided Cycling Tour in Colombia

Bogotá, Colombia
Duration7 days
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesEnglish, Spanish
Group sizeUp to 8 travelers
Pickup offeredSee the meeting and pickup details below

Overview

Alto de Letras is the world's longest paved road climb: 81 kilometers of continuous ascent from the tropical heat of Mariquita (480 m) to the cold páramo at the summit (3,700 m). It is the defining climb of Colombian cycling heritage — the same roads that shaped Egan Bernal, Nairo Quintana, and a generation of world champions.

The Alto de Letras Challenge is a 7-day, fully guided, all-inclusive tour built by Beyond The Ride around this climb. Airport transfers, single accommodation, sport massage, all meals, bilingual guides, support vehicle, and mechanical support. You bring the legs. We handle the rest.

The companion program runs parallel to the cycling track is a core part of the itinerary. Both groups reunite each evening at Casa de Campo La Giralda.

Is This Tour Right for You? Regular road cyclist comfortable with 5–6 hours of sustained climbing – You value professional support and logistical reliability – Not suited for beginners or first-time road cyclists

What's included

  • Private transportation
  • Private Accommodation: Private room for the cyclist and companions
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Hydration: drinks and snacks en route.
  • Professional Support: guides, mechanics, full on-route assistance
  • Specialized Tarmac, Pinarello Dogma or similar bikes included
  • Breakfast
  • Custom Cyclist Kit: Jersey, gloves, bottle, and premium souvenirs.
  • Sport Massage: Recovery-focused massage after each ride.
  • Cyclist focused nutrition: Balanced meals and snacks for peak performance.
  • Farewell Dinner cost not included
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Personal expenses, tips.
  • Travel insurance
  • Airfare

What to expect

Day 1: Arrival in Bogota
  1. Parque 93
    2h
    Walk around the Bogota's exclusive Parque de La 93
Day 2: Alto La Tribuna - Cambao + Armero Tragedy Site Visit
  1. Alban
    6h
    Pick up at hotel in Bogota around 7 am.
    Transfer to La Tribuna.
    First ride: Alto de La Tribuna to Cambao (85 km, -2000 m elevation loss, Easy to Moderate)
  2. Centro De Visitantes De Armero
    1h 30m · Admission ticket included
    Visit to Armero Tragedy Site - Optional
Day 3: Conquer El Alto de Letras + Cultural Honda & Mariquita City Tours
  1. 12h
    Cyclists only: conquer the world-famous Alto de Letras (82 km, 3200+ m of elevation gain, Very Hard)
    This is what you came for!
  2. Honda
    4h
    Companions only: Visit Honda's and Mariquita's historical districts where you'll learn the importance of these cities in Colombia's colonial and republican past.
Day 4: Active Recovery ride + Ciudad Perdida de Falan Expedition
  1. Mariquita
    2h
    Cyclists: recovery ride after conquering the very hard Alto de Letras. (56 km, 0 m of elevation gain, Easy)
  2. Reserva Natural Ciudad Perdida De Falan
    5h · Admission ticket included
    Companions and Cyclists: Join the group in Ciudad Perdida de Falan (Falan’s Lost City) for a nature-and-history experience with a hike through colonial past ruins, tropical forest, cascades, and natural pools—expect to get wet. Learn more about the exciting Ciudad Perdida de Falan Adventure.
Day 5: Alto de El Sifon Challenge + Coffee Farm Experience
  1. Murillo
    12h
    Cyclists: although not as famous as El Alto de Letras, El Sifon climb is equally as demanding but much more rewarding: breathtaking views, world-heritage towns, and unique high-altitude ecosystems will be the background of this challenging adventure.
    (87 km, 3800+ m of altitude gain, Very Hard)
  2. Libano
    4h
    Companions: Coffee day in the Coffee Region. Visit a traditional farm, learn how coffee is grown and processed, and experience the craftsmanship behind Colombia’s reputation for world-class beans. Learn more about our charming Coffee Farm Experience.
Day 6: Return to Bogota + Farewell Dinner in Andres DC restaurant
  1. 5h
    All travelers: Transfer back to Bogota for a relaxed afternoon and time to reset after the week’s challenges before the final night together: celebrate at Andres DC with great food, music, and an unforgettable atmosphere (food and drinks not included). Learn about the iconic Andres DC experience.
Day 7: Bogota City Tour + departure
  1. La Candelaria
    7h
    All travelers: A guided Bogota highlights tour before you head out—Monserrate for panoramic views, La Candelaria’s colonial streets, and cultural stops like Plaza de Bolivar surrounded by beautiful government buildings and world class museums (Gold Museum and Botero Museum), plus coffee and local tastings to close the week well. Learn about our culturally rich Bogota City Tour.

Meeting and pickup

Pickup details

Pick up outside the El Dorado Airport.

Additional information

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness

Cancellation policy

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
From
$2,890.00 per person
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  • You'll choose your date and travelers and pay on viator.com. Prices vary by date, group size and option.
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