The best road cycling routes in La Virginia
61
riders
5
rides
Road cycling in La Virginia is characterized by its mountainous terrain and rolling hills, situated at the confluence of the Cauca and Risaralda rivers. The region features a fluvial landscape with surrounding coffee and sugarcane plantations. Cyclists navigate routes offering views of the Central and Western Andes mountain ranges, providing challenging ascents and descents.
Best road cycling routes in La Virginia
- The most popular road cycling route is La Virginia – Arauca Mural loop from Lago, a 90.2 miles (145.2 km) trail that takes 8 hours 22 minutes to complete. This route features significant elevation gain through mountainous landscapes.
- Another top favourite among local road cyclists is Cerritos Viewpoint – La Virginia loop from Marsella, a difficult 129.3 miles (208.1 km) path. This challenging route offers extensive views across the region's varied topography.
- Local road cyclists also love the La Virginia – San Bernardo Toll Plaza loop from Matecaña International Airport, a 88.2 miles (142.0 km) trail leading through mountainous terrain and rural areas, often completed in about 7 hours 34 minutes.
- Road cycling in La Virginia is defined by mountainous terrain, rolling hills, and views of coffee plantations. The network primarily offers challenging options for experienced road cyclists.
- The guide includes highly-rated routes that showcase the best of the region's landscape. More than 60 road cyclists have used komoot to explore La Virginia's varied terrain.
Last updated: July 1, 2026
22
riders
145km
08:23
3,090m
3,090m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
17
riders
209km
11:01
3,320m
3,320m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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15
riders
142km
07:35
2,560m
2,560m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
4
riders
48.9km
02:43
1,060m
1,050m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
4
riders
93.4km
05:14
1,950m
1,950m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
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Popular around La Virginia
Tips from the Community
Anserma, also known as Santa Ana de los Caballeros or Old Anserma, is located in the western part of the department of Caldas. It was founded on August 15, 1539, and has a population of 33,792. Its main communication route is the Western Trunk Highway. It was one of the first Spanish settlements created in Colombia, founded by Marshal Jorge Robledo. Its economy is primarily based on coffee farming. TRANSPORTATION: The Western Trunk Highway connects the cities of Medellín (to the north), Pereira, and Cali (to the south). Communication with Manizales, the capital of Caldas, is primarily via the Risaralda (Caldas) - Arauca (Palestine district) - Manizales route (64 km). There are three airports nearby: Matecaña in Pereira, Santa Ana in Cartago, and La Nubia in Manizales.
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Arauca is a district under the jurisdiction of the municipality of Palestina (Caldas). Located on a ravine on the right bank of the Cauca River, it is an active point that links the center of the Department of Caldas with the Lower West. The name "Arauca" appears mentioned in the stories of the civil wars, at the same time that La Margarita is mentioned as one of the most important estates in that sector. In the forties and fifties of the twentieth century, its boom was unusual because it was an active train station. If one got on in Arauca, one could go directly to La Virginia, to many cities in the Cauca Valley. People and merchandise in all directions. Many of the employees of the vacation centers and condominiums in the La Rochela sector live in Arauca. In this district, construction materials are extracted from the Chinchiná River and tributaries of the Cauca. Arauca has an active trade. Especially, the purchase of coffee and cocoa.
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Entrance to the San José road via pavement, with good demands for road bikes, it is approximately 3 km and some sections have an incline of 10%. You can access this small town in several ways, by going up Asia, or by Belalcázar or Risaralda.
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Toll located on the Coffee Highway, a dual carriageway that connects Manizales with Armenia and Pereira. It was built using guadua (bamboo), which is grown in the region where it is located. Design by architect Simón Vélez has been recognized worldwide for his constructions in guadua
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It is located on the Manizales-La Felisa road, it has restaurants and cafes, along this same road is the entrance to the China path for MTB routes.
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this is unpaved the entire way. MTB and Hybrids but no road bikes will make it
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Rich point to rest and recharge with a delicious coffee
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have a nice coffee ☕
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of terrain can I expect when road cycling in La Virginia?
Road cycling in La Virginia is characterized by its mountainous terrain and rolling hills. You'll encounter challenging ascents and descents, with routes winding through lush coffee and sugarcane plantations, offering panoramic views of the Central and Western Andes mountain ranges.
Are there challenging road cycling routes in La Virginia?
Yes, La Virginia is known for its challenging road cycling routes, primarily catering to experienced cyclists. All routes featured in our guide are rated as difficult, providing significant elevation gains and demanding distances. For example, the Cerritos Viewpoint – La Virginia loop from Marsella covers over 208 km with substantial climbing.
What scenic views or natural features can I expect to see along the road cycling routes?
Cyclists can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of lush coffee and sugarcane plantations, as well as the majestic Central and Western Andes mountain ranges. The region's distinctive fluvial landscape, formed by the confluence of the Cauca and Risaralda rivers, also provides unique scenery. You might also pass by areas like La Paloma, known for its scenic views of the Risaralda river.
Are there any loop routes for road cycling in La Virginia?
Yes, many of the road cycling routes in La Virginia are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end in the same location. Popular loop options include the La Virginia – Arauca Mural loop from Lago and the La Virginia – San Bernardo Toll Plaza loop from Matecaña International Airport.
What are some notable landmarks or attractions near the road cycling routes?
While cycling, you'll be immersed in the region's agricultural landscape of coffee and sugarcane plantations. For specific points of interest, consider exploring areas like the Peralonso to Alto del Cielo Trail, which offers expansive views, or the Vereda Maracaibo. The confluence of the Cauca and Risaralda rivers is also a significant natural landmark.
What is the best time of year for road biking in La Virginia?
Colombia generally experiences two main seasons: a dry season and a rainy season. For road cycling in La Virginia, the dry season typically offers more favorable conditions with less rain, making for more comfortable and safer rides on the mountainous terrain. It's always advisable to check local weather forecasts before planning your trip.
Are there any family-friendly road cycling routes in La Virginia?
The road cycling routes highlighted in this guide are generally rated as difficult due to significant elevation gains and long distances, making them more suitable for experienced adult cyclists. While La Virginia offers diverse terrain, specific family-friendly road cycling routes designed for beginners or children are not prominently featured in this selection.
Can I find cafes or places to stop for refreshments along the road cycling routes?
Given the region's strong coffee culture and agricultural heritage, you will likely find opportunities for refreshments, especially in rural areas and smaller towns you pass through. Many routes traverse areas with coffee plantations, suggesting local stops might be available. However, it's always recommended to carry sufficient water and snacks, especially on longer, more remote sections.
How many road cycling routes are available in La Virginia?
La Virginia offers a significant number of road cycling routes, with over 20 identified in and around the area, catering to various skill levels and distances. Our guide specifically highlights 5 challenging routes for experienced cyclists.
What is the longest road cycling route featured in this guide?
The longest road cycling route in this guide is the Cerritos Viewpoint – La Virginia loop from Marsella, which spans an impressive 208.1 km (129.3 miles) and involves over 3,300 meters of elevation gain, making it a truly challenging endeavor.
What is the shortest road cycling route in this guide?
The shortest road cycling route featured in this guide is the Roadbike loop from La Primavera. This route covers 48.9 km (30.4 miles) with over 1,000 meters of elevation gain, still offering a significant challenge despite its shorter distance.
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