Bogotá & the Colombian Highlands

The itinerary moves through Andean and highland terrain before descending into the Suárez Canyon and Santander. Bogotá and the Boyacá towns are approached at a highland pace, while the road journey to Barichara changes both the climate and the landscape.

Several days combine visits with substantial private transfers, and the final day includes a long road transfer from Barichara to El Dorado International Airport. The schedule is varied rather than hurried, but it is important to be comfortable with travel days and changes in elevation.

Allow time to settle after arrival, drink water regularly and tell the guide if altitude, heat, motion or fatigue is affecting you. Discuss relevant medical concerns with a qualified professional before travelling.

The Bogotá city day is centred on the historic centre and is explored largely on foot. La Candelaria brings together street art, cafés, bookshops, galleries, historic plazas and statues, giving the morning a lived-in rhythm rather than a museum-only itinerary.

The route also rises by cable car to Monserrate, visits the produce stalls of La Concordia market and continues to the Museo del Oro, whose pre-Hispanic goldwork offers a deeper view into Colombia’s history.

Wear comfortable shoes and expect a full day of walking, stairs, city streets and changing weather. The exact order may adapt to opening times, traffic and local conditions.

The Suárez Canyon day is the tour’s main active excursion. The downhill mountain-bike route begins in the Cabrera area at around 1,800 metres and follows tracks through the gorge towards the floor of the canyon.

It is not simply a transfer on two wheels. The day includes time for photographs, changing views through the canyon and a section where the river is shallow enough to wade when conditions allow.

Expect uneven tracks, a sustained descent and exposure to sun and heat. The local team’s briefing, equipment guidance and assessment of conditions should determine how the activity is ridden on the day.

Villa de Leyva and Barichara provide two distinct colonial highland settings. In Villa de Leyva, a guided half-day visit follows the cobbled centre, the Plaza Mayor, El Carmen church and the houses associated with Antonio Nariño and Antonio Ricaurte.

The route then crosses into Santander and descends towards Barichara, where sandstone streets, the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Santa Bárbara church, stone carving and a cigar workshop give the town its particular texture.

Barichara’s walking tour ends at the watchtower above the Río Suárez, connecting the built heritage of the town with the broad landscape beyond it.

Bring comfortable walking shoes with good grip for cobbled streets, museum visits, mine passages and uneven ground. For the Suárez Canyon ride, use practical clothing that can handle dust, sun and a change in temperature, together with any personal cycling items requested by the local operator.

Layers are useful across Bogotá, the highland towns and the warmer canyon. Pack sun protection, a light waterproof layer, a small daypack, water, personal medication and a secure way to carry your phone and camera.

Keep valuables and essential medication with you during transfers. The final list should follow the confirmed accommodation, cycling arrangements and departure details.