Cartagena, Columbia to Quito, Ecuador – My Wild Ride!

Maz Crotty joined the 2026 South American Epic Cycling Expedition in Cartagena, Colombia and rode to Quito, Ecuador. It was her first tour with TDA Global Cycling.

1,153 miles, 88,690 ft elevation ⛰️🚲⛰️🚲⛰️

Cartagena, Colombia. Saturday evening, the city is a sea of yellow as groups of family and friends gather to watch the Colombian World Cup match. The atmosphere is electric. On Sunday morning, after breakfast and a brief stop at the walls of the Old City for a group departure photo, we set off. A bunch of strangers from 11 countries are about to embark on an amazing adventure, one filled with challenges that will forge lifelong bonds and friendships.

At the start

As we ride out of the city, we quickly learn that traffic in Colombia is remarkably respectful of cyclists, always reassuring when you’re riding in a new country. We ride slowly and steadily as the heat rises each day. Any hazy cloud, patch of tree shade, or even a warm breeze is welcomed. Temperatures peak on day one at 101°F, with a “real feel” of 114°F. After just a 90 km ride, we’re completely wiped out. Each day, riding in the heat becomes a little more familiar, though not for all of us. It’s tough cycling.

Our tour leader goes for a run after lunch, and we debate whether she’s incredibly hardcore or completely crazy, before reminding ourselves that we’re probably a bit of both as well. New friends ride together through the difficult moments. No one gets left behind. The afternoon sweep rider is frequently slowed as we search for more shade and drink more water than we ever thought possible. We understand the consequences if we don’t. The TDA staff team’s ability to organize our daily movements so seamlessly, without ever appearing stressed even in difficult situations, is amazing to witness. Added to that is their attention to the small details for every individual rider, delivered with grace, patience, and genuine care.

Rider meeting on the beach

Each day I seem to discover a new favourite staff member. Will the Assistant Tour Leader returns to help when we can’t get a tire off. Tour leader Michaela picks us up after yet another mechanical issue and loads my bike onto the roof of the car so we can reach the hotel. There, Volker, the bike mechanic, helps solve the problem. Medic Jess offers advice and is the most approachable doctor I’ve ever met. They’re all cyclists themselves and completely understand what we’re experiencing. More importantly, they make it clear that they’re here to support us and keep us safe, and genuinely mean it. The food is incredible, with special vegetarian options available for me. Routes are thoroughly checked, hazards clearly reported, water refills provided along the way, and every one of the support vehicles checks in with us as it passes. It’s a big thumbs up from me.

As the days pass, we begin to understand Colombia’s rhythms and traffic patterns. Entire towns seem to head to work and school at exactly the same time. Families of four balance on a single moped: Mum on the back, Dad driving, and a child standing on each side. It’s wild to watch amidst the endless stream of scooters, motorcycles, and trucks. The traffic moves in peculiar patterns that appear chaotic and dangerous, yet somehow it all works. Days become weeks as we tackle mountain climbs on highways, cross national parks, and ride gravel roads through lush green landscapes filled with cattle, tropical vegetation, and magnificent trees.

Maz Crotty on the road in Colombia

The Colombians are happy, patient people. Everywhere we go, we’re greeted with friendly faces and random acts of kindness. It’s a refreshing contrast to everyday life back home. Many people have very little materially, yet they carry immense pride in their homes, communities, and national heritage.

Las Lajas Sanctuary

Eventually, the heat gives way to cold as we climb to elevations approaching 4,000 metres. Fortunately, we don’t sleep at the highest elevations during my portion of the tour, so altitude medication isn’t necessary. We ride through coffee and cocoa growing regions and gradually lose track of days and dates. There’s no time to read the news. We live in a bubble. Everyone knows we’re having the best time: the “slow crew” at the back. We take extra coffee stops, sample new foods and fruits, soak in the scenery, and never rush to reach camp. As long as we arrive in time to pitch a tent and take a shower, we’re happy. Some days I only ride to lunch. One memorable afternoon I visit Las Lajas Sanctuary, an extraordinary church built into a gorge near the Ecuadorian border. Along the way, I learn something important: enjoy the cycling to the fullest, but also enjoy the journey. Sometimes that means taking a ride in one of the support vans with expert drivers and excellent soundtracks rather than pushing too hard and finishing the day exhausted.

Boat transfer

Several days will remain etched in my memory forever. One is the boat ride through the wetlands from San Marcos – the cattle being driven across the water and a myriad of birds to view in this amazing setting. Another is the descent into Medellín, the City of Eternal Spring. It’s an insane ride down rough, potholed roads filled with sharp switchbacks and what feels like a million cyclists and scooters. Near the city, we stop for lunch at the roadside before being met by a local cycling club that escorts us into town, stopping traffic to ensure our safe arrival at the hotel. Oddly enough, I love riding into massive cities. Apparently being a non-native New Yorker has made me a little fearless. Traffic rarely unnerves me.

Another unforgettable day includes gravel roads, small ferries crossing the fast-moving Magdalena River, Colombia’s equivalent of the Mississippi, and delicious chilled strawberries at lunch near the second ferry crossing. From there, we ride into the Tatacoa Desert, feeling wild and free like cowboys on bikes.

I signed up for this epic adventure three years ago. My goals were simple: test every fibre of my body, gain a deeper understanding of the countries and cultures we pass through, speak bad Spanish, and be humbled by the enormous presence of the Andes and the ever-changing natural environment. The experience exceeded every expectation. What a privilege it has been to undertake a journey supported by such an incredible team, surrounded by encouragement and friendship, and to return home with a full heart etched with memories and a wonderful group of new friends.

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