10 DAY / NEVADO DEL RUIZ VOLCANO LOOP

Day 1: Medellín → Abejorral → Sonsón

130 km

Leave the traffic of Medellín behind and climb into the cool, green highlands east of the city. The ride quickly transitions to quiet mountain roads through dairy farms and rolling countryside. Near Abejorral, the pavement begins to break up, and the first stretches of dirt and backroads give a taste of the adventure ahead.

Roll into Sonsón, a historic mountain town with a wide central plaza, old churches, and crisp Andean air—your first night deep in Colombia’s backcountry.

Overnight: Sonsón, Antioquia

 

Day 2: Sonsón →Nariño  → Selva de Florencia → Pensilvania

110 km

Head deeper into the mountains toward the natural hot springs of Espíritu Santo, a classic stop to relax before the day’s off-road sections. From there, the route enters the misty cloud forests of Selva de Florencia, where the trail winds through dense jungle, waterfalls, and remote terrain.

Climb back into the highlands and finish in Pensilvania, a quiet mountain town far from the tourist trail.

Overnight: Pensilvania, Caldas

 

Day 3: Pensilvania → Honda → Guaduas

145 km

Descend from cool, coffee-covered ridgelines into the hot Magdalena River valley. The air warms, the vegetation changes, and the mountains give way to wide river views and tropical landscapes.

Stop in the historic river port of Honda, once a major colonial trade hub, then continue to Guaduas, another preserved colonial town with quiet streets and old-world character.

Overnight: Guaduas, Cundinamarca

 

Day 4: Guaduas → Murillo → Nevado del Ruiz

190 km

Climb back into the high Andes on a long ascent toward the volcanic slopes of Nevado del Ruiz. The road passes through dramatic elevation changes—from warm valleys to cold alpine terrain.

Above the treeline, enter the páramo: a surreal, high-altitude ecosystem filled with frailejón plants and sweeping mountain views. Optional stop at a high-elevation hot spring before settling in for the night near the volcano.

Overnight: Near Nevado del Ruiz

 

Day 5: Nevado del Ruiz → San Félix → Salamina

200 km

Follow remote backroads along the historic “wool route,” crossing open countryside with wax palms in the valleys. This is classic backcountry riding, far from main highways.

Reach San Félix, gateway to La Samaria, home to some of Colombia’s tallest wax palms. Continue to the heritage town of Salamina, known for its preserved architecture and strong coffee culture.

Overnight: Salamina, Caldas

 

Day 6: Salamina → Supía → Caramanta → Valparaíso

95 km

Leave Salamina and descend toward the Cauca River valley, stopping at a scenic overlook near La Merced. After lunch in Supía, the route turns onto a rugged off-road mule track climbing into the mountains toward Caramanta.

Finish the day in the quiet farming town of Valparaíso, surrounded by coffee hills and rural landscapes.

Overnight: Valparaíso, Antioquia

 

Day 7: Valparaíso → Támesis → Jericó → Jardín

150 km

Ride dirt backroads toward Támesis, a laid-back mountain town perfect for a coffee stop. Continue over the mountains to Jericó, known for its artisan workshops and colorful streets.

From there, twist through the hills into Jardín—one of the most beautiful towns in the Andes, with a lively plaza and dramatic mountain setting.

Overnight: Jardín, Antioquia

 

Day 8: Rest Day in Jardín

0 km

Take a break from the bike and enjoy a slower pace. Optional four-hour coffee farm tour shows the full process from bean to cup, ending with a traditional fiambre lunch.

Or simply relax on the plaza, explore local shops, or take a short ride or hike to nearby waterfalls.

Overnight: Jardín, Antioquia

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Day 9: Jardín → Ciudad Bolívar → Urrao

170 km

Ride through classic Antioquian coffee country, crossing rivers, valleys, and rural farmland. The route heads deeper into the mountains, far from main highways.

Arrive in the remote town of Urrao, set in a broad valley surrounded by high peaks and known for its strong farming traditions and rugged landscapes.

Overnight: Urrao, Antioquia

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Day 10: Urrao → Santa Fe de Antioquia → Medellín

165 km

The final day descends from cool mountain air into warm valleys. Stop in the colonial town of Santa Fe de Antioquia and cross the famous old bridge before the last stretch of winding roads back toward Medellín.

Complete the loop with a full cross-section of Colombia’s terrain, climates, and backcountry culture.

Overnight: Medellín, Antioquia