The last high-pass
August 8, 2024
The last 4000+m pass of our trip. One that led us alongside the flanks of one of Colombia's rare snow-capped mountains, Nevado del Ruiz. A 5321m high active volcano that fumes continuously throughout the day, posing a constant threat to thousands of people living down below. Since last year, the risk of imminent eruption is estimated as low, allowing us to admire the wild landscapes up close. A worthy last high-altitude transition. One more time.
One more time to experience the barren landscapes that define the great heights. One more time to let the cold and fresh air into our lungs, and to venture above the clouds where the silence is broken only by the wind. One more time the feeling of joy as we once again managed to get our bikes over the top. One more time... a memorable moment. One we celebrated with a visit to a beautifully located luxury hot spring resort. A first time.
We couldn't help but shed some tears, overwhelmed by the memories of all the high-altitude passes on our path before. They have signified something special to us during our time here in South America. Bringing cold and quietness as a relief from the often hot and chaotic lower-lying regions. They are places far away from civilization, where we could be alone, feel the thrill and vulnerability of being remote, and experience adventures like nowhere else. Places where ice-cold nights caused our water bottles to freeze, while the thin air disrupted our movements and sleep, causing excessive fatigue as we made our way up. There, up high, our resilience and strength were tested, empowering us time and time again as we cycled across, while being rewarded with the grandest views we have ever seen.
But all things must come to an end. We reached our furthest point north and have turned southward toward Bogotá. Only a few hundred kilometers to go. A final tour through the city's surrounding mountains, in the northern-most regions of the Andes. One last trip through paradise.
Route: Salento - Manizales - Murillo - Cambao - Bituima - La Vega - Pacho - Zipaquirá - Villapinzón
