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WHAT ARE THE MOST POPULAR CYCLING EVENTS IN LATIN AMERICA?
Latin America has emerged as a powerhouse in the global cycling scene, offering a rich mix of professional races, amateur gran fondos, and mountain biking adventures. With its dramatic landscapes—from the Andes to the Amazon—and passionate cycling culture, the region hosts some of the world’s most unique and challenging events. In this guide, we spotlight the most popular cycling competitions and rides across Latin America, highlighting what makes each one special, who they attract, and why they belong on every rider’s bucket list.
High-profile stage races in the Andes
Latin America's grand tours of altitude
The Andes mountains provide the dramatic backdrop for several of Latin America’s most prestigious stage races. Leading the pack is the Vuelta a Colombia, often called the “Tour de France of Latin America.” This grueling multi-day event has launched the careers of elite climbers like Nairo Quintana and Egan Bernal. The race typically includes brutal mountain passes above 3,000 meters, demanding both elite fitness and local altitude adaptation.
Next is Argentina’s Vuelta a San Juan, a UCI ProSeries race that has attracted WorldTour teams like Quick-Step and Ineos. Its blend of high desert climbs and technical descents makes it a fan favorite and a crucial early-season test for international pros. Ecuador’s Vuelta al Ecuador also deserves mention, bringing high-elevation action to one of the continent’s most passionate cycling nations.
Race characteristics and logistics
These events are well-organized and often include live coverage, police escorts, and full support for team logistics. However, travel planning is essential due to altitude, limited infrastructure in remote areas, and changing weather. They’re bucket-list events for anyone who wants a taste of true South American cycling intensity.
Vuelta a Colombia – June/July, 10+ stages, extreme climbs
Vuelta a San Juan – January, ProSeries race with big names
Vuelta al Ecuador – November, scenic Andean backdrops
Vuelta Ciclista al Uruguay – South America’s oldest stage race
Tour do Brasil – Brazil’s largest multi-stage road race
These stage races combine world-class athleticism with cultural immersion, making them a must-watch—and for a few brave amateurs, a must-ride.
Gran fondos and urban cycling fiestas
Mass participation meets local flavor
Gran fondos—mass-participation cycling events—have exploded in popularity across Latin America. The Gran Fondo Nueva York (GFNY) series is particularly influential, with races in Mexico, Colombia, Argentina, and Brazil. These events combine closed-road safety, chip timing, and festival atmospheres that attract thousands of amateur riders.
Mexico’s GFNY Cozumel is one of the most picturesque, with a fast, flat course along the Caribbean coast. Colombia’s Gran Fondo Boyacá Mundial honors the nation’s highland cycling culture with routes that rival pro-level difficulty. These events often include local food, music, and tourism packages, making them as much about celebration as competition.
Why gran fondos matter to the region
Gran fondos bridge the gap between competitive and recreational riding. They promote cycling culture, boost local economies, and give amateur riders a taste of professional treatment—timing chips, race photos, and support vehicles. Events are often tied to local causes, tourism initiatives, or national holidays.
GFNY Cozumel – November, sea views, party atmosphere
Gran Fondo Boyacá Mundial – September, high-altitude climbing
GFNY Argentina – San Luis, rolling terrain, growing prestige
Santos Tour Down Under Brasil – São Paulo, fun rides + urban vibe
Desafío de las Nubes (Argentina) – Climbers’ paradise in Salta
If you want a professionally organized ride without the pressure of elite racing, Latin American gran fondos deliver adventure, culture, and camaraderie in equal measure.
Mountain biking events and off-road adventures
Dirt, altitude, and adrenaline
Latin America’s mountain biking scene is booming, with rugged landscapes perfect for everything from XC to enduro and ultra-endurance events. Brazil’s Brasil Ride is the continent’s most prestigious MTB stage race. Held in Bahia’s Chapada Diamantina National Park, it draws elite racers from across the globe for a brutal multi-day off-road adventure.
Chile’s Andes Pacífico is an enduro race that takes riders from the high Andes all the way to the Pacific Ocean—five days of wild terrain, big descents, and minimal outside support. In Colombia, La Leyenda del Dorado blends technical trails, altitude, and jungle heat into a once-in-a-lifetime MTB experience. Bolivia and Peru are also gaining traction with epic backcountry routes and adventure races through Incan trails and altiplano vistas.
Events for every level of rider
While some events are pro-level sufferfests, others offer shorter routes for amateurs. Many include festival-style finishes with camping, food trucks, and live music. MTB events are known for their community spirit and connection to nature, making them perfect for riders who love dirt and discovery.
Brasil Ride – 7-day stage race, UCI sanctioned
Andes Pacífico – Enduro, high Andes to the coast
La Leyenda del Dorado – Colombia’s iconic MTB epic
Desafío Inca – Peru, gravel + XC adventure
Epic Israel Latinoamérica (Chile) – New addition with global appeal
If you love technical terrain, jaw-dropping scenery, and the feeling of conquering nature on two wheels, Latin America's MTB events are unmatched.
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