Mountain Biking in Ciénaga de la Virgen: Secret Routes for Adventurers on the Outskirts of Cartagena

What It Is and Context

When most people think of Cartagena, they imagine the Caribbean Sea, the walls of the Centro Histórico, and the smell of coconut cream in Bocagrande. But there is another Cartagena, one that does not appear on postcards or chiva tours. Twenty minutes from the center, bordering the Ciénaga de la Virgen, there is a circuit of dirt trails, mangroves, and dry hills that local cyclists have been quietly enjoying for years.

The Ciénaga de la Virgen is the largest body of water in the metropolitan area of Cartagena, a mangrove ecosystem that separates the city from the popular southeastern neighborhoods. For years it was seen as an environmental problem, but today, with the construction of the Vía Perimetral and the recovery of its edges, it has become an ideal natural corridor for mountain biking. You won't find bike rental stations or tourist maps here. This is real MTB, from the neighborhood, with mud, sun, and a community of cyclists who gather on Saturdays at 6 AM to pedal before the heat sets in.

In June 2026, the routes are in perfect condition: the rainy season has left the terrain firm but not muddy, and the sunsets over the lagoon are a spectacle few tourists know about. If you prefer a bike to a boat, this article will be useful for you.

Event Details: The Main Routes

There is no single "event," but rather a network of routes that local cyclists have marked over time. I recommend three trails that cover everything from the beginner wanting to try mud to the advanced rider looking to climb hills with panoramic views.

Vía Perimetral Trail (Intermediate Level)

This is the mandatory starting point. The Vía Perimetral is a two-lane road that borders the Ciénaga de la Virgen from the El Pozón neighborhood to the entrance of the Mamonal Industrial Zone. The asphalt is broken in several sections, and cars are few, especially on weekends. But the interesting part is not the road, but the dirt detours that go into the mangrove.

• Total distance: Approximately 12 km (round trip from El Pozón to the Ciénaga bridge).
• Difficulty: Intermediate. There are sections of loose sand and mud after rain.
• Starting point: Entrance to the El Pozón neighborhood, on Transversal 54. There is a store called "Mini Market El Ciclista" where you can buy water and fix punctures.
• Best part: The views of the lagoon at dawn, when migratory birds are active.

Mangrove Route (Beginner)

If you come from the city and don't have much MTB experience, this route is perfect to start. It is a 5 km circuit that goes from the Ciénaga de la Virgen Linear Park (in the La María neighborhood) to the viewpoint at the Ciénaga Bridge. The terrain is flat, mostly compacted dirt with some mangrove roots sticking out. There are no technical climbs, but there is a lot of sun: don't forget sunscreen.

• Total distance: 5 km (closed circuit).
• Difficulty: Low. Ideal for families with children or urban cyclists wanting to try dirt.
• Starting point: Ciénaga de la Virgen Linear Park, Calle 70 with Carrera 21. There is guarded parking for $5,000 COP.
• Best part: The viewpoint at the end of the trail, where you can see the lagoon and, in the background, Cerro de la Popa.

Cerro de la Popa (Advanced)

This is the big challenge. Cerro de la Popa is the highest point in Cartagena, at 150 meters above sea level. The climb from the Torices neighborhood is a steep dirt track with loose stones, roots, and tight curves. It is not for road bikes or beginners. Local cyclists climb here on Sundays at 5:30 AM to reach the top just as the sun rises over the city.

• Total distance: 3.5 km uphill (plus 3.5 km downhill).
• Difficulty: High. Positive elevation gain of 120 meters in less than 4 km.
• Starting point: Calle 31 with Carrera 17, in the Torices neighborhood. Ask for the "Torices soccer field," the trail starts there.
• Best part: The 360-degree view from the top: the Ciénaga de la Virgen, the Centro Histórico, Bocagrande, and the open sea.

Prices and How to Get Tickets

There are no tickets or passes. These routes are public and free to access. However, there are associated costs you should consider:

• Bike transport: If you come from the center or Bocagrande, you can take your bike in a taxi or a pickup truck. Taxis charge between $15,000 and $25,000 COP depending on the distance. Some drivers don't want to carry bikes, so ask before getting in.
• Hydration and food: In the surrounding neighborhoods (El Pozón, La María, Torices) there are local stores where you can buy water ($2,000 COP), Gatorade ($4,000 COP), and empanadas ($1,500 COP each). Don't expect gourmet restaurants: this is neighborhood food, simple and effective.
• Repairs: On Transversal 54, in front of the El Pozón neighborhood, there is a bike shop called "Bicicletas El Mono." They change patches, adjust brakes, and sell spare tubes. Open Monday to Saturday, 8 AM to 6 PM.

Reference prices for June 2026: a mountain bike tube costs between $15,000 and $25,000 COP, and a patch costs $5,000 COP.

How to Get There

All routes are on the outskirts of Cartagena, to the southeast of the city. The easiest way to get there from the Centro Histórico or Bocagrande is by taxi or on your own bike. If you come by car, there are informal parking lots at the starting points (they charge between $5,000 and $10,000 COP).

• From the Centro Histórico: Take Avenida Pedro de Heredia south, then turn off onto Transversal 54. The taxi ride takes about 20 minutes.
• From Bocagrande: Exit via Avenida San Martín, connect to Avenida Pedro de Heredia, and follow the same directions. By bike, it's about 40 minutes of urban pedaling.
• Public transport: Buses on the "El Pozón" route leave from the Center (near the Torre del Reloj) and drop you off at the entrance to the neighborhood. The fare is $2,800 COP. However, not all buses allow bikes; it's best to ask the driver.

Tips for Attendees

This is not a bike ride through the Centro Histórico. Here are some tips that will save you headaches:

• Leave before 7 AM: The sun in Cartagena is relentless. By 9 AM you are already roasting. Local cyclists leave between 5:30 and 6:00 AM, and by 9:30 AM they are already having breakfast at a neighborhood store.
• Bring enough water: There are no stalls on the routes. Calculate at least 2 liters per person for a 3-hour outing.
• Use wide tires: The terrain has loose sand, stones, and mud. Tires of 2.2 inches or more will give you traction. Road bikes are useless here.
• Join the 'Cartagena MTB' group: It is a WhatsApp group with about 200 local cyclists. They organize guided rides on Saturdays at 6 AM from the Ciénaga de la Virgen Linear Park. They don't charge, they just ask you to bring your own bike and water. To join, search for "Cartagena MTB" on Facebook and ask for the group link. It's the best way to learn the routes without getting lost and to make local friends.
• Watch out for dogs: In the surrounding neighborhoods, there are stray dogs. Some are territorial. Bring a whistle or a small stick to deter them. Local cyclists use pepper spray, but it's not mandatory.
• Don't go alone at sunset: The lagoon is beautiful at