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The National Park requires all visitors to travel with a guide.
Overview
Mountain biking is a huge thing in Colombia, but good luck finding information online. I wanted to share this route to illustrate that there are indeed rides to be had, at least in the coffee region. I hired a bike and guide through Kumanday Adventures in Manizales ($270,000 for bike and guide at the time of this writing). Having Spanish-speaking abilities or friends is a huge benefit but not explicitly necessary.
The trip started with trucking from the hostel in Manizales up to the Visitor Gate near Nevado del Ruiz. We stopped twice: once for breakfast, and a second time for tea and to acclimate to the elevation. The breakfast was a very hearty Colombian breakfast of beans, rice, eggs, and coffee or hot chocolate.
Need to Know
There are full facilities at the visitor center at the top of the mountain. Dress/bring layers. We started at about 45 degrees F and clouded in at the top, rode through a light rain, and by the time we got to Manizales it was in the upper 60's.
There was breakfast on the way up, and there is a nice hotel along the ride down if you need to stop for a coffee or warmup (as we did).
Description
The ride was mostly downhill, with only a few brief climbs. The route is all on roads of one sort or another, and traffic is possible at all times. Our group did not have any accidents but a few close calls. Luckily most drivers will sound their horn if they see you in time or if there is a tight corner. Our group had the full spectrum of riding experience and everybody had a great time. If you are seeking American or NZ-style singletrack or downhill, this is not it.
The track transitions from dirt two-track, to pavement, back to dirt road, and ultimately ends with highway between Gallinazo and Manizales and then a gondola ride back to the Centro area and a quick urban ride back to the hostel.
Bring a camera and just enjoy the ride. You'll transition from high-altitude moor to cloud forest, to pastures and urban areas at the bottom. It is a great way to get a feel for the local ecology and culture.
Shared By:
Gabriel Johnston
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