DAY 1 - Wednesday 20 October

Arrive Bogotá

Welcome to Colombia. It’s always been a Ride Holidays dream. I remember my time in Colombia fondly having spent a month there about 100 years ago and that was prior to them being a powerhouse in world cycling.

Colombia has produced many world-class cyclists. Generally, they’re famous for their grit on climbs and success on the global stage. Egan Bernal made history by winning the Tour de France, showcasing Colombia’s strength in grand tours. Nairo Quintana is celebrated for his climbing ability and victories in the Giro d’Italia and Vuelta a España. Rigoberto Urán is known for his consistency, charisma, and Olympic silver medal.

Speaking of grit on the climbs and charisma – Chris Wood (Dingo) is the tour leader for this adventure. He’ll be working closely with our local Colombian guides. Our # 1 priority is safety. You are in very good hands.

Bogotá’s altitude is about 2640 meters above sea level (roughly 8,660 feet). That high elevation gives the city its cool, spring-like climate year-round — and yes, it also means thinner air, which is why it’s not a bad idea to arrive early. We are happy to arrange extra accommodation and transfers.

For those joining us today, we’ll meet you at the airport. It’s only a short transfer to our central city hotel. Please keep in mind that the standard check-in time is 2pm. We have a specific bike room at our hotel. This afternoon, we’ll have our guides on hand to help those assembling their bikes. All the hire bikes will be ready to go.

Our home while in Bogata is Hotel Chicó 97. Consistently praised for its excellent location near Parque 93, modern and spotless rooms, friendly multilingual staff, and generous buffet breakfast with fresh Colombian coffee. The hotel’s rooftop terrace is a great place for us to meet every night to discuss the following days’ plans.

DAY 2 - Thursday 21 October

Gentle, gentle…

Nothing too serious today. It’s a marathon, not a sprint.

Let’s have a late breakfast. 5am. (Just kidding!) Although it is important that we check out Tropicalia Coffee. Recognized as the #1 coffee shop in South America and one of the top 10 in the world in 2025, known for its high-quality beans, innovative brewing and sensory experience. Hmmm, we are expecting big things!!

Once we’re organised, we’ll pop out for a short 50km ride just outside the city. A gentle introduction to altitude and Colombian roads. Nothing to dramatic, but still spectacular. The different shades of green against the backdrop of the Andes make for an exceptional first ride. Our ride boasts nothing to lumpy, but still spectacular. You climb 400m which in this part of the world is flat, flat, flat.

Team Mac plan first. The Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá is a stunning underground church carved inside a massive salt mine, about 50km north of Bogotá. This unique cathedral combines architecture, religion, and geology, with chapels, sculptures, and crosses all hewn from salt. Visitors are often amazed by the cathedral’s majestic lighting, spiritual atmosphere, and intricate craftsmanship. Beyond being a religious site, it’s a symbol of Colombia’s creativity and engineering skill, attracting travellers from around the world for both its beauty and its cultural significance.

Lunch (for the cyclists and Team Mac) is at the legendary Andrés Carne de Res. One of Colombia’s most iconic restaurants — part steakhouse, part art gallery – can’t wait. I doubt we’ll lose any weight.

/ Accommodation: Hotel Chico 97
/ Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

DAY 3 - Friday 22 October

Alto de Patios – Shall we climb?

Yes, we shall.

On that note – a message for the cyclists. Given that cycling in Colombia is challenging we don’t expect you to ride every day. If there’s room in the Team Mac vehicle then you are welcome to join them.

Cyclists – today we’ll find out who followed the Silas Cullen training program. Yes – we’ll have 2 or 3 different pace groups, but everyone really should be able to handle the 85km loop around the Tominé Reservoir. A large artificial lake created by damming part of the Bogotá River. Featuring rolling terrain, open landscapes, and expansive views. In the small print – 1200VM.

We’ll always have a support vehicle or 2 around us. It’s unlikely you’ll ever be alone given that Bogotá records about 800,000 bicycle trips per day. They also have the # 1 strava (worldwide) segment for 2025 and today you’ll ride it. Alto de Patios. We’ll be joined by a procession of cyclists that climb Alto de Patios every day. It’s hard to believe we are just a few kilometres away from one of the largest cities in South America. As the traffic thins down, the sense of magnitude from the mountains increases. Around 10,000 Colombian cyclists are estimated to ride these hills each weekend. That’s a big number.

Team Mac – grab your walking shoes. It’s a 25km trek (nah, it’s not that long but we suggest you are fit) to Laguna de Guatavita, the legendary site of El Dorado where the Zipa (king) was crowned in gold. You also visit the gold museum. (Feel free to buy some. Bikes are expensive. This could be your revenge.)

Cyclists and Team Mac then meet up for lunch in the town of Suesca. A charming town renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty and outdoor adventure opportunities. Nestled just north of Bogotá, it is famous for its towering cliffs, lush landscapes, and of course the Suesca Rocks.

/ Accommodation: Hotel Chico 97
/ Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

DAY 4 - Saturday 23 October

Choachi Challenge

Our first serious mountain test. Tomorrow is a rest day (kind of) so let’s give it a nudge Nigel.

Support – will be everywhere. Even more so than a normal RH tour. Feel free to jump in the van when you’ve had enough. How do you get hold of the van driver? Don’t wave because they’ll wave back. Tap the top of your helmet. That’s how we’ll know you need us. You’ll find the driver around the corner where they’ve found a safe place to park.

Known locally as the Choachí Challenge. Only 85km but that includes over 2000 of climbing. It’s probably the altitude which we’ll really need to be careful of as you climb up to 3400m above sea level. Our guides will make sure you ride slow, slow, slow. If in doubt – ride with Dingo.  

Choachí is a word of Muisca (Chibcha) origin, the language spoken by the Indigenous people who lived in the Eastern Andes of Colombia before the Spanish arrived. It’s commonly interpreted as “Our Moon”or “Place of the Moon.” This on point because I’m sure you’ll have moments today when you think you’re actually biking to the moon. You’re not. We’ll save that for later in the week.

Yes – it’s OK to stop and smell the roses. We really see the Colombia tour as an opportunity to take it all in. Today’s climb is 15km long but there are many photo opportunities along the way. We encourage this. On some of our European tours we see riders going to the top of Mont Ventoux without stopping. In Colombia – that would be a waste.

Team Mac – walk or cable car to Monserrate for the best view in Bogotá, followed by a guided walk through the historic centre. Rising above 3000m Monserrate has a privileged view of Bogotá. It’s also part of the history that we explored yesterday with the Muiscas, as it used to be a pilgrim destination for centuries that was later absorbed into the Catholic tradition.

This afternoon everyone visits the Paloquemao Market. Bogotá’s largest fresh-food market, where mountains of tropical fruits gleam like jewels, heaps of vibrant vegetables line the stalls, and fragrant flowers spill over every table. Vendors call out cheerfully, offering everything from exotic fruits like feijoa and granadilla to fresh cheeses, herbs, and spices. Beyond the produce, the market is a window into Colombian daily life — locals buying ingredients for family meals, street food stalls serving sizzling snacks.

/ Accommodation: Hotel Chico 97
/ Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

DAY 5 - Sunday 24 October

Bogotá’s Ciclovía

It’s Sunday which means only one thing... Bogotá’s Ciclovía. A weekly celebration of cycling, transforming the city’s streets into car-free corridors every Sunday. Stretching over more than 100 kilometres, it allows cyclists, runners, skaters, and families to move freely through the city in a safe and festive environment.

Let’s join the party!!

Today’s cycling is like a long meal. The Ciclovia in the morning is kind of like the entrée. We then check out of the hotel and drive an hour out of Bogata (to avoid the traffic). You can then choose 50 to 90km as we begin our descent from the Andes. Yes – today’s ride is prominently downhill but, the 90km ride still has 1800VM attached to it. Some of you would be wise to choose the 50km option.

Our destination for tonight is Girardot. A lively city in central Colombia, located along the Magdalena River and known for its warm climate and relaxed, vacation-like atmosphere. It serves as a popular getaway for people from Bogotá, especially on weekends and holidays, thanks to its hot weather, riverside scenery, and abundance of swimming pools and resorts.

We ride past the dramatic waterfall of Salto del Tequendama. Where the Bogotá River plunges nearly 157 meters into a deep canyon.

The landscape becomes lusher and more tropical the closer we get to Girardot. The temperature also rises the closer we get to tonight’s hotel. Yes – we have a swimming pool to look forward to.

Team Mac – the Ciclovia isn’t just for cyclists, we encourage you to get out early for a walk. You then join the cyclists for a drive out of town where we’ve booked a guided walk around the waterfall system and its ancient paths. Walking in a rainforest is amazing, and your guide will point all the different flora and fauna. Hmmm, please watch your step. Thank you.

Did I mention the swimming pool at our next hotel? Hmmm, google it. See you poolside!!

/ Accommodation: Hotel Tocarema
/ Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

DAY 6 - Monday 25 October

Exploring the lowlands…

While Bogotá can be chilly at times, the warmth of the lowlands makes for a completely different cycling experience, it’s like visiting a totally different country. It’s time to explore that new country.

There’s a choice between 70 and 109km. On a Colombian scale it’s pretty much flat. The espresso ride topping out at 1600VM. We very much see the day as ride in the morning, lying by the pool in the afternoon. There could even be time for an Aguardiente. A what?

Aguardiente is like Colombia’s version of a liquid hug with a kick — sweet, herbal, and just enough fire to make you question your life choices after the second shot. It’s the official sponsor of loud laughter, questionable dance moves, and the sudden discovery that you can belt out a Johnny Cash song just before dinner. Please tread lightly and do not do what Dingo does.

Team Mac – it’s a great opportunity to check out the Plaza de Mercado market. Open every day from early morning until mid-afternoon, it offers a wide range of fresh produce, including tropical fruits like mango, guava, and papaya, as well as vegetables, meats, and local dairy products. In addition to food, vendors sell household items, artisanal crafts, and traditional Colombian snacks. It’s not only a shopping destination but also a place where locals and visitors gather to experience the city’s lively atmosphere.

This afternoon – you can choose to share the Aguardiente with the cyclists or visit a local dry-forest nature park showcasing Colombia’s biodiversity.

/ Accommodation: Hotel Tocarema
/ Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

DAY 7 - Tuesday 26 October

We ride the river

Well, not all of it because the Magdalena River is actually 1,528 kilometres long. That’s the same length of New Zealand. Quite a long river really…

Hotel to hotel does offer 127km and without doubt your flattest day on tour. Only 800m of climbing. Pretty much all downstream.

This magnificent river flows from the Andes in the south all the way to the Caribbean Sea. It’s the country’s backbone for trade, culture, and settlements.

The road we ride hugs the small pocket of land in between the river and Andes. Here still nature holds its ground, giving us some of the most pristine and better-preserved views of the ancient jungle. 

Honda is our home for the next 2 nights. To me the photos look like the old town of Cartagena which I rate as the most beautiful colonial town I’ve visited. Colourful buildings, cobblestone streets. Honda doesn’t try to impress; it simply is, and that’s exactly its charm. It’s the kind of place where you can really find yourself relaxing – to the traditional Andean rhythms often played with guitar, tiple, and bandola.

Team Mac – you actually see more of the river than the cyclists. In fact, you are on the river. There’s a large population that still lives off the river and you’ll see that firsthand via a river cultural safari.

Our hotel for the next couple of nights is a lovely rural retreat where comfort, nature, and warm hospitality come together to create a truly relaxing stay. Surrounded by greenery and scenic trails, the hotel offers clean, comfortable rooms, a refreshing outdoor pool.

/ Accommodation: Waka Hotel
/ Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

DAY 8 - Wednesday 27 October

Rest Day

After 7 consecutive days on the bikes we suggest you leave it in the garage. Yes – it’s a rest day for guides as well. Even we get sore bottoms. In fact – it would also be the ideal for a massage. We’ll arrange this in advance.

Catch up with emails. Do some laundry or refuse to leave the swimming pool. Totally up to you. Honda is the perfect place to chill.

We haven’t actually talked about the importance of caffeine. Here, coffee isn’t just a drink — it’s a national obsession, a ritual, a way of life. From the first morning sip that kicks the Andes awake to the aromatic trails that wind through lush plantations, coffee fuels not only the body but the soul. And what better way to feel that energy than on two wheels? Cycling through Colombia is like pedalling through a giant espresso shot: the climbs are steep, the descents exhilarating, and every twist in the road reveals a panorama of coffee hills, misty valleys, and tiny towns brimming with warmth. For Colombians, coffee and cycling are a perfect pairing — one wakes you up, the other makes you move, and together they embody the country’s heart: bold, vibrant, and endlessly invigorating.

Team Mac – we have booked a walking tour of Honda — markets, colonial architecture, cobbled streets and its famous 40 bridges. Up until the early 15th century it was the most important port in the Magdalena Valley and riverway, connecting Bogotá and the whole interior of the country with the outside world. So many of the most important discoveries came through here. The white facade and cobble roads, make this a Colombian pearl. Cyclists are welcome to join this…

This afternoon - the team will check over the bikes. Tomorrow is a big day so we want to make sure everything is working as it should be.

See you later.

/ Accommodation: Waka Hotel
/ Meals included: Breakfast (Lunch and Dinner are own arrangements)

Day 9 - Thursday 28 October

Alto de Letras – This is why we ride bicycles!!

Well Albert – we’ll have you in the back of our minds today as we take on the world’s longest climb. But please excuse us from time to time, if we stop moving and take the odd rest. After all, we are talking about 80.5km (just roughly) of climbing with an elevation gain of 3700m. The average gradient being 4% but there are some parts which are flat (and even downhill) which makes the average climbing sectors at about 7%.

You'll pass through three climate zones, and many more emotions. Along the way you pass tropical fruit farms, coffee plantations, cloud forests and high‑altitude páramo vegetation. Our plan is to have the support vehicle at every 10km mark. Tick them off – 10, 20, 30… Before you know it – you’ll be at the top. This is a Ride Holidays bucket-list day.

According to Chat – the fastest male is Santiago Botero (pro with 3 TDF’s under his belt) with a time of 2 hours and 52mins. QOM is Camila Cortes with a time of 4 hours and 10mins. Let’s put this into perspective though – Bridget Gallen is a good client and friend of RH, and she rode de Letras last year. Bridget is a strong cyclist who would easily be sub 5hrs around Taupo. Her climbing time up de Letras was almost 6 hours. Gulp…

Team Mac – is off to explore the Lost City of Falan. Taken out of the Indiana Jones book, the hike today, dives into the jungle, and the story of a village lost in time. A once thriving source for gold, this town is now completely swallowed from the vegetation, and we venture into exploring its ruins.  The site is often described as an ecological sanctuary and a forgotten industrial city. We would then love your support on the road today. Your loved one may need a hug from time to time. As guides, we’re good at hugs but it will mean more coming from you. Especially as we get closer to the top. Would pom poms be too much to ask?

Our home for the next couple of nights is Manizales. Nestled in the heart of Colombia’s coffee region, Manizales is a vibrant city perched high in the Andes at over 2100m above sea level. Famous for its spectacular mountain views, lush coffee plantations, and impressive architecture, it blends urban energy with natural beauty. The city is a hub for cultural festivals like the Feria de Manizales, and its steep streets are lined with colourful houses, cozy cafés, and bustling plazas.

/ Accommodation: Hotel Estelar El Cable
/ Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

DAY 10 - Friday 29 October

Coffee tasting... Ahhh, OK!!

Given yesterday’s heroics could I suggest a sleep-in for the cyclists…

Just thinking out aloud here – if my memory serves me right. Didn’t Indi have an encounter with a rather large snake at those ruins? Hmmm, surely not. Let’s move on, nothing to see here.

Cyclists – there is a ride. A short one through coffee plantations — the scent, scenery, and serenity of Colombia’s coffee heartland. Max 30km – we promise.

Both Team Mac and cyclists then meet up for a guided coffee tasting and plantation (coffee – just clarifying) tour. An essential Colombian experience. It’s hands on - you walk the fields, pick cherries, roast beans, and taste coffee at the source. Can’t wait – sounds like much more fun than a 3700m hill.

Birds? I’m a bit of a closet bird watcher. This area attracts twitchers from all around the world. Here’s a list of birds that we want you to tick off…

Andean Cock-of-the-Rock (Rupicola peruvianus)

Chestnut-mandibled Toucan

Violet-tailed Sylph Hummingbird

Prizes for those who see all 3.

Also, did we mention the hot springs? Manizales is very well known for its hot springs and that my friends… is why we are staying here. See you in the tub.

/ Accommodation: Hotel Estelar El Cable
/ Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

DAY 11 - Saturday 30 October

Transfer day: To be confirmed…

We won’t know until early 2027 exactly where the Rigo event is going to be held. The location changes every year.

The last 3 events have been Medellin, Barranquilla and Cali. How good would it be if 2027 was Cartagena. Simply the most stunning (UNESCO) Spanish colonial town I’ve been to. Fingers and toes are crossed.

Like the Tour de France – we have spies who should give us the heads up prior to the official release date.

Anyway, getting back to today. It’s prominently a rest day as we travel towards what will be one of the greatest days on a bike you’ll ever have.

There will be some logistics to work through like picking up your event packs, etc. Like the Epic ride in Adelaide – everyone wears the same jersey. Let’s hope they’re a better fit than they are in South Australia.

There will be press interviews for the likes of Sean Steffert who is one of the favourites to raise his hands at tomorrow’s finish line.

I’ve also read that the Colombian pre-event village is one massive party. Can someone please look after Dingo. He forgets himself with live music. Thanks.

Team Mac – we won’t know until we know. Trust us though – you will be well looked after.

So, in summary… To be confirmed.

/ Accommodation: TBC
/ Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

DAY 12 - Sunday 31 October

El Giro de Rigo

The Rigo Event isn’t just a ride — it’s a full‑blown cultural celebration built around the personality of Rigoberto Urán, one of Colombia’s most beloved cyclists. Think of it as a mass‑participation gran fondo fused with a festival, a carnival, and a national holiday all at once. In 2025, over 8000 cyclists joined the 165 kilometre route, with special guests included Vincenzo Nibali, Fabio Aru, Nairo Quintana, Sergio Luis Henao, Bruce Chisholm, Óscar Sevilla and Egan Bernal.

Given that Rigoberto raced in EF colours who copied their kit from RH, we see V.I.P treatment as only inevitable.

We join thousands of cyclists in Colombia’s biggest celebration of cycling — a festival atmosphere, closed roads, and unforgettable energy. Colombia doesn’t just watch cycling — it lives it. The Giro de Rigo Event captures that passion perfectly. It’s a day where the sport becomes a celebration of community, culture, and pure fun. Even if you’ve ridden the toughest climbs of the Andes, this is the moment that feels like the emotional high point of the trip.

The El Giro de Rigo ride experience, whilst the course changes each year, the spirit stays the same, closed roads, police escorts, crowds cheering on every climb with local bands and dancers along the route and aid stations that feel like street parties!! You’re riding through some of Colombia’s most beautiful landscapes, surrounded by cyclists of every level — pros, amateurs, families, and fans who simply want to be part of something huge.

Festival Vibes at the finish, crossing the line drops you straight into a festival, live music, food stalls, sponsor tents, photo ops with Colombian cycling legends and Rigo himself working the crowd, taking selfies. It’s loud, joyful, chaotic in the best way — the kind of finish area where you don’t rush to leave.

Team Mac – we think you’ll really enjoy the atmosphere, so we’ll involve you in the day’s festivities. I suspect that means driving you to an advantage point where we see the atmosphere the most electric.

Oh – for those who can’t see them riding 165km, there are shorter distances to choose from. Please note that this event doesn’t accept e-bikes, so we’ll have a plan B ride lined up for those who have pedal assistance.

Simply. An awesome day. No matter where it is. (But please let it be Cartagena!)

/ Accommodation: TBC
/ Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

DAY 13 - Monday 1 November

Celebration

We’re keeping today flexible. It will be a combination of sleeping in, maybe a coffee ride (with a few thousand others) and then some quality R&R.

Generally speaking – the Rigo ride is somewhere nice so it would be a good chance to be a tourist for the day. (without the bike)

There are some chores this afternoon. Bikes need to be packed away. Rental bikes stripped of pedals, Garmin mounts etc etc.

This evening we’ll book the bestest (word?) restaurant we can. It’s time to say goodbye to our Colombian crew. No doubt a few stories will be told as we raise a glass to new friends and a fantastic new country explored.

Let’s look back at the highlights… Tick, Tick, Tick!!

• #1 Strava climb segment - Alto de Patios
• Tropicalia Coffee, #1 café in South America and one of the top 10 in the world
• Choachi Challenge (was easy)
• Bogotá’s Ciclovía – for both Team Mac and the Cyclists
• Magdalena River – Via boat and bike
• Help, Help me, Honda – Stunning.
• Alto de Letras – There is no greater climb. On the planet.
• Team Mac - Lost City of Falan. Watch for snakes.
• Manizales – Coffee tasting.El Giro de Rigo – making 8000 friends in a single day.

Colombia – you are truly special. Thank you.

/ Accommodation: TBC
/ Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

DAY 14 - Tuesday 2 November

Le end…

At this stage we intend to pack up all the bikes in the morning and run you to the airport this afternoon.

But, but… if it’s a million miles easier to go back to Bogota for the night and fly home tomorrow then that’s what we’ll do. Flights can only be booked 11 months in advance so we’ll know by then how this trip will conclude.

What a fantastic 2 weeks it’s been.

Colombia, in my experience, is one of the friendliest countries you can travel to. Safety will be our priority which is why we have a recognised Colombia cycle company helping us with all the logistics.

Team Mac – our plan is semi-structured, but flexibility is always the key. You will all have different likes and dislikes. It’s our job to find the right balance so you all have a great holiday.

Thank you for being part of this adventure. Look forward to seeing you in Bogata.

Rigo and Team RH

/ Meals included: Breakfast