Mud & Mountains: 5-Day Sierra Nevada Expedition

Starting from Santa Marta, this route heads south into the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, the largest coastal mountain range on the planet. You'll ride through thick jungle, climb to 10,000 feet, and wind back down to pristine Caribbean beaches.

Many of these trails are completely off the map, scouted by us over ten years to build something you won't find anywhere else. Expect technical trails, river crossings and panoramic views through the most remote landscapes in northern Colombia.

Off the bike: swim in jungle waterfalls, tube down a river spotting caiman and monkeys, or spend the rest day surfing and getting a beach massage.

275 miles | 20% paved, 80% unpaved

DAY 1: SANTA MARTA TO PALOMINO (4.5 hrs, 75 mi)
Most tours ease you in. We don't. Backroads out of Santa Marta, then Quebrada del Sol: sand, rivers and views around every corner. Cruise the coast into The Dreamer, where a poolside cocktail awaits.

DAY 2: PALOMINO TO GUACHACA (4 hrs, 50 mi)
Climb above Río Ancho to our private farm and its hidden waterfall. Float down the Río Don Diego spotting caiman and monkeys, then dinner with your feet in the sand at Blue Mango.

DAY 3: REST DAY OR OPTIONAL RIDE (0-3.5 hrs, 30 mi)
A "rest day" with us is a loose term. Sleep in, grab a massage, or ride backroads for more saddle time. Finish at Cayena Beach Villa with a 3-course dinner you'll talk about all the way home.

DAY 4: GUACHACA TO MINCA (5 hrs, 40 mi)
The riding gets turned up a level. Hours of trails to Bunkuany, an ancient Tairona site few travellers reach, then an enduro climb to Casas Viejas at 3,900 ft and its heated infinity pool over the jungle.

DAY 5: MINCA TO SANTA MARTA (5 hrs, 55 mi)
Climb to Cerro Kennedy at 10,000 ft, the highest accessible point in the Sierra Nevada. Smoked meats at Camaritas and the oldest coffee farm in northern Colombia before the ride home.

Best for: Intermediate to advanced riders comfortable with dirt, mud and river crossings. Off-road experience strongly recommended.