Bikepacking in Colombia: What You Need to Know Before You Go

Colombia has quietly become one of the most exciting bikepacking destinations in the world. From misty Andean passes and jungle roads to endless gravel in coffee country and high-altitude páramo, this is a country that rewards curious riders. But bikepacking in Colombia is different from riding in North America or Europe, and knowing what to expect can turn a good trip into an unforgettable one.

If Colombia is on your bikepacking bucket list, here are the key things you should take into account before rolling out.

1. Elevation Is the Real Challenge

Colombia isn’t just mountainous, it’s relentlessly mountainous. Most routes involve constant climbing and descending, often at high altitude. Even “short” days can feel massive when you’re riding above 8,000 feet with limited flat terrain.

Plan conservative daily distances, gear your bike for climbing, and give yourself time to acclimate. The payoff? Ridgelines, cloud forests, and views you won’t forget.

2. Weather Changes Fast...Sometimes Hourly

Colombia doesn’t have four seasons; it has microclimates. You can start your day in blazing sun, ride into cold rain by noon, and finish in humid heat. Rain is common, especially in the afternoons, and gravel turns muddy quickly.

Pack layers, reliable rain gear, and don’t obsess over forecasts, flexibility is part of the adventure here

3. Routes Are Remote, But People Are Everywhere

One of the best parts of bikepacking in Colombia is the human connection. Even in remote areas, you’ll pass farms, small villages, and roadside tiendas. Colombians are famously welcoming to cyclists and often curious about your journey.

That said, resupply can be unpredictable. Carry extra snacks, cash, and water, especially in rural regions where stores may be hours apart

4. Spanish Goes a Long Way

You don’t need to be fluent, but basic Spanish will massively improve your experience. Asking for directions, ordering food, or explaining where you’re headed opens doors, sometimes literally, when someone offers you a place to rest or refill bottles.

Bikepacking in Colombia isn’t just about the riding; it’s about the conversations along the way

5. Safety Is About Awareness, Not Fear

Colombia’s reputation hasn’t caught up with its reality. Most bikepackers report feeling safe, especially in rural areas. The key is common sense: ask locals about routes, avoid riding at night, and trust your instincts.

Traffic can be aggressive near cities, so plan routes that favor secondary roads and gravel whenever possible.

6. Your Gear Needs to Be Versatile

Between long climbs, unpredictable weather, and rough roads, bikepacking in Colombia isn’t just about what works on the bike, it’s also about what works off it. You’ll stop often: to eat, to resupply, to wait out rain, or simply to talk with locals in small towns.

Having packable, comfortable off-bike footwear makes a big difference. Swapping out stiff cycling shoes at the end of a long day can feel like instant relief, especially when your feet are tired from hours of climbing. This is why we always bring BERT shoes on bikepacking trips in Colombia, they’re lightweight, easy to pack, and comfortable enough for walking around towns, short hikes, or relaxing at camp after a long ride.

Versatile gear helps you stay comfortable, recover faster, and enjoy the moments between the miles, which, in Colombia, are often just as memorable as the riding itself.

7. Eat Like a Local (Your Riding Depends on It)

One of the best parts of bikepacking in Colombia happens off the bike: the food. Eating well isn’t just about enjoyment, it’s about fueling long days in the saddle, especially with the amount of climbing this country demands.

You’ll find food everywhere, even in the smallest towns, and it’s usually warm, affordable, and carb-heavy exactly what you need after hours of riding.

Some must-try staples:

Empanadas: Fried, golden, and filled with potato, meat, or cheese. Perfect mid-ride fuel and available almost everywhere.

Agua Panela: A hot drink made from unrefined sugarcane. Locals swear by it for energy, warmth, and recovery, especially in cold mountain regions.

Chocolate con Queso: Yes, chocolate with cheese. It sounds strange until you try it. Hot chocolate served with salty white cheese melted inside is a classic Colombian comfort food, often enjoyed in the evenings after a long day.

You’ll also come across hearty lunches called corrientazos, fresh fruit juices, and roadside bakeries selling warm bread and pastries. Don’t overthink it,  eat what locals eat. It’s filling, reliable, and part of what makes bikepacking in Colombia so special.

8. Accommodation: Be Flexible and Trust Local Hospitality

When bikepacking in Colombia, it’s important to reset your expectations around accommodation. In major cities and tourist hubs, you’ll find hotels and hostels easily. But once you head into remote mountain regions or rural areas, hostels are rare, and camping isn’t always straightforward either.

Most land in Colombia is privately owned, and wild camping isn’t as common or culturally normalized as it is in places like the US or Europe. That doesn’t mean you’re out of options, it just means flexibility is key.

One of the beautiful things about bikepacking in Colombia is the people. Very often, if you arrive late in a small town or can’t find a hotel nearby, locals will offer you a place to stay in their home for a very low price, sometimes even just for a small contribution or a meal. Farmers, shop owners, and families are often incredibly welcoming, especially when they see someone traveling by bike.

Asking politely, explaining where you’re coming from, and showing respect goes a long way. In many cases, these nights end up being some of the most memorable moments of the trip, sharing stories, homemade food, and learning about local life.

The key takeaway: don’t rely solely on pre-booked stays, and don’t stress if plans change. Carry cash, stay open-minded, and trust that things usually work out. In Colombia, bikepacking isn’t just about the route, it’s about the human connections you make along the way.

Why Bikepackers Fall in Love With Colombia

Colombia isn’t an “easy” destination and that’s exactly why it’s special. It’s raw, challenging, and deeply human. You’ll climb more than you planned, eat better than expected, and finish each day with stories you couldn’t have imagined.

If you’re looking for a bikepacking trip that pushes you physically and gives back emotionally, Colombia delivers every single day.

If you don't want to bring your bike you can rent one at Scarab Cycles they have a nice fleet of high end steel bikes made by them in El Retiro, Antioquía.