About this trip.
Before you book: Walking holidays vs cycling holidays — when each one is the right answer · Self-guided walking holidays — what they actually are, when they beat guided, and four things that go wrong
Alto de Letras, at 52 miles, is reputed to be the longest climb in the world, and it is one of the big moments on this 13-day guided road cycling holiday in Colombia. The trip is made for riders who love to climb. It runs from the mountain capital of Bogotá, at 2,625m above sea level, down to the Caribbean coast, mostly on well-surfaced roads.
From the Andes to the Caribbean
Cycling has been Colombia's national sport for decades. You can expect to meet locals out training every day on the same roads that produced Grand Tour winners such as Nairo Quintana, Rigoberto Urán and Egan Bernal. The pace is gentler than the professionals', but you still get a proper taste of the Andean mountain roads.
The route goes through the Zona Cafetera, one of the world's main coffee-growing regions, and includes a couple of nights in Medellín, known as the "City of Eternal Spring". The last stages cross coastal flatland, a change of pace after the Andes. They bring you gently into Cartagena, a Caribbean resort and historic walled city, where the trip ends.
Arriving in Bogotá
On the scheduled start day, a member of the Skedaddle team meets you at Bogotá airport and takes you to the first hotel, in the city's Chapinero district. If you arrive early enough, you can join the group for lunch at a nearby restaurant. Back at the hotel there is bike fitting and a first briefing. The rest of the afternoon is free to rest and get used to the altitude, and the group meets again for dinner.
The first day on the bike
Day two starts with a transfer to Cajicá, a small suburban town on the Savanna of Bogotá, to avoid the city's busy streets. The ride is about 62 miles (100 km) with roughly 1,305 metres of ascent, and it is one of the easiest days of the tour. It still has a challenge. The route follows an old road once used to link the local fincas, and just under 15km in comes the first climb. It is only 4km to the top, but it is steeper than the average Colombian climb. A descent of about the same length leads to Subachoque, and rolling roads continue from there to Facatativá.
For every booking on this holiday, a donation goes to World Bicycle Relief, a charity that provides bicycles to people and communities.
The shape of the trip.
Everything you might be wondering.
Q1How hard are the climbs?
Grading reflects daily distance, total climbing, and traffic. Moderate routes typically involve 40-60km a day with 300-600m of climbing, on quiet roads or well-surfaced bike paths. If you ride regularly at home and can manage a 40km weekend ride, you'll be fine. Check the daily elevation profile when the operator shares it.
Q2Is bike rental included?
It's usually included, with a hybrid as standard and an e-bike or road-bike upgrade available for a supplement. Helmets and panniers normally come with the rental. Check the operator's booking page for the exact inclusions on this trip.
Q3What if I get a puncture?
Rental bikes come with a small repair kit and a pump. If you can't fix it yourself, the operator's support line can arrange a replacement or a lift to the next hotel — times vary by location. Carry a phone and the support number at all times.
Q4Can I use my own bike?
Yes, most operators are happy for you to bring your own bike — you'll often get a small discount off the trip price in lieu of rental. Check with the airline on how to transport it, and bring basic spares (tubes, multi-tool).
Q5Can I do this solo?
Absolutely — self-guided cycling holidays work well for solo travellers. The route notes, GPX files, and 24/7 support are designed for confident independent riders.
Q6What if the weather is bad?
The route is rideable in rain if you're dressed for it, though some surfaces get slower. The operator's support line can reroute you onto a lower / flatter alternative or arrange a vehicle transfer for any stage if conditions are genuinely unsafe.
Q7How do I get there from the UK?
Fly into the nearest airport, then train or transfer to the start point. The operator will advise — some will book onward trains for a small fee. If you're bringing your own bike, check dimensions and dismantling requirements with the airline in advance.
Q8What about cancellation?
A deposit (usually 20-25%) is taken at booking, with the balance due 8-10 weeks before departure. The operator's own terms apply — Mooch doesn't handle the booking or refunds. Travel insurance with cycle cover is strongly recommended.
Three cycling holidays, side-by-side.
The closest cycling holidays on Mooch, by trail, then region, then country. Prices are the operators' own, per person.
