Essential Information - Colombia

Before booking your holiday with us, please check the status of your chosen tour. We strongly advise against booking any flights or making other travel arrangements until the tour is marked as Guaranteed. 

To confirm your place, simply pay the deposit. This deposit can be refunded at any time until the tour status changes to "Guaranteed". Your final balance will be due 56 days before the tour start date. 

When you book, you are agreeing to our booking conditions – please take a moment to read them in full. 

Each tour requires a minimum number of participants to go ahead. As bookings come in, the status will update from Available, to 2 More to Guarantee, and finally to Guaranteed once the minimum is met. You can always check the current status on the ‘Dates and Prices’ section of the tour page.

Please note: For groups of fewer than four participants, the guide will lead the tour from the support vehicle rather than riding with the group on a bike. This ensures both guiding and logistical support can still be provided.

Tour status definitions: 

✅ Guaranteed – The tour is confirmed and open for booking. 

✅ Guaranteed – Limited – Confirmed to run, but only a few spaces left. 

⏳ Available – 2 More to Guarantee – Tour is open but needs just 2 more bookings to confirm. 

🟢 Available – Open for booking but not yet confirmed to run. 

📩 Contact – Please get in touch if you're interested in this tour. 

❌ Fully Booked – This tour is no longer available. 

Once a tour is marked Guaranteed, you can confidently go ahead with booking your flights and making travel plans. We don’t cancel trips once they reach guaranteed status, except in very rare and exceptional circumstances. 

🚐 Support Vehicle

A dedicated support vehicle is with the group throughout the tour—carrying luggage and offering assistance when needed.

🏨 Accommodation
Comfortable and convenient overnight stays are included throughout the trip.

🍽️ Most Meals
Enjoy a variety of local meals—most are included (see trip notes for full details).

🚰 Snacks & Mineral Water
Stay refreshed with snacks and mineral water provided during cycling days.

✈️ Airport Transfers
Transfers are included on both the first and last day of the tour.

🧭 Expert Local Guides
Led by knowledgeable, English-speaking local professionals for a richer experience.

🛫 International Flights
Flights to and from tour destination must be arranged independently.

🍷 Alcoholic Drinks
Alcohol is not included in the tour package.

🍽️ Unlisted Meals
Meals not specified in the itinerary are at your own expense.

🛂 Visa Fees
Any visa costs are the responsibility of the traveller.

🛡️ Travel Insurance
Must be arranged separately before departure.

💰 Tips
Gratuities for guides and support staff are not included.

🚲 Bike Hire
Available on request for an additional fee.

📍 Start Point: Medellín (Saturday)

Your redspokes cycling holiday begins in Medellín on Saturday.

We understand that travellers join from all over the world, so whatever time you arrive at Medellín Airport on the tour start date, you'll be met and transferred to the joining hotel.

🕒 If you arrive before midday, your room may not be immediately available. Early check-in is subject to availability.

🏁 End Point: Bogotá (Friday – Day 14)

The tour finishes 14 days later in Bogotá, on Friday.

✅ Included: If you're flying out on the final day of the itinerary, your airport transfer is included in the tour price.

➕ If you plan to arrive early or stay longer, redspokes can help arrange extra accommodation and airport transfers at an additional cost.

✈️ Flights & Travel Tips

• International flights are not included in the tour package.

• We recommend booking a multi-destination flight:

  • Arrive into: Medellín (MDE)

  • Depart from: Bogotá (BOG)

Most European flights depart in the morning and arrive in Medellín in the evening.

🔍 For flight options and pricing, check:

• www.kayak.com

• www.opodo.co.uk

✈️ From the UK, redspokes travellers often fly with:

• American Airlines (AA)

• Air France

💱 Currency Exchange

Colombian Currency
The local currency is the Colombian Peso (COP). Cash is used for most everyday transactions, especially outside the larger cities.

• Prices in shops, restaurants, and markets are listed in COP

• Cards are accepted in cities, but cash is essential in rural areas

What to Bring

• Travellers from the UK, EU, US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand: Bring USD or Euros in small denominations for emergency exchange

• A Visa or Mastercard debit/credit card is strongly recommended for ATM withdrawals

Where to Exchange

• On arrival at Medellín Airport (MDE):

  • ATMs and currency exchange desks are available in the arrivals area

  • ❌ Exchange rates at the airport are typically less favourable

  • ✅ It’s best to withdraw a small amount or exchange only what you need for your first day

  • Better rates can be found in Medellín city at licensed exchange offices or banks

✔ Your redspokes guide will assist with finding reliable ATMs and the best exchange options throughout the tour.

💸 Spending Money

We recommend budgeting around £400 / $540 for the duration of the tour.

Typical Costs in Colombia

🧭 Helpful Tips

• Cash is essential in rural or remote areas

• Notify your bank before travel to avoid card issues

• Carry small bills for taxis, tips, and markets

• Expect some ATMs to charge withdrawal fees

• Your redspokes guide can assist with all money-related questions

💁‍♂️ Staff Tipping

Tipping is customary and appreciated if the service meets your expectations.

💷 Suggested amount: £60–£80 per person
💵 Or $80–$100 equivalent

Tips are typically pooled and distributed by your guide at the end of the tour.
They are a thank-you gesture and not part of the staff's salary—redspokes ensures fair wages for all local teams.

Throughout the tour, you’ll have the full backing of a support vehicle—typically a jeep or minibus. This vehicle will transport your main luggage between overnight stops and is also available should you need a break from cycling.

The support vehicle travels with the group each day, typically stopping every 12 miles (20 km) to provide assistance, refreshments, or a lift if needed.

Our tour leaders carry a comprehensive tool kit and can handle most minor bike repairs. All you’ll need during the ride is a small daypack for essentials like your camera or sunscreen.

If you’re bringing your own bike, please ensure it’s in excellent working condition. We recommend having it fully serviced by a professional bike shop before the trip, as we can’t guarantee we’ll have parts or tools for all types of repairs.

For this tour we have brand new GW Alligator bikes with semi slick tyres and Deore components in a range of sizes and have added eBikes in a range of sizes to this tour for those needing  extra zip up the hills!

🔧 Our support vehicle carries a complete toolkit, spare parts, and a track pump to handle any issues along the way.

⚙️ Customise Your Ride
All bikes come with standard flat pedals. If you prefer using SPD or clip-in pedals, feel free to bring your own.
Similarly, if you have a personal saddle you’d like to use, you're welcome to bring it along.
🧰 Our guide will be on hand to fit your pedals and saddle to your hire bike.

🪖 Helmet Policy
Please note that cycle helmets are not included in the bike hire.
🛑 You must bring your own helmet — helmet hire or purchase cannot be guaranteed on location.
✅ Wearing a helmet is mandatory while cycling. Failure to do so is at your own risk and may impact the validity of your travel insurance.

If you’d like to hire a standard bike or e-bike, or prefer the comfort of a single room, we can usually arrange this for you at an additional cost. You’ll have the option to request these extras during the booking process, or you can contact us later by email, subject to availability.

We have a wide mix of cyclists on our tours from couples, friends to solo travellers. Our prices are based on twin shared accommodation. If you sign up for one of our tours as a solo traveller we will twin share you with another person of the same gender in your group. If you prefer to have your own room this is an option on most of our tours for an extra charge.

Most meals are included in your trip price apart from on non cycling days and some other exclusions. Please check the itinerary for full details. If you have a special dietary request, please advise us at the time of booking. Most diets can be catered for, but it is always important to advise us in advance.

75% of the food is included in the trip (see itinerary for details).  The Colombian diet is meat based but we will cater for vegetarians.  Breakfast is considered an important meal in Colombia and includes fruit juice, coffee or hot chocolate, fruit, eggs and bread.  In rural areas Lunch (served between 12 and 4pm is typically the main meal of the day).  A traditional Colombian main meal starts with a soup, followed by a main dish, a drink and sometimes a dessert which is generally very sweet.  The evening meal is usually lighter.  In the big cities the main meal often will be served around 7pm or 8pm. Traditional Colombian dishes include Ajiaco: Chicken soup as well as chicken this dish includes 2 or 3 kinds of potatoes, corn, sour cream, capers, avocado and guasca.  Arepa: A basic side to any Colombian meal, arepa is a bread made from cornmeal.  Bandeja Paisa: A mixed platter of grilled steak, fried pork rind, chorizo sausages, on a bed of rice and red beans, topped with a fried egg and a side of sliced avocado and sweet banana (chips). Arguably the national dish of Colombia.  There is an abundance of fresh fruit on offer in Colombia.

Travel insurance is mandatory for all participants and must cover you for the entire duration of the tour.

Your policy must include protection for:

Personal injury and medical expenses

Death and repatriation

Emergency rescue (including helicopter or aircraft evacuation)

Loss or theft of luggage and equipment

Trip cancellation or curtailment

Damage to or breakage of hired equipment (any such costs must be paid directly to our local agents at the time of the incident and reclaimed from your insurer)

Please make sure your insurance policy does not include exclusions for any activities involved in your tour, such as cycling or adventure travel.

We strongly recommend taking out your travel insurance at the time of booking to ensure you are covered in case of cancellation before the trip begins.

All insurance claims must be made directly through your provider.

We choose accommodation based on comfort rather than luxury. Our prices are based on sharing a twin room. Should you wish to have a room all to yourself there is a single supplement option on the majority of our tours. For more information on the additional costs please see dates and prices.

The majority of the accommodation for this trip is in hotels but there is one night in very basic accommodation.

Some rooms in the Hotels will have en-suite facilities and air conditioning.

Our Colombia tour is designed for mountain bikes or cyclo-cross bikes.

Pre-Tour Bike Servicing

To ensure a smooth ride, we strongly recommend a full bike service before departure. Pay special attention to:

• Wheel spokes – adjust as needed
• Bearings – grease thoroughly
• Gear & brake cables – check for wear and tear
• Nuts & bolts – tighten securely
• Chain, quick release clamp & tyres – inspect and replace if necessary
• Inner tubes – install new ones
• Wheel rims – check for wear
• Packing Checklist

To stay prepared on the road, bring these essential tools and spares:

• Multi-tool
• Tyre levers
• Pump
• Spare inner tubes
• Spare spokes
• Disc/brake pads (check with your bike shop)
• Chain links (a few extra)
• Spares for unique bike components (such as fluid or bleed kits)
• Bike Transport Considerations

Your bike must be included in your luggage allowance. Keep in mind:

The average weight of a bike packed in a cardboard box is 15-20kg
Plan accordingly, as excess baggage fees may apply
 

You must hold a valid passport in order to travel.  Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months from the date of your return from any overseas destination. 

Visa and entry requirements for most countries can and do change from time to time and so we strongly recommend that you consult the government travel website for where your passport was issued.

For UK nationals, please visit the gov.uk website for up to date information about entry requirements for Colombia.  The website also provides vaccination advice as well as the option to sign up for Alerts so that you are aware if requirements have changed. 

We strongly recommend that you consult your GP or a local Travel Health Clinic at least 8 weeks before departure for advice on general health precautions for travel to Albania.

You should also review guidance from the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) or equivalent authority in your country, such as the CDC (USA), Travelvax (Australia), or Public Health Agency of Canada.

Temperatures average 20 C in November.  The climate in Colombia can be considered “tropical,” but the weather varies from year to year.  Due to “El Nino” and “La Nina,” the weather can go through great changes – being extremely rainy one year, and relatively dry the next. At altitude there can be tremendous variations in temperature between day and night time, the higher the altitude the greater
the difference.  Waterproof clothing is a must.

The climate in Colombia is considered tropical but can vary greatly from year to year. Weather patterns are influencedced by El Nino and La Nina which can cause dramatic shifts. It’s important to come prepared with warm and waterproof gear suitable for a range of conditions.

Essential Cycling Gear
🚴 Cycle helmet (mandatory – must be worn at all times while cycling)

😎 Sunglasses

💧 Water bottles or CamelBak

🧤 Fingerless cycling gloves

👖 Padded cycling shorts

👟 Cycling shoes

🧦 Overshoes (for extra warmth)

🧦 Lightweight and heavyweight socks

Clothing
👕 Base layer tops

🧥 Fleece jacket or pullover

🌧️ Waterproof cycling jacket (breathable fabric)

🧥 Down jacket (for colder conditions)

🩳 Trekking shorts

👖 Trousers

👕 Lightweight T-shirts

👔 Long-sleeved shirt

🧤 Warm gloves

🧢 Fleece hat

🧣 Buff or neck gaiter

Additional Items
🧴 Sunscreen and lip balm

🧼 Towel

📷 Camera

🍫 Energy bars, gels, or snacks

🥤 Energy or recovery drink powders

Electricity in Colombia runs at 110 volts with a frequency of 60hz. Plugs and sockets are of type A & B 


     Type A               Type B

• Population 49 million

• Area 1.14m sq km (440,831 sq miles)

• Major language Spanish

• Major religion Christianity

• Life expectancy 71 years (men), 78 years (women)

• Currency Peso