From Bogota: Mountains & Valleys Off-Road Motorcycle Tour

Bogotá is hemmed in by mountains, and this ride gets you out of the city in a hurry. You’ll tackle more than 400 curves, climb into misty high country, stop at a local overlook, and spend hours on dirt roads through mountain valleys. It is a full day with a proper sense of adventure, not a quick motorbike spin around town.

I like the small group of no more than five, since that keeps the ride personal and makes communication easier. I also like the mix of surfaces: smooth pavement, gravel, sand, mud, and rough backcountry tracks. The main consideration is simple: this is for experienced riders, not first-timers. You need a valid motorcycle license, confidence on a bike, and enough stamina for a long day in the saddle.

Key points at a glance

• More than 400 mountain curves: The paved climb out of Bogotá is a major part of the fun, with constant bends and changing views.
• Two to three hours off-road: Expect dirt, gravel, sand, mud, elevation changes, and remote valley roads.
• Lunch in Choachí: La Cocina de V serves traditional Colombian and Western-style dishes made with local ingredients.
• Honda XRE 190 included: You can upgrade to a Honda XRE 300 if you want more power and comfort.
• Brandon and Richard may guide your ride: Both are noted for patient, helpful instruction and strong local knowledge.
• Communication gear included: Helmets, gloves, jackets, Sena radios, fuel, a snack, and lunch are provided.

Leaving La Candelaria for the high country

The day begins at the operator’s office at Cra. 3 #12b-72, Apartment 103, in Bogotá’s La Candelaria district. Look for the blue building with the yellow and black fence, beside The Big Bang Laundry. Ring the bell marked 103 or contact the team through WhatsApp when you arrive.

Check-in starts at 8:45 AM. You should arrive with your passport and motorcycle license ready. The ride can bring you back just before or just after sunset, so this is not the activity to schedule before an evening flight or an important dinner.

The first section takes about 30 minutes by motorcycle through the Bogotá area. This gets you used to the bike, the traffic, and the rhythm of the group before the road begins climbing. Your guide uses a Sena radio, which lets you receive directions and hear local information without needing to pull over every few minutes.

The Honda XRE 190 is included in the price. If you prefer a larger, more powerful motorcycle, the Honda XRE 300 is available as an upgrade. I would consider the upgrade if you are tall, carry more weight, or simply prefer a stronger bike for long stretches of rough road. The standard motorcycle should suit riders who are comfortable with a mid-sized dual-sport machine.

A photo stop before the road turns serious

After the opening ride, you make a 15-minute photo stop. It is a useful pause early in the day, both for pictures and for getting your bearings before the route becomes more demanding.

Then comes another 50-minute motorcycle section through the Bogotá region. This is where the ride begins to feel less like city transport and more like a proper mountain trip. The road bends repeatedly as you climb, and the changing elevation brings cooler air and wider views.

The route is known for more than 400 curves. That number matters because the ride is active almost constantly. You are not simply sitting on a motorcycle while someone else handles the scenery. You will be braking, leaning, changing pace, and watching the road surface. If you enjoy winding roads, this is one of the strongest parts of the day. If repeated curves make you tired or uneasy, take that seriously before booking.

Local snacks and a local-only viewpoint

A 15-minute snack stop breaks up the morning. The included snack gives you something to eat before the longer push into Cundinamarca, though you may want to bring extra water or money for additional drinks and food.

The route then continues for about 80 minutes, followed by roughly 30 minutes of scenic riding and views along the way. One of the most appealing stops is an overlook known mainly to local riders and people from the area. The exact viewpoint is not presented as a standard sightseeing stop, which is part of its charm. You get a road experience tied to the riding community rather than a famous city attraction packed into a bus itinerary.

Bring a phone or camera, but do not let the photo stops fool you into expecting a slow sightseeing tour. You will spend much of the day moving. The best views appear as part of the route, and the ride itself is the main event.

Choachí lunch at the midpoint

Lunch comes in Choachí, a charming town in Cundinamarca. You eat at La Cocina de V, a cozy restaurant serving Colombian dishes alongside Western-style food prepared with fresh local ingredients.

This meal is more important than it might sound. After the first mountain sections, you need a proper break before the off-road part of the day. The one-hour lunch stop gives you time to eat, rest your body, and prepare for a rougher ride ahead.

The food has also become one of the strongest parts of the experience. One booking described the meal as the best food of a Colombia trip, served in a small town during the mountain ride. That is a useful detail for anyone comparing this with a tour that only provides a basic packed lunch.

Do not expect a long restaurant stay or a wide choice of formal dining. This is a working lunch in the middle of a riding day. Still, eating in Choachí gives the route a sense of place that a city-based motorcycle lesson cannot match.

Two to three hours on dirt roads

After lunch, the ride turns off the pavement for about two to three hours in total. The route includes rugged mountain valleys and backcountry roads, with sections of gravel, sand, mud, and dirt. You may also encounter continued changes in elevation and road quality.

This is where prior riding experience matters most. You need to be comfortable standing or shifting your weight as conditions require, managing loose surfaces, and staying calm when the road becomes uneven. The activity provider requires previous motorcycle experience for good reason.

The off-road section is not described as a race. The guides focus on keeping the group together and helping riders through the route. Brandon is specifically praised for being helpful and well informed about the area, while Richard is noted for patience and steady assistance. Those qualities are valuable when a rider needs a little extra time on a rough patch.

The Sena radios are useful here. You can hear instructions while riding, and your guide can provide background about the area without breaking the flow of the trip. In a group limited to five people, the guide can also pay closer attention to each rider than would be possible on a large convoy.

Still, be honest about your comfort level. A motorcycle license alone is not enough if you have only ridden scooters on flat city streets. The route combines long paved sections with demanding dirt riding, so you should already know how to control a motorcycle on changing surfaces.

What the motorcycles and gear mean for you

The included Honda XRE 190 is a practical dual-sport choice for a route that mixes pavement and dirt. You also receive a helmet, gloves, jacket, and fuel, which removes several costs that can add up with a rental.

The XRE 300 upgrade makes sense for riders who want more power or a more comfortable machine over a full day. The larger motorcycle may appeal to taller or heavier riders, though the stated minimum height is 160 centimeters, or about 5 feet 3 inches. The provider does not recommend the activity for anyone under that height.

Wear warm clothing beneath the supplied jacket. Mountain temperatures can feel very different from Bogotá, especially when the road climbs into mist and higher elevations. Closed shoes are essential. Sandals and flip-flops are not allowed, and they would offer poor protection on a motorcycle in any case.

You should also pack your passport, motorcycle license, and any personal medication you need. Extra drinks and snacks are not included, and souvenirs or gratuity cost extra.

Is the $146 price good value?

At $146 per person, the tour is not the cheapest way to see the countryside outside Bogotá. But the price includes a motorcycle, fuel, protective equipment, a guide, Sena communication radios, a snack, and lunch. It also covers a full day rather than a short rental window.

The value is strongest if you would otherwise need to arrange a motorcycle, protective clothing, fuel, route planning, and a local guide separately. The small group also matters. A limit of five participants allows the guides to keep the ride more personal, and it helps prevent long waits for a large convoy.

The price is less attractive if you mainly want viewpoints and lunch. A regular countryside excursion may cost less and require far less physical effort. You are paying for the riding itself, particularly the curves and off-road sections.

An upgrade to the Honda XRE 300 costs extra, though the supplied information does not state the amount. Ask about that price before confirming if you already know you want the larger bike.

Who should book this ride?

I would recommend it to an experienced motorcyclist who wants a full day outside Bogotá without arranging a route independently. It suits riders who enjoy changing road surfaces, mountain bends, cool weather, and a little uncertainty about what comes next.

It is also a good fit if you want more than a standard city tour. The route connects Bogotá with Cundinamarca’s rural roads and Choachí, giving you a day that mixes local food, scenery, and motorcycling.

I would not choose it for a first motorcycle lesson. It is also not suitable for anyone under 20, anyone without a valid motorcycle license, people over 70, pregnant women, or people with pre-existing medical conditions. The provider also advises against it for anyone shorter than 160 centimeters.

The age and height limits are not minor booking notes. You need to control the motorcycle confidently, reach the controls comfortably, and handle a long day of riding. If you are unsure about any of those points, choose a less demanding activity.

Timing, group size, and practical details

The stated duration is eight hours, with an 8:45 AM check-in and a return that may fall just before or after sunset. The route segments add up to a long day, so keep your evening schedule open.

The group is limited to five participants, and the tour operates in English with a live guide and English audio support through the communication system. Fuel, lunch, snack, motorcycle, protective gear, and guide services are included.

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and you can reserve without paying immediately. Availability and starting times should be checked when booking.

The meeting point can be easy to miss because it is inside an apartment-style building. Look for The Big Bang Laundry and the yellow and black fence, then ring apartment 103. That small bit of preparation will save you from circling La Candelaria in riding gear.

Should you book the Mountains and Valleys ride?

Book it if your idea of a good day outside Bogotá includes 400 curves, rough roads, remote views, and a real motorcycle challenge. The best features are the varied surfaces, the small group, the Choachí lunch, and the assistance from guides such as Brandon and Richard.

Skip it if you want a gentle scenic outing, have little motorcycle experience, or need to be back at a fixed time. For the right rider, $146 is a fair price for the motorcycle, equipment, guide, food, fuel, and long route. For everyone else, the same ingredients that make it exciting can make it tiring.

FAQ

Do I need a motorcycle license to join the tour?

Yes. You must bring a valid motorcycle driver’s license from your home country and your passport.

How old must I be to participate?

All riders must be at least 20 years old.

How much motorcycle experience do I need?

You must have prior knowledge and experience riding a motorcycle. This is not intended for beginners.

What motorcycle is included?

The tour includes a Honda XRE 190. A Honda XRE 300 upgrade is available for an additional charge.

How long is the tour?

The listed duration is eight hours. Check-in begins at 8:45 AM, and the return may be just before or after sunset.

What food is included?

A countryside snack and lunch at La Cocina de V in Choachí are included. Additional snacks and drinks are not included.

What riding equipment is provided?

The tour provides a helmet, gloves, jacket, and fuel. You should wear warm clothing and closed shoes. Sandals and flip-flops are not allowed.

Where does the tour start and finish?

It starts and finishes at Cra. 3 #12b-72, Apartment 103, in La Candelaria, Bogotá. The building is blue, with a yellow and black fence, beside The Big Bang Laundry.