Cycling route through Colombia: discover the towns where cycling idols were born

The rise of sports tourism has influenced travel trends. In fact, according to Airbnb data, more than 30 percent of users travel specifically to attend large-scale events such as sporting events , with a predominance of men between the ages of 38 and 55.

With the 2025 Tour de France, the excitement of international cycling once again focuses on Colombia and the regions that have given birth to its greatest figures.

Beyond the titles and victories, these towns represent the cradle of the talent that has taken Colombia to the world cycling elite , thanks to their landscapes and routes perfect for training and which make these destinations ideal for cultural and sports tourism.

The municipalities that saw champions like Egan Bernal and Nairo Quintana grow up share a privileged environment: imposing mountains, challenging roads, and a strong connection to the bicycle as a means of transportation and a way of life.

The rise of cycling in Colombia has boosted sports tourism, attracting fans from around the world to ride the routes that have shaped great champions. Below, we share destinations that not only offer challenges for cyclists of all levels, but also authentic experiences that combine culture and adventure.

Just a few kilometers from Bogotá, Zipaquirá is an ideal destination to wake up to nature and enjoy a few days of rest and relaxation in the savannah.

This place, known as Egan's homeland, offers routes that challenge cyclists of all levels. Among them are the routes to Alto del Águila and Pacho, with more than 37 kilometers of constant climbs, technical sections, gradients, and hairpin bends. These demanding routes have been key in the development of one of the greatest world cycling champions.

In Boyacá, each route tests cyclists' endurance and technique, with iconic climbs like the Cómbita–Páramo de Ocetá route, over 19 kilometers long, and the challenging Alto de la Cuchilla.

These terrains, featuring challenging slopes and breathtaking landscapes, have been key to the development of Nairo , a Colombian cycling legend. This place is a must-visit destination for exploring and mountain biking, as well as for relaxing in an eco-friendly home.

A native of Bogotá, he has trained on some of the most demanding routes outside the capital, especially in the department of Cundinamarca. Sections such as Choachí–Páramo, El Verjón, a 21-kilometer route with its altitude and steep slopes, or the 26-kilometer route between Guasca and Guatavita , known for its open landscape.

Another iconic training area is Fusagasugá, renowned as a land of cyclists, with routes like the 18-kilometer Fusagasugá–Alto de San Miguel climb , which combines heat, humidity, and a steady climb. You could even spend a weekend in a well-hidden forest for a unique and peaceful getaway.

In Colombia, cycling is not just a sport, but a profound expression of local identity, as demonstrated by iconic events such as the Gran Fondo Nairo Quintana, held in Paipa, Boyacá, from June 27 to 29, and the Giro de Rigo , scheduled for November 2 in Barranquilla.

These competitions not only bring together amateur and professional cyclists in iconic natural settings, but also drive significant economic and social dynamism in the regions where they take place.

ANGIE RODRÍGUEZ - TRAVEL EDITORIAL - @ANGS0614