This is the second part of the route across the Central Cordillera; a great way of avoiding the busy Panamericana Highway if you’re riding north (or south). It can also be used between La Plata and Neiva to avoid the main road running through the department of Huila. The route is 65% paved and follows quiet b-roads as it descends from the Tierradentro archeological park, through La Plata and on to Neiva. The vistas are amazing for the first 35km or so; after that the vegetation closes in on the road and shades you from a sun that becomes ever more intense as you descend into the lowlands. Overall, the ride is a long descent from 1500m to 440m, but the constant hills and rises mean that it has a total positive elevation of over 2,000m. I rode it in a day, but if you wanted to do it in a couple of days there are a few small towns and villages with places to stay along the route.

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