The best cycling routes around Pastos

This guide highlights 5 touring cycling routes around Pastos, offering a variety of experiences for different skill levels. The region itself has many more routes available on komoot, with over 20 touring cyclists having already explored the varied terrain.

While the terrain around Pastos is generally mountainous and can be challenging due to the Andean landscape, there are moderate options. The Bike loop from Barrio Pueblo is a shorter, moderate route at 14.4 km, providing a good option for those looking for a less strenuous ride to explore the natural surroundings.

Touring cycling in Pastos is characterized by the Andean Mountain Range, offering a naturally rugged and varied terrain. You can expect significant climbs and descents, providing breathtaking panoramic views. The routes traverse volcanic landscapes and high-altitude lakes, making for a diverse and engaging cycling experience.

Yes, Pastos offers longer routes for those seeking a more extensive touring cycling adventure. The Piedra de Degetau loop from Servidumbre Escénica Montes Oscuros is a challenging 80.6 km trail, typically completed in about 5 hours 21 minutes, leading through mountainous terrain.

The region around Pastos is rich in natural beauty. You can cycle near impressive volcanoes like Galeras, or explore high-altitude lakes such as La Cocha (Guamués Lake), which is a Ramsar-listed wetland. The town of El Encano on La Cocha's shores features charming Swiss-style homes, and boat trips can be taken to explore islands like 'La Corota' with its Flora and Fauna Sanctuary.

Yes, many of the touring cycling routes in Pastos are designed as loops. For example, the Bike loop from Servidumbre Escénica Montes Oscuros is a moderate 55.5 km circular trail, offering a substantial ride through the local landscape.

Given Pastos's high-altitude Andean location, the climate can vary. Generally, the dry seasons offer more stable weather conditions for cycling. However, it's always advisable to check local weather forecasts closer to your travel dates, as mountain weather can be unpredictable.

Absolutely. Pastos's mountainous terrain provides excellent challenges for experienced touring cyclists. Routes like the Cerro El Indio – Piedra de Degetau loop from Aibonito, a difficult 39.7 km route with over 900 meters of elevation gain, offer significant climbs and descents for advanced riders.

Due to the high altitude and varied terrain, it's recommended to dress in layers. This allows you to adapt to temperature changes, which can occur rapidly. Essential gear includes a windproof and waterproof outer layer, as well as sun protection, even on cloudy days, due to the increased UV exposure at higher elevations.

Yes, the touring cycling routes in Pastos are renowned for their breathtaking panoramic views. The region's location within the Andean Mountain Range, flanked by volcanoes and high-altitude lakes, ensures that many routes provide spectacular vistas of the surrounding dramatic landscapes.

The Galeras Volcano is a prominent feature of the landscape surrounding Pastos. While specific routes may not go directly onto the volcano due to its active nature, many touring cycling paths in the region offer views of this impressive stratovolcano and the surrounding Santuario de Flora y Fauna Galeras, which includes ravines and lagoons.

Difficult routes in Pastos can feature substantial elevation gains. For instance, the Piedra de Degetau loop from Servidumbre Escénica Montes Oscuros involves over 1100 meters of ascent, providing a significant climbing challenge for touring cyclists.