In this section, we share the dream destination of our explorers. Because everyone has dreams, and sometimes it’s good to express those dreams. The goal of our dream destinations is to inspire you, to simply dream away for a moment at the story of a beautiful place on Earth. Dream destinations can of course be ‘right around the corner’, but often they are a bit further away. There’s also a story attached to them. What makes that destination a dream destination? Today we start with the dream destination of explorer Lotte. She has already added quite a few beautiful kilometers to her total, including a trip to Hawaii for the Iron Man. Her dream destination? Alto de Letras in Colombia. We’re taking you along!
Colombia = cycling
If your image of Colombia is still shaped by the Narcos series on Netflix, think again. Colombia is booming. Medellin is nowadays a hip holiday destination. The FARC is certainly no longer as prominent as it once was. Many Colombian top riders have made a name for themselves in the men’s peloton, such as Egan Bernal and Nairo Quintana (he originally comes from a hamlet near Combita, a top destination). Colombia is also often a place of high altitude training. The Andes Mountains are the main attraction in this 4th largest country in South America. Jetse Bol likes to come here for training camps and also raced for a Colombian team. The terrain is a favorite among others like Annemiek van Vleuten.
Dream destination: Alto de Letras in Colombia
Manizales is the place to be when it comes to cycling, but also if you want to try the best coffee Colombia has to offer. The city is located in the heart of the coffee industry. Not only culturally very interesting, but you can also spot a lot of birds in Manizales. Yes, indeed. Birds. Why most cyclists head to Manizales is precisely to check off Alto de Letras. For Lotte, this is her dream destination: Alto de Letras. The best route (80km in fact) starts in Mariquita, 100 kilometers eastwards. What makes this climb so special? Not only is this one of the longest climbs in the world with 80 kilometers of climbing. First test your physical and mental strength while climbing the longest climb in the world, called “Alto de las Letras”, located at 3,498 meters above sea level. In addition, you always have a view of the extraordinary Nevado del Ruiz.
Why is this a dream destination?
‘Imagine: the Alto de Letras, a legendary climb that Annemiek van Vleuten has conquered. This is not just any climb; it is an epic journey. You have to climb 80 kilometers. Yes, it is a challenge, a true ordeal that very few people dare to undertake. For me, it also symbolizes the defiance of all those who said that I (with my arthritis and chronic pain after a spinal cord injury, ed.) couldn’t do this. I have already completed the full IronMan, I have done so many beautiful things. Climbing to this peak would truly be the ultimate testament to everything. That is why I want to do this. And that’s before I even mention the incredibly beautiful surroundings, the view of the volcano (hopefully with snow). It’s just absolutely amazing.’
Some things are possible, precisely because you believe they can be done. The Alto de Letras calls out. Are you ready? Otherwise, read this first. Report from PedalNorth to get a little idea of how it feels.
Would you like to go that way? Via Colombia Cycling of Elite Cycling You always arrive safely at the right place!
Dream destination: Alto de Letras in Colombia – Route
If you want to tick off this dream destination: Alto de Letras in Colombia, then you can find the route here to achieve eternal fame (and pain in your legs, lungs, etc.).
Read also: This is how to plan a bikepacking trip in a foreign country
The route from this story
- Colombia: Alto de Letras from Mariquita166.5 km · 3,457 hmGPX ↓
Questions & tips
Do you have any questions about this route, or have you been there yourself? Share them here. We read everything and usually respond within a few days.