Road Cycling Holidays
Ruta del Café
Highlights
On the trail of coffee
It tastes delicious, it smells heavenly, some people are downright addicted to it and many cyclists appreciate its stimulating effect: coffee has been grown in Colombia for about 300 years and has been one of the country’s most important export goods since the end of the 19th century. Accordingly, coffee is deeply anchored in Colombian culture and in the lives of many Colombians. Our road bike tour “Ruta del Café” (“Coffee Route”) takes us to some of the country’s most important and most scenic coffee-growing regions, which are characterized by their high altitude and mild climate.
After a first tour in one of the favorite training regions of many Colombian professional cyclists, you have the opportunity to visit Medellín and to get to know this cycling-crazy and colorful metropolis, which is considered today one of the most exiting cities in Latin America.
Via Santa Fe de Antioquia – the former capital of Antioquia and known for its well-preserved colonial architecture – we ride through the Andean jungle to the South-West of Antioquia. From here we continue through the departments of Caldas and Risaralda into the department of Quindío. These three departments essentially form the “coffee triangle” (“Eje Cafetero”), the largest contiguous coffee-growing area in Colombia. Around 10% of the coffee produced worldwide comes from this region. One of our tours takes us to the Cocora Valley, where we can marvel at the Quindio wax palm, Colombia’s national tree. This species of palm reaches a height of up to 60 meters!
Far away from the main paths of tourism, we experience the original Colombia and unforgettable cycling moments. We enjoy the fantastic nature, characterized by its unique biodiversity and, of course, delicious coffee from different growing regions. Pedaling through coffee plantations you will also get an insight into the life of coffee farmers and the processing of coffee, from the fruit to the tasty drink.
If you are looking for a perfect mixture between cultural immersion and a great cycling experience with some challenging, but not too hard climbs, this cycling trip is for you!
You don’t feel like flying with your own bike? Just rent one of our Storck rental bikes.
Overview
| DURATION | 11 days | 10 nights |
| TYPE OF TRIP | Hotel to Hotel |
| GUIDED RIDES | 7 |
| DIFFICULTY |  |
| TOTAL DISTANCE | 640 km |
| TOTAL ELEVATION | 10,700 m |
| HOTELS | 2 nights in 5-star hotels 8 nights in 3-4-star hotels |
| INCLUDED MEALS | 10 breakfasts 10 lunches 10 dinners |
| GROUP SIZE | Max. 8 participants |
| PRICE | from 3,190 € (3,190 USD)* |
*depending on exchange rate
Gallery
Holiday Schedule
¡Bienvenidos a Colombia! / Arrival
Arrival (individual) to Medellin. We will meet you at the airport and take you to the hotel. After checking in, you will have time to rest and enjoy the amenities of the luxury hotel. The handover of the rental bike or the assembly of your bike takes place on the day of arrival or on the morning of the second day, depending on your arrival time. In the evening we will enjoy a nice dinner together and get to know each other.
(please click to enlarge)
Medellin
After a good rest and a delicious breakfast we have a short briefing before we go for our first ride. We start directly at the hotel and initially roll through undulating terrain and beautiful nature characterized by meadows and forests. We stop for a cup of coffee in one of the typical villages and watch the hustle and bustle. With the batteries charged, we go for our first longer climb, which leads us to the Alto de Las Palmas, the highlight of today’s tour. From here we have a fantastic view of Medellin and the Aburrá Valley.
(please click to enlarge)
TODAY’S TOUR
67 km 
920 m
Elevation profile
Transfer to Santa Fe de Antioquia
We leave Medellin in our comfortable support vehicles and head to Santa Fe de Antioquia. Santa Fe is the oldest city in the Antioquia department and was the provincial capital until 1826. The pretty town in the Occidente of Antioquia has been completely preserved in its colonial structure and invites you to take a stroll. When exploring the cobblestone streets, you feel as if you have been transported to the Colombia of days long gone. The Puente de Occidente (Bridge of the West), completed in 1895, was the longest suspension bridge in South America at the time and was of particular importance for the development of the region and the country. Crossing the bridge is quite a rocking affair and a little adventure.
(please click to enlarge)
Sur Occidente de Antioquia
On today’s stage we follow the course of the Cauca River (Río Cauca), the largest tributary of the Magdalena River. We move at an altitude between 400 and 700 meters above sea level. It is tropical and warm and the lush vegetation gives us pleasant shade. We make rapid progress on undulating terrain and reach our destination in the early afternoon. So we have time to explore the place, which was modeled after an antioquenic village from the end of the 19th century. On the banks of the Río Cauca, we end the day in cozy air and a beautiful atmosphere.
(please click to enlarge)
TODAY’S TOUR
99 km 810 m
Elevation profile
Jardín
Today we pedal to the extreme south-west of Antioquia. After following again the course of the Rio Cauca we work our way up from a little under 600 meters to over 1,850 meters above sea level. We ride through the incredibly beautiful and lush vegetation which is so green that it seems almost unreal. The climate in altitudes over 1.000 meters and the fertile soils are ideal for growing coffee. On our way we pass coffee plantations again and again, and if you like, you can make use of the afternoon to take a look at the process of growing coffee on a typical finca. Of course, a cup of freshly brewed coffee must not be missing!
(please click to enlarge)
TODAY’S TOUR
73 km 1,840 m
Elevation profile
Pereira
For the first part of today’s stage we get into the support vehicles in order to cover a busy stretch of road in a relaxed manner. Back on our bikes, we ride through the mountains of the eastern flank of the Cordillera Occidental of the Andes into the valley of the Risaralda River (Río Risaralda). The route tends to go downhill, but of course we will also enjoy some longer climbs. Once we arrive in Pereira, we are already in the middle of the Eje Cafetero, the Coffee Triangle. The Coffee Triangle is the largest contiguous coffee-growing area in Colombia and is made up basically of the departments of Caldas, Risaralda and Quindío.
(please click to enlarge)
TODAY’S TOUR
102 km 1,760 m
Elevation profile
Rest Day
Spend a nice day in Pereira and / or relax in the hotel.
(please click to enlarge)
Quimbaya
After the rest day we get back on our bikes. Today’s tour takes us from Pereira across the beautiful landscape shaped by coffee cultivation. The route is initially flat to undulating. The deeper we get into the coffee-growing area, the steeper the climbs become. Today’s night we spend near Quimbaya, a village that owes its name to the indigenous people who originally lived in this area.
(please click to enlarge)
TODAY’S TOUR
110 km 1,480 m
Elevation profile
Valle de Cocora
A fantastic tour into the Cocora Valley, which is known for its unique landscape and the typical wax palms that grow there. The Quindio Wax Palmis the national tree of Colombia is considered the tallest palm species in the world. It can get hundreds of years old and can reach a height of up to 60 meters. In Salento we stop for a coffee. If you want you can swap your cycling shoes for hiking boots, explore the Cocora Valley and get back to the hotel in the support vehicle.
(please click to enlarge)
TODAY’S TOUR
83 km 2.240 m
Elevation profile
Buenavista
For the last tour of our Ruta del Café Trip we have another highlight for you. On a long descent it goes down to 1,100 m. But we don’t stay at this altitude for long, it goes straight up again. And quite steep. In Buenavista we take a breather and enjoy the fantastic view over a delicious “cafecito”. In the evening we have a nice farewell dinner together.
(please click to enlarge)
TODAY’S TOUR
106 km 1,680 m
Elevation profile
Departure or Alto de Letras (optional)
Transfer to Medellin and departure. Do you still have power in your legs? Then book our Alto de Letras Tour at a special price in a package with this trip and conquer the longest climb in the world! Part of the Alto de Letras Tour is also a ride to the highest paved road in Colombia, which gets you to 4,000 m above sea level!
(please click to enlarge)
- Day 1
¡Bienvenidos a Colombia! / Arrival
Arrival (individual) to Medellin. We will meet you at the airport and take you to the hotel. After checking in, you will have time to rest and enjoy the amenities of the luxury hotel. The handover of the rental bike or the assembly of your bike takes place on the day of arrival or on the morning of the second day, depending on your arrival time. In the evening we will enjoy a nice dinner together and get to know each other.
(please click to enlarge)
- Day 2
Medellin
After a good rest and a delicious breakfast we have a short briefing before we go for our first ride. We start directly at the hotel and initially roll through undulating terrain and beautiful nature characterized by meadows and forests. We stop for a cup of coffee in one of the typical villages and watch the hustle and bustle. With the batteries charged, we go for our first longer climb, which leads us to the Alto de Las Palmas, the highlight of today’s tour. From here we have a fantastic view of Medellin and the Aburrá Valley.
(please click to enlarge)
TODAY’S TOUR
67 km 920 mElevation profile
- Day 3
Transfer to Santa Fe de Antioquia
We leave Medellin in our comfortable support vehicles and head to Santa Fe de Antioquia. Santa Fe is the oldest city in the Antioquia department and was the provincial capital until 1826. The pretty town in the Occidente of Antioquia has been completely preserved in its colonial structure and invites you to take a stroll. When exploring the cobblestone streets, you feel as if you have been transported to the Colombia of days long gone. The Puente de Occidente (Bridge of the West), completed in 1895, was the longest suspension bridge in South America at the time and was of particular importance for the development of the region and the country. Crossing the bridge is quite a rocking affair and a little adventure.
(please click to enlarge)
- Day 4
Sur Occidente de Antioquia
On today’s stage we follow the course of the Cauca River (Río Cauca), the largest tributary of the Magdalena River. We move at an altitude between 400 and 700 meters above sea level. It is tropical and warm and the lush vegetation gives us pleasant shade. We make rapid progress on undulating terrain and reach our destination in the early afternoon. So we have time to explore the place, which was modeled after an antioquenic village from the end of the 19th century. On the banks of the Río Cauca, we end the day in cozy air and a beautiful atmosphere.
(please click to enlarge)
TODAY’S TOUR
99 km 810 mElevation profile
- Day 5
Jardín
Today we pedal to the extreme south-west of Antioquia. After following again the course of the Rio Cauca we work our way up from a little under 600 meters to over 1,850 meters above sea level. We ride through the incredibly beautiful and lush vegetation which is so green that it seems almost unreal. The climate in altitudes over 1.000 meters and the fertile soils are ideal for growing coffee. On our way we pass coffee plantations again and again, and if you like, you can make use of the afternoon to take a look at the process of growing coffee on a typical finca. Of course, a cup of freshly brewed coffee must not be missing!
(please click to enlarge)
TODAY’S TOUR
73 km 1,840 mElevation profile
- Day 6
Pereira
For the first part of today’s stage we get into the support vehicles in order to cover a busy stretch of road in a relaxed manner. Back on our bikes, we ride through the mountains of the eastern flank of the Cordillera Occidental of the Andes into the valley of the Risaralda River (Río Risaralda). The route tends to go downhill, but of course we will also enjoy some longer climbs. Once we arrive in Pereira, we are already in the middle of the Eje Cafetero, the Coffee Triangle. The Coffee Triangle is the largest contiguous coffee-growing area in Colombia and is made up basically of the departments of Caldas, Risaralda and Quindío.
(please click to enlarge)
TODAY’S TOUR
102 km 1,760 mElevation profile
- Day 7
Rest Day
Spend a nice day in Pereira and / or relax in the hotel.
(please click to enlarge)
- Day 8
Quimbaya
After the rest day we get back on our bikes. Today’s tour takes us from Pereira across the beautiful landscape shaped by coffee cultivation. The route is initially flat to undulating. The deeper we get into the coffee-growing area, the steeper the climbs become. Today’s night we spend near Quimbaya, a village that owes its name to the indigenous people who originally lived in this area.
(please click to enlarge)
TODAY’S TOUR
110 km 1,480 mElevation profile
- Day 9
Valle de Cocora
A fantastic tour into the Cocora Valley, which is known for its unique landscape and the typical wax palms that grow there. The Quindio Wax Palmis the national tree of Colombia is considered the tallest palm species in the world. It can get hundreds of years old and can reach a height of up to 60 meters. In Salento we stop for a coffee. If you want you can swap your cycling shoes for hiking boots, explore the Cocora Valley and get back to the hotel in the support vehicle.
(please click to enlarge)
TODAY’S TOUR
83 km 2.240 mElevation profile
- Day 10
Buenavista
For the last tour of our Ruta del Café Trip we have another highlight for you. On a long descent it goes down to 1,100 m. But we don’t stay at this altitude for long, it goes straight up again. And quite steep. In Buenavista we take a breather and enjoy the fantastic view over a delicious “cafecito”. In the evening we have a nice farewell dinner together.
(please click to enlarge)
TODAY’S TOUR
106 km 1,680 mElevation profile
- Day 11
Departure or Alto de Letras (optional)
Transfer to Medellin and departure. Do you still have power in your legs? Then book our Alto de Letras Tour at a special price in a package with this trip and conquer the longest climb in the world! Part of the Alto de Letras Tour is also a ride to the highest paved road in Colombia, which gets you to 4,000 m above sea level!
(please click to enlarge)
Difficulty:
The Ruta del Café Trip is aimed at cyclists who want to get to know different regions of the Colombian Andes and experience the country authentically. Even if some stages are quite challenging, the focus is on experiencing this exotic country and its culture together. The length of the stages varies between 70 and 110 kilometers. You should have a good basic endurance and be able to climb moderate inclinations as well as long climbs. An support vehicle is always close by, and in case of need you can get on board anytime for some kilometers to recover or if you wish also for a complete stage.
Only the best is good enough. As with all trips offered by Elite Cycling Colombia, you will stay in carefully selected and particularly beautiful hotels, which are mostly kept in the typical style of the country and have a very nice and special ambience. So you will also enjoy each and every minute off the bike!
The prices include:
- 2 nights in 5-star hotels
- 8 nights in 3- and 4-star hotels
- 10 x breakfast, lunch and dinner (excluding drinks)
- Airport transfer on arrival and departure
- English-speaking tour guide and personal assistance by Elite Cycling Colombia
- 7 guided tours
- When bringing your own bike: Assistance in assembling
- Accompaniment by service vehicle and luggage transport
- Transport Medellín – Santa Fe de Antioquia
- Mobile phone for the duration of your stay (1 mobile per room)
- Pick-up service in case of emergencies and defects
- Energy bars/gels, fruits and water for the rides
- Elite Cycling Colombia jersey in pro-quality
- Bottle
- Financial protection according German law
Not included are:
All services that are not explicitly listed above. In particular: arrival and departure, departure tax, insurance, rental bike, drinks with meals (lunch and dinner), tips, entrance fees (except those mentioned above) and personal expenses.
Prices per person, including the services described above, without flight
ROOM CATEGORY
PRICE
Double room
from EUR 3,190
(USD 3,190)*
Single Room (double room for single occupancy)
from EUR 3,740
(USD 3,740)*
DATES
STATUS
2023
Can’t find a suitable date? No problem! We also offer the “Ruta del Café” trip as a private tour. With your personal guide, support vehicle and driver. It couldn’t be more individual!
Remarks:
This trip is not suitable for people with reduced mobility.
Citizens from Germany, Austria and Switzerland do not need a visa in Colombia for stays of less than 90 days as a tourist. If you have a citizenship other than those mentioned above, please let us know this in your booking inquiry so that we can inform you about the entry requirements that apply to you.
- Alto de Letras Tour, the longest climb in the world (3 days from € 849.00)
- Extra nights in Medellin before or after your cycling holidays
- Rental bike