The Alto de Letras Challenge — Guided Cycling Tour in Colombia

The Alto de Letras is the world’s longest paved road climb: 81 kilometers of continuous ascent from the tropical heat of Mariquita (480 m) to the cold páramo at the summit (3,700 m). It is the defining climb of Colombian cycling heritage — the same roads that shaped Egan Bernal, Nairo Quintana, and a generation of world champions.

The Alto de Letras Challenge is a 7-day, fully guided, all-inclusive tour built around this ascent. Every logistical detail is handled — airport transfers, single accommodation at our own unrivaled villa, daily sport massage, nutrition on route, bilingual guides, a dedicated support vehicle, and professional mechanical support. You bring the legs. We handle the rest.

The companion program is not an add-on or an afterthought — it is a core part of the Alto de Letras itinerary. Both tracks run in parallel; cyclists and companions reunite each evening at Casa de Campo La Giralda.

Casa de Campo La Giralda is a 4.92‑rated favorite among cyclists located right at kilometer 0 of Alto de Letras. Each day ends not in a standard hotel room, but in a lush resort‑style countryside haven with pools, open social areas, and kiosks where you can unwind and connect with fellow riders before the next stage of the ascent.

Group size is capped at 8 cyclists. Not for operational simplicity — because your experience demands individual attention, flexible pacing decisions, and a guide who knows your name and your riding style before Day 1.

This tour is designed for serious road cyclists who want to complete one of the world’s great bucket-list climbs with the confidence of full professional support behind them.

What’s Included

• Premium road bike (Specialized or equivalent)
• Premium Cycling kit
• Airport transfers — arrival and departure
• Boutique accommodation throughout
• Most meals: all breakfasts, most lunches on route, most dinners
• Daily sport massage (30–45 min per session)
• Dedicated support vehicles with mechanic on every riding day
• Nutrition and hydration on route
• Entrance fees to included activities
• English-speaking bilingual guide

What’s Not Included

• Flights
• Personal travel and health insurance (required — see FAQ)
• Alcohol
• Gratuities

Is This Tour Right for You?

– You are a regular road cyclist capable of sustained climbing over 5–6 hours at moderate pace
– You have experience on long climbs and are comfortable at altitude
– You value logistical reliability and professional support over self-sufficiency
– Not suited for beginners or first-time road cyclists

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Colombia safe for road cycling?
A: The routes BTR operates — the Mariquita–Alto de Letras corridor and the Coffee Region — are established, professionally vetted cycling routes with low vehicle traffic on key segments. A dedicated support vehicle accompanies every ride. For full safety detail, see our FAQ — Safety & Medical section.

Q: What fitness level do I need?
A: You should be a regular road cyclist capable of completing 60–80 km rides with significant elevation gain. This is a Hard-rated tour. If you are uncertain, contact us before booking — we assess fitness profiles for every group. Check our FAQ – About the Ride

Q: Do I need altitude acclimatization?
A: Yes. The tour includes acclimatization riding days at intermediate altitude before the summit attempt. We also recommend arriving in Colombia 1–2 days early.

Explore Tour Variants

Looking for a women-only group?
Riders 55+ — see our senior variant
Short on time? See the 3-day Express
Everything included — full details
For more information, read our blog ‘The Complete Cyclist’s Guide to Alto de Letras’