REVIEW · PRIVATE MOTORCYCLE TOURS
Private Tour on a 1100cc Cruiser Motorcycle
The best part of this Cali outing is the change of pace: one minute you are near the city center, and soon you are climbing the western Andes on a powerful 1100cc cruiser motorcycle. The route gives you a proper taste of Cali, from Jairo Varela Square to Cristo Rey and the mountain roads above town.
I like the private format, which lets Juan Miguel adjust the pace and route to your interests. I also like the careful start, with safety instructions and a handling test before the ride. The main consideration is traffic. The return to Cali can be slower in the afternoon, so a morning departure is the smarter choice.
Key points at a glance
- A genuine motorcycle experience: You ride as a passenger on a high-capacity cruiser with an expert driver and guide.
- Three very different settings: See central Cali, the Cristo Rey viewpoint, and the cooler mountain roads near Yanaconas.
- Juan Miguel leads the ride: He provides the guide service in English or Spanish and places strong attention on safety.
- Hotel pickup is included: A private car takes you to the meeting point near Cali’s transportation terminal.
- The route can be tailored: San Antonio Hill is an optional stop, and another route may be possible by arrangement.
- The price covers the basics: At $169 per private group of up to two, you get the motorcycle, fuel, protective equipment, insurance, guide, and pickup.
What the $169 private ride actually gives you

At $169 for up to two people, this is not priced like a basic city transfer. It is a private four-hour outing with a high-capacity motorcycle, a dedicated guide, hotel pickup, fuel, helmets, body protection, and mandatory insurance.
That price makes the most sense for two people sharing the experience. Split between two, it becomes a useful value for a personalized mountain excursion. If you are traveling alone, you are paying for privacy and a one-to-one format rather than simply buying a seat on a group bus.
The private setup matters here. Cali traffic can be busy, and mountain roads require attention. Juan Miguel can set a comfortable pace, explain what you are seeing, and adjust the route if you want more time at a viewpoint or prefer a different destination.
The motorcycle is the main attraction, not just a way to move between sights. You feel the curves, breeze, and changes in temperature as Cali gives way to the Andes. If you only want a quick look at city monuments, a standard car tour may be simpler. If the ride itself is part of your holiday, this is where the value lies.
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Hotel pickup and the safety test near Cali’s terminal

Your day begins with pickup at your hotel in Cali. You wait in the lobby, then ride in a private car to the meeting point near the transportation terminal.
That first transfer is practical. You do not need to find an unfamiliar motorcycle meeting point, and you can leave your larger belongings at the hotel. The tour description does not specify the exact pickup window, so check the available start times when booking.
Before heading out, Juan Miguel gives a 15-minute safety briefing. You receive a helmet and body protection, then take part in a motorcycle handling test. This is one of the most important parts of the experience.
You are not expected to simply climb on and hope for the best. The test gives you a chance to get comfortable with the motorcycle, understand how the ride will work, and raise any concerns before entering city traffic. Previous feedback places strong emphasis on Juan Miguel’s patient approach and careful driving, especially on roads with poor surfaces.
Bring your driver’s license, even though the experience is described around riding with an expert motorcycle driver. The operator specifically lists it as required. You also need sunscreen, long pants, and closed-toe shoes. Shorts are not permitted, and the activity is not suitable for pregnant women, wheelchair users, or children under 18.
Jairo Varela Square puts Cali first

The first sightseeing stop is Jairo Varela Square, in the heart of Cali. You have about 30 minutes for a photo stop and a short motorcycle tour around the area.
This is a useful opening stop because it places you in the city before the road climbs into the hills. The square is tied to Cali’s musical identity and gives the tour a clear local starting point rather than sending you straight to a lookout.
You should think of this as a brief introduction, not a long cultural visit. The ride remains the focus, so you will have time for photos and a short explanation, but not an extended museum-style tour. If you want detailed time in central Cali, tell Juan Miguel early so you can see how the route can be adjusted.
From here, the city portion continues for roughly 45 minutes. The exact roads may vary, since the experience is private and the provider says alternative destinations can be arranged. The ride through traffic is part of the reality of seeing Cali by motorcycle. It is less insulated than a car, but it also gives you a closer feel for the city’s movement and street life.
The climb to Cristo Rey is the main payoff

The route then heads up the western Andes toward Cristo Rey, Cali’s large hilltop monument. The climb includes an approximately 8.5-kilometer ride and leads to one of the city’s best broad views.
At Cristo Rey, you have time to stop, take photographs, walk, and hear about the site. The planned visit is about 40 minutes. That is enough for a proper break and pictures without making the tour feel like a long hike.
The view is the reason to come up here. From the monument, you can look across Cali and the surrounding area, with the city spread below and the hills rising around it. The ride makes the viewpoint more rewarding because you have felt the road gain height rather than simply arriving by vehicle.
Conditions on the mountain road can change, and the surface is not guaranteed to be perfect. That is why a skilled driver matters. Juan Miguel has been praised for riding ahead on rougher sections and pointing out damaged pavement. You should still expect curves, wind, and a little movement on the motorcycle. This is an active outing, not a smooth sightseeing shuttle.
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Andean roads lead to La Virgen de Yanaconas

After Cristo Rey, the ride continues through the Valle del Cauca toward La Virgen de Yanaconas, also called La Virgen de los Andes. This section gives you more time on the motorcycle, with about 30 minutes of guided riding before the stop and another 30-minute visit.
The monument is a quieter contrast to Cristo Rey. It is a religious site and lookout built by the Marist Brothers in connection with the Marian Year. You can pause, walk, take photos, and enjoy the cooler air and mountain setting.
I like this part of the route because it slows the day down. Cristo Rey is the big city viewpoint, while Yanaconas offers a more peaceful stop along the hills. The two places work well together: one gives you scale and city views, the other gives you a calmer mountain pause.
Keep your expectations practical. The tour does not promise a long hike, a meal, or a formal religious program. You are getting a short visit, a lookout, and time to take in the surroundings before riding back.
San Antonio Hill is the flexible final stop

On the return to Cali, you may be able to stop at San Antonio Hill. This optional visit adds a colonial setting, local atmosphere, and another panoramic view over the city.
San Antonio is a good choice if you want more than viewpoints and motorcycle time. The hill has a recognizable Cali character, and it can add a little culture and local flavor before you return to your hotel. The plan includes time to stop, take photos, walk, and receive a short guided visit.
The stop is not presented as guaranteed in every version of the route, so discuss it at the beginning. The same applies if you have another destination in mind. The operator says the route can be tailored, but a change may affect the timing and number of stops.
There is an important scheduling point here. The detailed stop-by-stop times add up to more than four hours if every segment is treated as a separate block. That suggests the listed times are flexible estimates or include overlapping riding and stop periods. Ask about the exact plan when you reserve, especially if San Antonio Hill is important to you.
Why a morning start makes sense

The experience lasts about four hours, but city traffic can shape how much time you spend riding versus waiting. One clear practical tip is to choose a morning departure if possible.
The ride out toward the hills is more enjoyable when you are not trying to return during the afternoon rush. Traffic is less predictable than the mountain roads, and the final part of the day can feel less relaxed if the motorcycle is working through slow city streets.
Morning light may also help with photos from Cristo Rey and Yanaconas, though the exact conditions depend on the day. The provider lists multiple starting times, so check availability and ask which departure offers the easiest return.
Safety, comfort, and what to wear
This tour has a stronger safety structure than a casual motorcycle transfer. You receive instructions, complete a handling test, wear a helmet and body protection, and ride with an expert driver. Mandatory insurance and fuel are included.
The insurance does not mean every cost is covered. Any traffic fines or damage caused by an accident are specifically excluded. Read those terms carefully and ride responsibly.
Wear long pants and closed-toe shoes. Sunscreen is a smart addition, even on a cooler mountain route. Shorts are not allowed, and you should avoid loose or awkward clothing that could make the ride uncomfortable.
You should also be honest about your comfort level. If you are nervous around motorcycles, tell Juan Miguel during the orientation. The handling test is there to help you get your bearings, but the activity still involves city traffic, curves, wind, and uneven road sections.
Who will get the most from this experience
I would choose this tour if you want to combine a motorcycle ride with Cali’s main hilltop views. It suits couples, friends, and solo visitors who prefer a private outing and want to avoid a fixed group schedule.
It is especially useful if you have only part of a day available. In four hours, you can connect the city center with Cristo Rey and Yanaconas without arranging separate transport. Hotel pickup also removes some of the usual guesswork.
This is less suitable if you want a slow walking tour, a food-focused excursion, or a full historical tour of Cali. It is also not appropriate for anyone under 18, pregnant people, wheelchair users, or anyone who cannot comfortably sit on a motorcycle for several hours.
The language choice is straightforward. Juan Miguel guides in Spanish or English, so select the language you need when booking. His patient explanations and tips about restaurants and other activities can add value, but the precise depth of commentary may depend on your questions and the route.
Cancellation, payment, and group size

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. The reserve-now, pay-later option lets you hold a place without paying immediately, which is useful if your Cali schedule is still changing.
The group is private and limited to up to two people at the listed price. Pickup is included, but anything not specifically listed is extra. Fuel, protective equipment, insurance, the guide, and the motorcycle are covered, while traffic fines and accident damage are not.
Should you book the Cali motorcycle tour?
Book it if the thought of riding a large cruiser through Cali and into the western Andes sounds better than sitting in a van. The strongest reasons are the private format, Juan Miguel’s careful safety approach, the Cristo Rey views, and the chance to reach Yanaconas without arranging transport yourself.
Choose a morning start, wear the required clothing, bring your license, and confirm how much time is available for San Antonio Hill or any custom stop. If you want a quiet, polished ride with no traffic or road movement, choose another type of tour. If you want the city, the hills, and the feeling of the road in one compact outing, this is a well-focused choice.
FAQ
How long does the motorcycle tour last?
The advertised duration is four hours.
How much does the tour cost?
The price is $169 per private group of up to two people.
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes. Pickup is included in Cali, and you should wait in your hotel lobby.
Where does the tour begin after hotel pickup?
A private car takes you to a meeting point near Cali’s transportation terminal.
Is the tour private?
Yes. The activity is offered as a private group experience for up to two people.
Which languages are available?
The live guide service is available in Spanish and English.
What places are included on the route?
The route includes Jairo Varela Square, Cristo Rey, and La Virgen de Yanaconas, also called La Virgen de los Andes. San Antonio Hill may be included as an optional stop.
What equipment is provided?
A high-capacity motorcycle, helmet, body protection, mandatory insurance, fuel, and an expert motorcycle driver and guide are included.
What should I bring and wear?
Bring your driver’s license and sunscreen. Wear long pants and closed-toe shoes. Shorts are not allowed.
Can I cancel the booking?
Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later.
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