FAQ
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Before Booking
How do I book a tour with Cyclotá? Is it safe to visit Colombia? Read more here.
During Our Tours
What does a typical day look like on a Cyclotá tour? Where do we stay? Read more here.
What to Bring
Not sure what to bring along on a cycling holiday in Colombia? Check out our extensive packing list here.
Before booking
For more than 9 years Cyclotá has provided premium cycling tours in Colombia with local knowledge. We offer you the confidence to explore one of the most exciting and colourful places on earth. Simply sit back and enjoy the ride. Our tours are tailored for all levels of rider. We can accommodate those who love long climbs or those who those who like going downhill on a technical single track. And we also have much to offer those who take pleasure on riding slowly and enjoying the views.
The best way is to contact us directly by phone or email, and let us know your preferences. After sharing this information, we can settle for the best possible tour to match your wants and needs. Already decided on what you want? Just let us know and we will give you the instructions to pay the deposit
We will send you a secure link that you can use to pay for your tour. You will receive a receipt for your payment. The cost for our tours is listed in American dollars.
We are asked that question alot!
The short answer is SAFE. For past 9 years we have taken thousands of people on our bike holidays. During the entire time of our operation we have not experienced any dangerous situations. The violence that Colombia experiences is now relegated to a very few isolated places in the country that are not remotely close to any of our tours. What you will more likely encounter is incredibly warmth and hospitality. Colombians love visitors from other countries and will take a genuine interest in your travels.
Is cycling in Colombia safe? YES! The country’s second most popular sport is cycling. And it shows. You will find drivers respectful and accommodating to the slower pace of cyclists. Secondly, we have curated our tours to trace quieter secondary roads so that there is minimal traffic.
Visitors from the UK, US, Australia, Canada and many European countries do not need a visa to visit Colombia. You can find a list of countries and regions that have visa exemption arrangements with Colombia here:
http://www.colombia.travel/en/practical-information/visa
If your country of residence (or your passport country) does not have an exemption arrangement then you will need to apply for a visa through the Embassy in your country of residence. It is YOUR responsibility to arrange the visa but we will assist in any way possible.
Anyone in reasonable shape should be able to enjoy our cycling holidays. We have a range of tours that are suited for almost everybody. When you read the tour descriptions, have a look at the recommended level and the detailed trip itinerary. We also have a support vehicle for every tour. At any point during the day you are welcome to jump into the support vehicle to rest and enjoy the views from another vantage point.
On each tour description you can find the recommended trip level.
Beginner: Rides no longer than 70 kilometres a day and less than 6 days of continuous riding.
Intermediate: Rides up to 120 kilometres a day, climbs up to 20 kilometres long and typically one week of continuous riding.
Advanced: Rides up to 150 kilometres a day and serious climbing for more than a week without rest days.
When you bring your own bike you will be assured that it will be setup according to your own riding preferences and geometry. However, we highly recommend that your bike is checked by a professional mechanic before the tour. We also have bikes for rent. Our bike fleet is the carbon fibre Argon18 Krypton frame which is known for its great geometry and comfort. The bikes are equipped with a Shimano 105 11-speed components. We recommend that you bring your own saddle and pedals.
The maximum number of cyclists we allow on our tours is 12 guests. However typically our tours have about 7 to 8 guests. By travelling in small groups we create a more personal and friendly tour environment.
We have guests from all over the world! Our tours typically have people of all ages, and healthy a mixture of couples, friends and single travellers. We have had professional racers on our tours, but also couples riding on a tandem bike.
The majority of our customers come from the United Kingdom, Canada, and the United States. However one common theme is pleasant atmosphere on our tours. Our customers all have a genuine interest in cycling, exploring, and great conversation.
We think going solo is a great way to travel, and encourage single travellers to join our tours. Our tours travel in small groups, so the atmosphere is very friendly and it’s easy to get to know your fellow tour companions.
As a general rule we recommend that guests budget an extra USD$50 per person per day. This would accommodate for the meals that are not included, alcoholic beverages and any other purchases.
We can accommodate all dietary needs. When you book a tour please let us know if If you have any specific dietary needs or allergies. We will then communicate this information to our accommodations and select restaurants based upon those needs.
If you are not able to join one of our planned tours, or are looking for something special, we can work together to map out your ideal cycling vacation. This could be a one-day tour around Bogota or a specially tailored multi-day trip. Your group, your preferred date! More info here
During our tour
We normally begin our days around 7am with a breakfast in the hotel. During that time the tour leader will give a briefing of the day with detailed information about the ride, places of interest along the way and answer any questions you may have. Our rides are typically between 4-5 hours in duration with the exception of epic days. We ride our bikes all the way until we reach the next hotel. At the end of each day our team will makes sure your bike is running smoothly for the next day. The afternoon can be spent relaxing around the hotel, or our guides could give you some tips for places to visit in area. In the evening we reconvene for a dinner at a local restaurant which we have selected for its good cuisine.
Typically we spend about 4 to 5 hours riding.Of course, the duration of each will depend upon the group’s fitness level and experience and interest. You also might find yourself stopping at every vista to take in the incredible views! Each day we also stop for coffee and lunch along the way which gives us an opportunity to regroup and explore the small towns we will pass through.
On our tours we pass visit vibrant cities with millions of inhabitants to the smallest of villages that you won’t find on any map. Over the years we have discovered hotels that have tons of history and culture. The rooms are very comfortable, clean and inviting. You could find yourself in a traditional hacienda with an amazing garden full of hummingbirds or a five star hotel located downtown.
Over the years guiding we have discovered incredible side roads that see light vehicle traffic. And this is where we will spend 90% of our riding. However, when we need to enter or leave a town it does get busier. But not to worry. Our guides will make sure that the group stays together and moves safely as a group.
We promise that each day of tour is yours to discover and explore at your own pace. A typical Cyclotá team consists of one guide on their bike pedalling the day’s route and two other guides sweeping back and forth in the support vans. If you do not want to ride the entire route, you are welcome to jump into the support vehicle. Your guides are there to accommodate riders of all types.
At the end of each day our crew will make sure that your bike is stored securely. At each hotel we have arranged a closed storing facility to make sure the bikes are safe.
There is a saying that you can have four seasons in one day in Colombia. Generally speaking, Colombia enjoys warm tropical weather because of its proximity to the equator. However high in the mountains it can get chilly. We advise our guests to bring a windbreaker or lightweight jacket for those moments.
We will transport your luggage from the moment we pick you up at the airport all the way until the final destination. At the beginning of each day your bags will be put into the support vehicles and will also take care of your bike box if you brought your own bike.
The maximum number of cyclists on our group tours is eighteen. However our tours typically have between twelve to fourteen cyclists. By travelling in small groups we create a more personal and friendly tour environment.
If you think your guides did an excellent job, you can thank them by tipping! Gratuities for your guides are not included in your trip price. We recommend tipping your guides between 5% ad 10% of the trip price.Unless you want to tip separately, guides will divide the tips amongst themselves. Tipping in American or Colombian currency is preferred. Please tip your guides at your discretion, based on their level of professionalism, care and service.
What to Bring
We want to make sure that you will be perfectly prepared for our cycling tours, both on and off the bike. To help you pack your bags we have made a list of trip essentials from from what to wear on the bike to what to bring to enjoy your time off the bike.
Cycling Gear
Colombia can have four seasons in one day, so make sure you bring along enough clothing to prevent getting cold or too hot.
• Chamois (padded bike shorts)
• Short sleeve cycling jersey
• Cycling socks
• Baselayers (Cool/Thermo)
• Cycling gloves
• Cycling shoes
• Shoe covers
• Windbreaker
• Arm/Leg Warmers
• Sunglasses
• Rain Jacket
• Two water bottles
• Knee, shin, and elbow pads (Mountain Bike Only)
• Camelback/hydration pack (Mountain Bike Only)
• Safety Lights
If you rent a bike:
• Clip-in Pedals
• Helmet (or use our rental model)
•Bike seat (or use our standard Prologo saddle)
Après
Our cycling trips are a healthy mix of cycling and enjoying our time off the bike. We want to make sure you have everything whether you want to relax by the pool of walk through the streets.
• Walking shoes
• Sun glasses
• Swimwear
• Camera and charger
• Rain gear
• Sweater/jacket for cool evenings
• Dinner Attire
Travel essentials
Just like any other holiday, make sure you bring along your travel documents and personal items. Below please find a list of other useful items.
• Airline tickets/e-tickets
• Cyclotá meeting and departing details
• Emergency contact information
• Necessary medications
• Toiletries and personal items
• Personal identification
• Credit/debit cards
• Cash for incidentals and guide gratuities
• Cell phone and charger
• Passport
• Photocopy of passport (international travel)
• Power adapters (international travel)
• Power converter (international travel)
• Sunscreen
• Mosquito Repellent