The ultimate weekend challenge: Alto de Letras

Do you want to have the most spectacular story at your company’s coffee machine or water cooler on Monday morning? We can make it happen! Be the person that explains his colleagues about crowing the Alto de Letras in his weekend!

The Alto de Letras, world’s longest climb I hear you think? YES! Get out of your daily grind and achieve something exceptional in just one long weekend. Fly in on Thursday, meet our team and get prepared for a cycling experience of a lifetime. After fitting you onto one of our rental bikes, or having our bike mechanic built up your own bike, we will hit the road for a great warm-up day on the Colombian roads. We will be joined by the local heroes who ride their miles before going to their offices. But that’s something we don’t have to worry about these coming days.

Get to know the country

Besides getting used to the altitude (Bogotá is situated at an altitude of more than 8500 feet) you will also get to know the Colombian (cycling) culture and local snacks. Our passionate guide that will join you on the bike can tell you more about the region or about the country’s incredible history. After leaving the Capital city we will descent down into the tropical climate. Soon, banana trees and other exotic fruits will be surrounding us. You will be amazed how quickly the landscape can change in just one descent.

But what goes down must go up! As we say in Colombia, when in doubt, the road probably will go up. And the climb we will crown on the first day is a great warm up for the legendary Alto de Letras. But we won’t torture our bodies too much, knowing what’s still to come. So what about a beautiful 25 mile descent with great hairpins? With spectacular views around every corner, this descent will be over before you know it. At the bottom we have reached our lowest point of this trip, the lush Magdalena valley. Named after Colombia’s biggest and most important river, once used by the Spaniards to enter the midlands.

After a small transfer we will reach our resort hotel, with a beautiful swimming pool and sauna. After all, it is still holiday. While the sun sets, we will enjoy the moment with a refreshing drink and talk about the great experience of the first day of riding. At night, our tour guide will brief you about the famous Alto de Letras. What is the best way to tackle this monster? Where are the difficult parts, and how will the team support you along the route.

D-day!

From the moment you open your curtains you will know that this is going to be a great day. The sunrise from behind the Andes mountains is a beautiful sight, and the sounds of the tropical birds will only strengthen this feeling. Today we will have a constant climb of more than 50 miles on the menu, before descending down the other side into Manizales What will it be like to climb for so many hours? Simply amazing! The constant changing scenery will make you forget the distance and just leave you breathless. While climbing, we will go from 1300 feet in Mariquita to a staggering 12.000 feet at the top of the Alto de Letras.

Once we have reached the top, you will be warmed up by Colombia’s best kept secret: Aguapanela. But maybe a much bigger reward, eternal fame and glory for crowing the longest climb in the world. Grab a picture of you and the sign saying that you have reached the top before descending into Manizales. After we  have recovered well from this amazing achievement in our peaceful and relaxing hotel, it is time to eat like a king in one of the best gourmet restaurants of Manizales.

The next morning, our team will take you back to Bogotá where you can catch your flight back home and tell your friends and family what you have done this weekend. Can you already imagine the number of likes on your Strava ride?

Not planning to visit Colombia only for the weekend, but looking to add this tour into your already planned holiday?  Let us know, we are flexible and more that happy to help you out with the planning. 

Upcoming long weekends:

Interested in becoming the water cooler hero on Monday? Write us your preferences:

info@cyclota.com