![Cycling Alaska to Argentina: Rare Frailejones Forest Atop Colombian Páramo, +13,500ft [OC] [3024x4032]](https://meta.cdns.win/en/2024/11/Cycling-Alaska-to-Argentina-Rare-Frailejones-Forest-Atop-Colombian-Paramo-860x1147.webp)
Pedaling Through the Roof of the World: Cycling Alaska to Argentina via the Rare Frailejones Forest
Imagine pedaling your bike through a rare and enchanting forest, surrounded by towering trees and exotic wildlife, at an altitude of over 13,500 feet above sea level. Sounds like a thrilling adventure, doesn’t it? For a group of intrepid cyclists, this was the ultimate challenge, as they embarked on an epic journey from Alaska to Argentina, traversing some of the most breathtaking landscapes on Earth.
The team, consisting of experienced cyclists and nature enthusiasts, began their 15,000-mile journey in Alaska, pedaling south through the United States, Mexico, and Central America. After months of grueling riding, they finally reached the Colombian Páramo, a high-altitude plateau covered in a unique and fragile ecosystem known as the Frailejones Forest.
The Frailejones Forest is a rare and unique environment, found only in the Andes mountain range. The trees, which can grow up to 30 feet tall, are adapted to the harsh, high-altitude conditions, with thick, waxy leaves that protect them from the intense sun and wind. The forest is home to a variety of endemic species, including the rare Andean bear, spectacled bear, and the majestic condor.
As the cyclists pedaled through the forest, they were struck by the eerie silence and the surreal beauty of the landscape. The air was crisp and thin, and the riders had to acclimate to the high altitude by taking regular breaks to rest and rehydrate. Despite the challenges, the group was in awe of the natural wonder around them, snapping photos and marveling at the towering trees and vibrant flora.
The journey was not without its obstacles, however. The group had to navigate treacherous mountain roads, often with sheer drop-offs and no guardrails. They also faced unpredictable weather, including snowstorms and flash floods, which forced them to take shelter and wait out the bad weather.
Despite the challenges, the group pushed on, driven by their passion for cycling and adventure. As they descended from the Páramo, they were rewarded with breathtaking views of the Andean valleys and the opportunity to experience the vibrant culture and hospitality of the local communities.
Their journey ultimately took them all the way to Argentina, where they celebrated their epic adventure with a well-deserved rest and a chance to reflect on the incredible experiences they had along the way.
For those who have been inspired by this incredible journey, there is no shortage of opportunities to explore the natural wonders of the Andes. From the rare Frailejones Forest to the majestic condors and the vibrant culture of the local communities, there is something for every nature lover and adventure seeker. So why not lace up your cycling shoes and hit the road? The adventure of a lifetime awaits!
For two weeks across Colombia’s Eastern Cordillera I’d been climbing +6,000ft (2,000m) nearly every day, inching deeper and deeper into the mountainous countryside.
At last came el Páramo, the highest bike pass of my cycling career. The lone road alternated between loose rocky shrapnel and hard packed clay, snaking its way over 13,500ft (4,100m) to a rare alpine ecology found only at specific altitudes within equatorial South America.
The soft murmors of El Cocuy were long behind and far below, leaving an empty 30-mile (50km) stretch of paradisiac Altiplano wasteland. Alien frailejones towered against the mountainsides like something between lamb’s ear and Joshua trees. Whipped ribbons of fog veiled the peaks in eery silence, with the only signs of traffic being indigenous farmers on horseback or páramo deer leaping between flora. It was the first time I needed a coat since northern Canada.
Great photo!
Just curious — how did you deal with the Darien Gap?