Driving the most spectacular roads of Colombia

Colombia, where the spirit of cumbia meets the majesty of the Andes, offers roadways that are more than just routes – they're stories of passion, heritage, and awe-inspiring landscapes.

As you navigate the spine-chilling curves of the Trampolín de la Muerte, you'll be met with heart-stopping views and tales of past adventurers. Journey further and encounter the Darien Gap, a legendary break in the Pan-American Highway, where nature reigns supreme. Test your mettle on the Trampolín del Diablo, another adrenaline-fueled mountain pass, or conquer the Alto de Letras, known as the world's longest road climb.

Then, allow the Ruta del Sol to seduce you with its pathway to the shimmering Caribbean, where golden sands and swaying palms await. Venture into the aromatic heartland of the Coffee Triangle in Quindío, where every turn is infused with the scent of freshly roasted beans and the promise of a warm Colombian welcome.

In this vibrant nation, roads are gateways to discoveries, blending the mystique of magical realism with the tangible beauty of its terrains. Buckle up and set forth on a Colombian odyssey, where the rhythm of life is as varied and enchanting as its roads.

Darien Gap is a break in the Pan-American Highway with a length of 60 miles (96 km) without roads, making overland travel across Central America nearly impossible. This gap, a near-impenetrable jungle that guerrilla fighters and drug runners call home, has been successfully crossed only a handful of times, usually by expeditions equipped with off-road vehicles and staffed by special forces types.

Located in the Putumayo Department of Colombia, the road from Mocoa to San Francisco is one of the most dangerous roads in the world. It was built in 1930 and zigzags through the Andean mountain range. There have been numerous deaths from cars falling off.

Alto de La Línea is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.271m (10,731ft) above the sea level, located on the boundary of Tolima and Quindío departments, in the Andean Region of Colombia.

Alto de Letras is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.692m (12,112ft) above the sea level, located on the boundary of Tolima and Caldas departments, in the central part of Colombia. It’s one of the hardest and most epic climbs you can ride on two wheels.

Cañón del Chicamocha is a steep sided canyon located in the departments of Boyacá and Santander, in Colombia.

Cerro Machín is a stratovolcano at an elevation of 2,650m (8,694ft) above sea level, located in Tolima Department of Colombia.

Nevado del Ruiz is a glaciated stratovolcano with a conical shape, standing at an elevation of 5,321m (17,457ft) above sea level, located in Colombia. A sudden drop in temperature, even in summer, can trigger winter-like conditions. The drive to approach the volcano is said to be the highest road in the country.

Located in Soto Norte Province, in the north-east of Santander department of northeastern Colombia, Vetas is said to be the highest town in the country, at an elevation of 3.350m (10,990ft) above the sea level. It’s one of the highest towns accessible by car on Earth.

Carretera 37 is a mountain road located in southern Colombia with a length of 196 km (121 miles), going within the foothills of the Cordillera Central.

Salto del Tequendama, the Tequendama Falls, is one of the Colombia’s major tourist attractions. Located in the municipality of San Antonio del Tequendama, it’s a 132m high waterfall on the Bogotá River.

El Silencio is a high mountain parking lot at an elevation of 2.585m (8,480ft) above the sea level located in Tolima Department, Colombia, within the Parque Nacional Natural Los Nevados, on the way to Nevado del Tolima, a stratovolcano at an elevation of 5.276m (17,303ft).

The challenging Pan-American Highway is one of the biggest adventures in the world. It’s a network of roads covering almost 30,000 kilometres (19,000 mi) from North America to South America. It’s said to be the longest road on Earth.

Laguna Verde de Azufral is a high mountain volcanic lake at an elevation of 3.970m (13,025ft) above the sea level, located in the department of Nariño in southern Colombia.

Located in Santander Department, in northeastern Colombia, the Carretera a Cepita is one of the most challenging roads of the country. Drivers must remain cautious as the pass has been known to claim the lives of careless drivers. Drive with care as this is a mountain road with hairpin curves and dangerous dropoffs.

Alto de la Cueva is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.855m (12,647ft) above the sea level, located in the Colombian Department of Boyacá, part of the sub-region of the Gutiérrez Province.

The Totoro-Inza is a high mountain road located in western Colombia. The drive is part of the Carretera 26.

Puente Negro (Black Bridge) is the name of a precarious bridge located in the department of Santander, in north-central Colombia. It’s one of the most spectacular bridges in the world.

Volcán Galeras is a high mountain stratovolcano at an elevation of 4,190m (13,746ft) above sea level, located in the department of Nariño, in Colombia.

Spondylus Route is a picturesque coastal route located in Ecuador. The road is fully paved, making it accessible for all kinds of travelers.

Troncal Amazónica is the easternmost major road in Ecuador. It's a scenic route that stretches almost the entire length of the country.