El Sifón

Alto El Sifón

Difficulty

 4.8/5

3 Days

Alto El Sifón is a challenging and iconic cycling route in Colombia. This HC climb, with its 88 km distance, dethroned Alto the Letras in 2024 as the longest paved climb ever raced in a UCI professional race (Vuelta a Colombia 2024). This tour will take you there, one of the most scenic and breathtaking routes in Colombia that reaches 4100 masl at its highest point.

This climb is located in the Central Cordillera, which is the highest and most prominent of the three branches of the Colombian Andes. This climb is also located in the Parque Los Nevados, known for its stunning volcanic landscapes, including the glacier-capped peaks of Nevado del Ruiz.

After conquering this climb, you will experience sleeping over 3800 m in a highly regarded hotel for its stunning natural surroundings and relaxing thermal pools.

Activity details

Day 1. Welcome to Tour Alto El Sifón

Meeting early in the morning in Medellín or Bogotá to start a 5-hour road trip to San Sebastián de Mariquita. After getting in the hotel, we will have lunch and then relax. In the afternoon, there is the option of doing a 20 km bike ride to the colonial town of Honda or Armero Guayabal to spin the legs. After some rest, we will be having a welcome dinner where Gregario´s team will be introduced. Some recommendations will be made to make this challenging experience more enjoyable.

Day 2. Stage Alto El Sifón

The day starts early in the morning with a balanced breakfast to fuel our bodies for the upcoming challenge. Our team will get the bikes ready for the 45-minute car transfer from the hotel to the base of the climb in Armero Guayabal. Pedaling is expected to start at about 7 am to avoid the high temperatures at 350 masl.

This 4% climb will make you suffer during its 88 km, but at the same time, you will experience a rewarding scenery in Parque Los Nevados, where you will appreciate one of the highest mountains in Colombia, Nevado del Ruiz (5.311 m).

At the end of the climb you will be experiencing what a Paramo looks like, the lack of oxygen and the unique flora in this volcanic scenery.

https://strava.com/Alto-El-Sifón

Day 3. Car transfer to Medellín or Bogotá

After sleeping over 3800 metres above sea level and experiencing how some elite endurance athletes train, it is time to say goodbye, hoping that this experience will be in your memoriesfor the rest of your life.

After breakfast, we will leave the Paramo to return to Medellín or Bogota in a 5-hour car
transfer.