Alto de Letras: Colombia’s Legendary Climb You Need to Ride
If you’re a cyclist who loves a challenge, chances are you’ve heard whispers about Alto de Letras. A climb that stretches beyond numbers and stats, Letras is where endurance meets obsession. It’s not just the longest climb in Colombia, it’s often called the longest road climb in the world—and yes, it’s every bit as epic as they say.
But there’s more to Letras than just a brutal ascent. There’s adventure, small towns, changing scenery, and that unbeatable feeling when you reach the top after 50 relentless miles. If you’ve ever dreamed of taking on a true bucket-list climb, this one’s for you.
What (and Where) Is Alto de Letras?
Alto de Letras is a legendary mountain pass in central Colombia that connects the warm, lowland town of Mariquita with the cooler city of Manizales. The climb gains nearly 10,500 feet of elevation in one continuous stretch of road.
Start: Mariquita, Tolima (at 1,640 ft above sea level)
Finish: Alto de Letras summit, near Manizales (at 12,139 ft above sea level)
That’s about 50 miles of pure, steady climbing. No major descents. Just a gradual grind into thinner air.
Why Ride Letras?
Because it’s a rite of passage. Because when you tell other cyclists you’ve conquered Letras, their eyes light up. And because Colombia, with its rich cycling culture and stunning mountains, is a place every rider should experience.
Letras isn’t about setting records. It’s about testing your limits, embracing the changing scenery, and sharing stories over a well-earned coffee afterward.
The Ride: Segment by Segment
Here’s what you can expect when you take on Letras:
Mariquita to Fresno (Mile 0-12)
You start early. It’s hot and humid in Mariquita (think 85°F+), so the first miles roll out under thick tropical air. This section eases you into the climb. You’ll pass small farms, fruit stands, and hear tropical birds. By the time you reach Fresno at around 4,900 ft elevation, you’ll be peeling off layers and getting into a rhythm.
Fresno to Padua (Mile 12-23)
This stretch offers beautiful green hills and more switchbacks. Padua is a sleepy little town where you can refill bottles and grab snacks. The temperature starts to cool here—expect it to drop to the mid-60s°F—and clouds often drift in. Welcome to mid-mountain.
Padua to Delgaditas (Mile 24-36)
This is where the climb starts to test you. You’re above 8,200 ft now. The air feels thinner, and your legs remind you how far you’ve already come. Delgaditas has a few roadside spots to stop if you need a breather. Take one—you’ve earned it.
Delgaditas to the Summit (Mile 37-50)
The final stretch. The trees thin out, and the landscape opens up to sweeping views—and often fog. It’s quiet up here, almost eerie. You’re pushing through 10,000 ft, and every pedal stroke feels heavier. But when you reach the summit at 12,139 ft, the feeling is unreal. You did it. You climbed Alto de Letras.
Pro Tips for Tackling Alto de Letras
– Start early: Beat the heat in the lower sections. Early morning temps can be 75-80°F in Mariquita but climb fast.
– Layer smart: You’ll go from hot and humid to chilly and damp. Arm warmers, a vest, and gloves are key for the summit (temps can drop to 50°F).
– Fuel consistently: Bring plenty of snacks, and don’t skip meals before or after. Colombian arepas or bocadillos (guava snacks) are perfect mid-ride bites.
– Hydrate like crazy: Even in cooler air, the altitude will dry you out fast.
– Acclimatize if you can: Spending a few days riding at altitude (above 8,000 ft) beforehand helps a ton.
What Makes Riding Letras with Arriba Travel Different?
We get it—planning a ride like this from abroad can be overwhelming. That’s where we come in.
At Arriba Travel, we’ve helped cyclists from all over the world, especially the U.S. and Canada, take on Alto de Letras in the best way possible. We handle the logistics, support vehicles, bike rentals (road and gravel), and premium accommodations, so you can focus on riding.
Our guides? Local cyclists who know every bend in the road—and exactly where to find the best coffee along the way.
We offer tours that tackle Letras on both road bikes and gravel bikes, depending on your style. Either way, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. You don’t have to worry about a thing—just show up ready to ride.
Ready to Climb Letras?
This climb isn’t just about the altitude. It’s about finding out what you’re made of and sharing the road with passionate cyclists from around the world. We’d love to ride it with you.
👉 Find out more about our Alto de Letras tours here.