Spectacular Places to Cycle in Colombia

Ciclovia Bogota
Ciclovia Bogota | © Saúl Ortega/Flickr

Cycling is taking Colombia by storm. Every day, the roads and the cycling routes in the cities are filled with avid cyclists commuting to work. The roads are thick with bikes at the weekends, too, as Colombia’s beautiful landscapes make for picturesque, scenic and challenging routes. Many Colombians are enthusiastic cyclists and enjoy being outside, and many wake up early to enjoy a day filled with cycling either in a group or alone. Colombia has a large number of well-known cycling routes : from short routes to week-long trips, it’s definitely a great way to see the country.

1. The Savannah

Park

The Savannah is a popular cycling route just outside of Bogotá. This 31-mile (50-kilometre) stretch from La Calera to Tocancipa goes through Guasca and part of the Chiganza National Park Paramo. The countryside route passes through a number of small towns, and up and down hills ranging from 8,530 feet (2,600 meters) to 10,498 feet (3,200 meters). This can be added to a Bogotá to La Calera route, creating a 40-mile (65-kilometre) trip around the Colombian countryside.

Ciclovía

Ciclovía is a popular cycling event that takes place all over Colombia every Sunday, and on holidays, from 7 a.m. until 2 p.m. Many major towns and cities including Bogotá, Cali and Medellin close a large number of roads to allow people to cycle, run or walk without worrying about traffic. Other events take place, too, such as yoga in parks, and markets. In Bogotá, Plaza Bolivar is a popular place to cycle to and enjoy street food and market stalls. You can also visit the Usaquen market for shopping and delicious food.

Ciclovia Bogota

Alto de Las Palmas

Alto de Las Palmas is an uphill 9.2-mile (14.75-kilometre) route that heads from Medellín up and over one of the surrounding mountains. It’s popular on weekends, especially Sundays, as an extension to the city’s Ciclovía routes.

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