“Few places bring together world-class terrain, authentic culture and a passion for cycling as naturally as Colombia,” said Dylan Reynolds, founder of Ride & Seek. “While landscapes like challenging Andean climbs, rolling coffee plantations and beautiful Caribbean beaches guide the route of our new tour, the country’s enthusiasm for cycling truly gives it its soul – it’s shared by everyday commuters on bustling streets and elite riders who dominate international races. Having left its turbulent past behind, Colombia today is open and welcoming, making this the perfect time to visit by bike.”

Covering more than 900 miles and 83,000 feet of elevation gain, the tour rates 3 1/2 espresso cups out of four on Ride & Seek’s grading system, and woven throughout the epic ride is the story of Simón Bolívar, “El Libertador,” whose pursuit of independence from the Spanish Empire still shapes Colombia’s identity.

Highlights of the itinerary include:

Bogotá and the Ciclovía: Bogotá sits at 8,600 feet on a plateau surrounded by rolling hills and peaks, and the tour will begin with a warm-up ride during the city’s famous weekly Ciclovía, where 75 miles of city streets are closed to vehicles and filled instead with thousands of cyclists and pedestrians.

Villa de Leyva: Two hours north of the capital, colonial Villa de Leyva is built around a vast cobblestone plaza that seems frozen in the 16th century. Quiet roads lead to and from the town, through high desert dotted with farmland and fossils.

The Andes and Alto del Sifón: The stunning Andean region provides challenging climbs and thrilling descents, including the Alto del Sifón. “El Sifón,” as the locals call it, is at the top of the list for longest paved, uninterrupted climbs in the world, stretching over 70 miles and 15,000 feet of elevation gain. The tour is set up so cyclists can take on the whole climb or just a section of it.

The Coffee Triangle: Roughly between Manizales, Pereira and Armenia, the UNESCO-listed Zona Cafetera is at the heart of the country’s coffee culture. Roads here roll through plantations and into small towns where world-class coffee is treated with the seriousness it deserves – visit family-run “fincas” where the scent of freshly roasted beans fills the air and enjoy mid-morning stops for small, strong “tintos” before continuing on.

Medellín: On a rest day, explore Medellín’s captivating charm, from its lush landscape to its dynamic urban culture, exciting nightlife and modern transformation.

Cartagena: The descent from the high altitude and cool air of the mountains to the heat, humidity and vibe of the Caribbean brings the tour to an end. In colonial Cartagena, take in the old town’s brightly painted facades and shaded plazas, and enjoy inventive cuisine that features fresh seafood and tropical fruit.

Along the way, stay in restored haciendas offering warm hospitality and authentic meals, and experience the country’s passion for cycling in daily life and as a national sport. That enthusiasm has brought investment in bike-friendly infrastructure like wide shoulders, clear signage and regular maintenance, as well as drivers who are accustomed to sharing the road.

The tour includes all accommodations, all breakfasts and group dinners, most lunches, nutrition for rides, Ride & Seek kit and water bottle, GPS with preloaded routes and knowledgeable guides.