In this column, we share our explorers' dream destinations. Because everyone has dreams and sometimes it is good to express those dreams. The purpose of our dream destinations is to inspire you, to just dream away at a beautiful story about a special place on earth. Dream destinations can obviously be 'around the corner', but often they are a bit further away. They also have a story attached to them. What makes that destination a dream destination. Today we start with explorer's dream destination Lotte. She already got to add quite a few great kilometres to her totals, including a trip to Hawaii, for the Iron Man. Her dream destination? Alto de Letras in Colombia. We take you there!
Colombia = cycling
If your image of Colombia is still shaped by the Narcos series on Netflix, think again. Colombia is booming. Medellin is now a hip holiday destination. The FARC is certainly not 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 is originally from a hamlet near Combita, a top destination). Colombia is also mostly working at altitude. The Andes Mountains are the main draw in this 4th largest country in South America. Jetse Bol likes to come there for training camp and also rode for a Colombian team. The terrain is favoured by 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 go for the best coffee Colombia has to offer. The city is in the heart of the coffee industry. Not only culturally very interesting, but you can also spot a lot of birds in Manizales. Yes really. Birds. Why most cyclists travel to Manizales is precisely to tick off the Alto de Letras. For Lotte, this is her Dream destination: Alto de Letras. The best variant (indeed 80km) starts in Mariquita, a 100 kilometres east. So what makes this climb so special? Not only is this one of the longest climbs in the world with 80km of climbing. First, test your physical and mental strength while climbing the longest climb on earth, called "Alto de las Letras", located at 3,498 metres above sea level. In doing so, each time the view of the extraordinary Nevado del Ruiz.
Why is this a dream destination?
'Imagine the Alto de Letras, a legendary climb conquered by Annemiek van Vleuten. This is not just any climb; it is an epic ride. You have to climb 80 kilometres. Yes, it's gruelling, a true ordeal that very few people put themselves through. For me, it also symbolises putting the mouths of all the people who said I (with rheumatism and chronic pain after a spinal fracture, ed.) couldn't do this. I have already done the full IronMan, already done so many great things. Climbing to this top, that would really be the ultimate middle finger to everything. That's why I really want to do this. Not to mention the bizarrely beautiful surroundings, the views of the volcano (hopefully with snow). It's just completely finished.'
Some things are possible precisely because you believe they can be. The Alto de Letras is calling. Are you ready for it? Otherwise, read this in advance report from PedalNorth To understand a little of what it feels like.
Do you want to go that way? Via Colombia Cycling or 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 Colombiawant to tick off the list, here is the route to eternal fame (and pain in your legs, lungs etc).
Read also: This is how to plan a bikepacking trip in a foreign country
