The Chicamocha Canyon road meanders along the river before climbing atop the ridgeline of one of the world’s largest canyons. (Janelle Kaz/)
After riding more than 10,000 miles through Colombia, I can say the Chicamocha Canyon road has made its way to the top of my “best paved roads” list. (Janelle Kaz/)
Orange canyon walls contrast the deep blue skies of the desert ecosystem located in northeastern Colombia. (Janelle Kaz/)
You’ll find hobbit-style houses, luxury “glamping” tents, and nightly bonfires at La Mesa Redonda on the plateau of La Mesa de Los Santos. (Janelle Kaz/)
Nothing like a quick stop for a tropical juice at this epic viewpoint, Rincón de Chicamocha. (Janelle Kaz/)
No shortage of fast corners and steep switchbacks on the beloved Chicamocha Canyon highway. (Janelle Kaz/)
Stopping for a quick tinto, a local coffee at the quaint little cafes run by sweet abuelas. (Janelle Kaz /)
Barichara is a cultural heritage, a traditional colonial town that has changed very little over the last 300 years. (Janelle Kaz/)
The Heladeria Nevado is very popular among locals for its unique and sometimes a little too bizarre ice cream flavors. (Janelle Kaz/)
The famed Helados El Nevado of Villanueva. I did not elect to try the Viagra or Levanta Muertos (dead-raiser) flavors. Prices are in Colombian Pesos, so at time of writing, the most expensive ones are less than 50 cents USD. (Janelle Kaz/)
Colorful canyon views at the Cabanas Campestres lodging near the Chicamocha National Park entrance. (Janelle Kaz/)
Just outside of the canyon are lush mountains, shielding the desert from rain. Many waterfalls cascade just off of the route, such as the Juan Curi waterfall located south of San Gil. (Janelle Kaz/)
You don’t have to stray far from the main route to find wonderful dirt roads to explore, such as this one near the ridgeline and Chicamocha National Park entrance. (Janelle Kaz/)
Wonderful small towns along this route make for excellent tourism opportunities, such as the main cathedral in San Gil shown here. (Janelle Kaz/)
Colombia is notorious for its construction stops along its roads, which can sometimes leave you waiting for far longer than is reasonable. (Janelle Kaz/)
