Internationale groepsreis Cycling Colombia

Erik

de reis werd door Exodus UK georganiseerd, maar Harold (Sawadee) beantwoordde alle vragen snel en goed, en regelde de boeking en vlucht prima!

cycling Colombia

I had the most amazing holiday cycling through the beautiful coffee region of Colombia, the challenging cycling was made so much easier by the amazing scenery and the camaraderie and friendliness of the whole group. The holiday lived up to all of my expectations and highlighted Colombia as a holiday destination which is safe, friendly and welcoming.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

I couldn't choose just one moment! The scenery everywhere we went was breathtaking, long and sometimes steep climbs up mountains gave me the opportunity to take in the atmosphere of the Colombian Andes, while fantastic, fast, sweeping descents were exhilarating. The people that we met on our journey were friendly and welcoming, it was amazing to see the huge numbers of cyclists out on the roads. Our local guides and support team were so attentive and supportive, they were committed to cycling and tourism in Colombia.

What did you think of your group leader?

Our Group leaders were Oscar and Tatiana, they were always smiling and attentive to everyone's needs. They made sure that we all had everything that we needed and were all having the best holiday. Oscar was very skilled at making sure that the group didn't get too spread, while also allowing individuals to go at their own pace. The whole team, including Jonathan the mechanic and Cesar the driver, had a good vibe, they obviously got on well together and all had a very positive outlook.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Be prepared for a challenging and rewarding cycling experience, but don't be put off by the challenging grade. We all made it to the top of the steepest and toughest climb, and we were a mixed group with a variety of cycling backgrounds. I took too much cash with me (USD) and ended up changing money back when I got home, there is not much to spend money on. Lunches are amazingly cheap and all dinners were included in the trip price, wine was not available in many places and beer was about £1 a bottle.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

The trip lived up to all my expectations of a challenging bike ride in an amazing country. I'm still buzzing a week later and ready to think about my next Exodus adventure.

Cycling Colombia (MAY)

Coffee and cycling = Colombia. If you like both then you will love this trip...even if you don't like coffee but love challenging cycling then this is the trip for you! Visit areas hardly touched by foreign tourists, with stunning scenery and a brilliant local team.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

There were many: 1. How friendly the Colombians were, and how safe we felt. Everyone was so accommodating and incredibly hospitable. 2. The number of cyclists everywhere we went. Individuals or small groups, in towns or in the countryside - the Colombians love cycling and cyclists! 3. The "optional" climb up Los Patios in Bogota and the carnival scene of the Ciclovia. The climb is worth doing to experience the true Colombian cycling atmosphere. 4. The challenging, but rewarding climb to Buenavista, made better by a refreshing iced coffee at San Alberto (and a cheeky steep uphill section afterwards!) followed by an exhilarating downhill section. 5. Riding to Salento as a beautiful rainbow emerged over the Cocora Valley - made the climb less painful! 6. Trekking in the Cocora Valley on the rest day in Salento to see the endemic wax palms and hummingbirds.

What did you think of your group leader?

The whole team was excellent and worked incredibly well together. Oscar is an experienced cyclist and organised everything perfectly, with spot on timings for each day to get to the hotel/fincas with plenty of time to relax before dinner. Nothing was too much. He also ensured that the speed was tailored to the group capabilities, so that we stayed fairly close together while cycling. His ever present smile and encouragement is most appreciated, especially after a long climb! Tatiana was fantastic in organising especially the food and money payments at each lunch stop. Drinks miraculously appeared once we arrived at a restaurant, and food was served quickly and efficiently. Jonathan (the mechanic) and Cesar (the support driver) were both attentive in making sure the bikes were well maintained and everyone was kept hydrated with water. You are also given an informative booklet which provides details on the route for each day with an accompanying map and gradient chart (don't be put off by the gradient profiles - the views along the way are stunning and you won't realise that you have climbed so far).

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

1. This is a challenging trip, with long days and many hills, but all are achievable. However, it is certainly worth preparing for this trip. The steepest climb was up to Buenavista, but everyone made it. Other climbs are longer, but not as steep. 2. Food is cheap (but good) with most lunches (including copious amounts of different juices) ranging from 3,000 to 10,000 pesos - unless you want to use an ATM change your money in Bogota as it is not easy to change once you are on the road. 3. Carry a spare set of cycling clothing in your hand luggage so that you are not caught short - 1 person from our group had a bag delayed en-route and we had 2 bags delayed on the flight back.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

The cycling in Colombia was amazing due to the scenery and the friendliness of the people. During the trip we did not have any concerns about security or safety, and felt safer than in many Latin and South American countries...although the normal precautions apply.

Thrills and hills in rural Colombia

Incredible scenery, rewarding cycling, and a fascinating insight into rural Colombia. We were the first group to do this trip and barely encountered any other foreign tourists for the entire duration - the route winds through picturesque valleys and mountains with drink stops either in local roadside restaurants or small towns. No transfers, just pure cycling! The hotels were well chosen on the whole, and nothing was too much trouble for the attentive team of Colombian staff. The bikes were great and support was constantly available if needed.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Completing the 'Los Patios' optional ride straight after the Bogota ciclovia. Arriving to the beautiful ranch near Salento and seeing a rainbow across Cocora Valley. The climb to Buenavista was tough but something i'll never forget, as was the exhilarating downhill stage between Filandia and Quimbaya on day 10. Being mistaken for (somewhat slower) members of the 'Vuelta a Colombia' by curious locals on a daily basis was amusing! The destination exceeded expectations, as did the route, and meeting such a friendly and adventurous group was a real pleasure.

What did you think of your group leader?

Oscar and Tatiana make a good team and are both experienced cyclists. On a personal level they cared very much for each individual in the group and worked tirelessly to ensure the logistics of each day were seamless. Jonatan was the mechanic and his presence as a talented young cyclist was an inspiring addition to the tour, i had a puncture one day and he promptly sorted it out in a matter of minutes. Ceasar the driver must have filled my water bottle up 200 times!

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Weather - The weather is variable, but in general it is cool in Bogota and hot (high 20s - low 30s) in the coffee region. The first couple of long days cycling are in a valley which stays quite hot, but as you climb into the mountains the nights get cooler. We experienced some high temperatures in August but i was told that this heat wave was uncommon. Food - As with other Latin American countries in the region, the staple diet is rice, beans, plantain, grilled meats, fish, soup, plus the local bread alternative 'arepa'. Breakfasts were usually egg, coffee, juice and bread. Lunches and dinners involved very similar choices and there isn't a huge amount of choice or variation. A surprise on the trip was the amount of delicious fresh fruit juices that we had the opportunity to drink. The lunchtime and drinks stops that we made were excellent value for money. Money - You can either bring US Dollars and change them in Bogota (not possible to anywhere else) or just withdraw Pesos directly from ATMs with your card (best to check this with your bank before travelling though). Lunchtime prices ranged from about 3000 to 14000 Pesos depending upon the order. This is just a couple of Pounds. The average beer price in hotels was around 4000 Pesos. Language - The more words you can learn in Spanish beforehand the better. The mechanic and driver don't speak English so it enables more communication with them, and of course the friendly local Colombians who are eager to interact. Packing - Definitely bring either padded shorts or a saddle cover. Mosquitoes weren't an issue in August but have some repellent with you just in case. There isn't much opportunity for clothes washing but you can wash cycling jerseys etc. in hotels and hang them up to dry if you prefer not to bring lots of clothes changes with you. Remember your water bottle and helmet. Don't worry so much about bringing your trip notes as you are provided with a detailed booklet at the start of the trip with ride profiles and descriptions.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Colombia has had a troubled few decades and only in recent years has tourism started to grow in areas away from the Caribbean coast. The country really has it all in terms of natural beauty, a welcoming population, and destinations as yet untouched by foreign visitors (especially on two wheels!). Now is the perfect time to visit, and the added bonus of direct overnight Avianca flights to/from London means that jet lag is minimal. This trip is a great example of how the money spent on holidays directly benefits the communities visited. We stayed in locally owned independent accommodation and ate at small traditional restaurants. Oh and the coffee was delicious!

Cycle Colombia

Point to point cycling on undulating roads, in beautiful warm scenery.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Seeing the whole of Bogota coming out for a Sunday cycle, most of it in Lycra.

What did you think of your group leader?

She was lovely, very keen to show off Colombia and wanted to make us as happy as possible. Nothing was too much trouble.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Fly out on the Fridays if you can make it to London in time as an extra day in Bogota to recover and look around is worth it. It's cold in Bogota, especially at the top of the hill and the long down hill so take a jacket. The rest of the cycling will be hot, around 30C, but not too humid. The evenings get cold during the two night on the Ranch so take a sweater and long trousers. Most of the hotels have Wifi in the communal areas, some of it quite quick. Breakfast is mainly eggs and fruit, but Tatyana supplied those of us who preferred cereal with oats after the first couple of days. If you drink tea take tea bags, you can get the hot water, but the Colombian tea is not good. Tatyana really like the English teas so take some for her to try.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

This trip is well organised, has good bikes and great staff. We added extra days on to the beginning and end of the trip (it finishes on a Thursday!!). Traveling both with Exodus and afterwards, independently, I felt completely safe at all times. Trip wise it was similar to the Nicaragua, Costa Rica & Panama trip, but much better organised, with better staff and without the long bus transfers.

Brilliant cycle trip to Colombia

Fantastic trip. 100% recommend it. Point to point cycling in beautiful scenery with great staff.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Being part of the Bogota Ciclovia - Sunday riding through the closed streets of Bogota with thousands of other people. Some amazing downhills I really liked the side trip to the salt cathedral - the main chapel was stunning!

What did you think of your group leader?

Tatiana is great. Very warm and friendly. She really took the time to look after us, and share her enthusiasm for Colombia. I'd really like to give the whole brilliant staff team, Oscar, Cesar and Jonathan, a mention as well as it was all of them coming together to look after us that made for such a great trip. Whether it was Oscar pointing out glaciers and sharing his boundless enthusiasm for cycling, Cesar filling up our water bottles without even being asked, or Jonathan sorting out the bikes and helping carry our luggage, we were thoughtfully looked after at every point. It really felt like nothing was too much trouble and they were all very keen to show us the best of their beautiful country.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

We came out a day early (Friday night) and it was worth having the extra time to look around Bogota. It was also good to have an extra day to get used to the time difference before heading off for the Sunday cycling - otherwise you land at 4am and then head out for a steep hill ride on just a few hours sleep. Make the most of all the juices - many like Loulo and Guanabana are really delicious. We really enjoyed trying them at the different rest stops. Recommend organising a kitty approach for lunch and rest stops. It makes it much easier than everyone trying to find small amounts of money at each stop. If you want to visit Coffee Theme Park at Pueblo Tapao be aware the last entry is at 4pm. Do the Sunday hill ride - it really boosts your confidence and it's brilliant to be cycling with so many other riders who are all having a lot of fun! A totally unique experience.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

This trip had the best bikes of any Exodus trip I have been on. The staff were great, really friendly and organised so everything went very smoothly but you never got the feeling that you were 'being organised'. I much preferred being able to cycle point to point - the bus transfers on other trips I have done can feel a bit disruptive to the cycling. I'd also say that doing the Sunday hill ride in Bogota is a real confidence booster and although there are some long uphill rides in the rest of the trip, the support from the staff means that they are doable and the downhills afterwards are amazing. We added on some days at the end (to go to Cartagena and Tayrona National Park - highly recommend both) and felt completely safe at all times. The people of Colombia are really friendly and welcoming and it is them that make the trip as much as the scenery.

COLOMBIA CYCLE TRIP MAR 12 TO 24, 2016

Lots of challenging hills in this trip Not ridden on 80% quiet roads as expected by itinerary - traffic at times quite dangerous E.g highways for 10-12km Food - small portions at most meals Snacks - few only E.g fruit Guiding - excellent coordination between the driver, sweep, scout and primary Exodus guide

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Guide and the support crew of cyclists - encouraging us to keep going and celebrating the end of challenging legs

What did you think of your group leader?

Excellent - frequently on phone and computer, liaising for group (E.gf onwards travel) or Exodus Travel requirements

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Hills hills hills. Be prepared for climbs of 5-15% gradient on most days, of 10-15km climbing on average at one time Traffic - not as quiet as expected based on trip notes. Suggest more info needs delivering by Exodus prior to taking a reservation with this trip if you are concerned about your ability Food - minimal snacks, small portions of evening meal. No choice to dine out. Not sufficient for exercising hungry tummies and several travellers said this to me also on this departure

Is there anything else you would like to add?

No air con in some places when heat high 20s low 30s in evening Exodus needs to deliver info, perhaps with input from ground staff, to those considering reserving a trip. For me in NZ, the agent got little info on this and so any product knowledge from Exodus passed down, and the accuracy of, needs improving Food - too small amounts on many meals, comments as above. This needs reflecting on what fincas/ haciendas/ accommodations provide. NO dine out option. Many times I topped up my meals with buying food as extra. Snacks - on my other 2 Exodus cycling trips snacks have been plentiful. Not so here on this trip. Excellent and very motivating ground staff on the Colombia trip overall.

Erik

Het was een fantastische ervaring om een deel van Colombia op de fiets te verkennen. De begeleidende gidsen deden er alles aan om de deelnemers het naar hun zin te maken. Ik zat in een hele fijne groep die zeer positief was ingesteld. Er is geen wanklank gevallen! De fietstochten leiden door prachtige gebieden waarin uitdagende beklimmingen en pittige maar niet gevaarlijke afdalingen voorkomen. Soms kom je op een minder aantrekkelijke drukke doorgaande weg terecht, maar dit duurt niet al te lang. Op deze stukken word je op deskundige wijze door de gidse geleid.

Cycle colombia

I have done many trips with exodus but this rates as probably the best cycle trip I have ever been on so well organized the fantastic scenery the people the food the cycling was just amazing although the group was ok there were 2 people on the trip that did make me feel quite uncomfortable at times .Colombia is just a great country and it deserves more western visitors go now before it becomes to overcrowded with tourists.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Well what can I say Oscar a fantastic guy leader person nothing was to much trouble for this amazing man also having Gabriel and Andreas plus a great man Axel who stayed with me pulling me up the climbs and how can I forget Adelmo the mechanic also a former pro cyclist and of cause Augustus and Cesar the driver supplying us with endless water which was very welcome.These men all where a credit to the country one word EXCELLENT

What did you think of your group leader?

One of the best I have ever had

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Just do it

Is there anything else you would like to add?