From Bogota: Mountains & Valleys Off-Road Motorcycle Tour

The mountains start just beyond Bogotá. This full-day motorcycle ride mixes more than 400 curves, high viewpoints, rough backcountry roads, and a very good lunch in Choachí. I like the small group of five or fewer and the useful Sena radios, which let you hear your guide while riding. I also like that fuel, safety gear, snacks, and lunch are included. The main catch is simple: you need real motorcycle experience, a valid motorcycle license, and the confidence to handle gravel, mud, sand, and steep curves.

This is not a sightseeing trip with a short motorcycle ride attached. You spend most of the day in the saddle, with 2 to 3 hours on dirt roads after lunch. The Honda XRE 190 should suit many riders, but the Honda XRE 300 upgrade may be worth considering if you want extra power and comfort on rough sections.

Key points at a glance

• Over 400 mountain curves: The road to the high country is the main event, with constant bends and changing elevation.
• A local rider’s viewpoint: One overlook is described as a favorite among local riders, giving you a more unusual stop than a standard city excursion.
• Two to three hours off-road: Expect gravel, sand, mud, tarmac, rough tracks, and remote mountain valleys.
• Lunch in Choachí: La Cocina de V serves Colombian and Western-style food made with fresh local ingredients.
• Small, guided group: With no more than five participants, the ride can feel more personal and easier to manage.
• Motorcycle gear included: You receive a Honda XRE 190, helmet, gloves, jacket, fuel, and a Sena radio.

Leaving Bogotá behind on two wheels

Your meeting point is in La Candelaria at Cra. 3 #12b-72, Apartment 103. Finding it takes a little care. Look for a blue apartment-style building with a yellow and black fence and The Big Bang Laundry nearby. Ring the bell marked 103, or contact the operator on WhatsApp when you arrive.

Check-in begins at 8:45 AM. Bring your passport, motorcycle license, and warm clothing. You must be at least 20 years old, at least 160 centimeters tall, and comfortable riding a motorcycle before you arrive. Sandals and flip-flops are not allowed, which makes sense once the route turns rough.

The first ride through the Bogotá region lasts about 30 minutes. This gives you time to settle onto the bike and get used to the group pace. The guide uses a Sena communication system, so you can receive directions and hear explanations without trying to pull over every few minutes.

That matters on a mountain ride. A road can change from smooth pavement to loose gravel with little warning, and a radio lets the guide point out turns or hazards while everyone is moving. The small group also helps. A maximum of five riders is much easier to keep together than a large convoy.

Four hundred curves into Cundinamarca

The climb begins in earnest after the opening ride. You will work through a long series of bends as the road rises into the misty mountains of Cundinamarca. The route includes more than 400 curves, so this is not the place for a rider who wants to sit back and admire the scenery without concentrating.

I like the way this section gives the day a clear sense of escape. Bogotá is still close, yet the road quickly carries you into mountain air, steep slopes, and open views. The curves are part of the attraction, but they also demand patience. Keep your speed under control, use the guide’s pace, and leave room for changing road surfaces.

A photo stop comes after roughly 30 minutes of riding. You get about 15 minutes to stretch and take pictures. Treat this as a useful reset rather than a grand attraction with a long list of facilities. The appeal is the view and the chance to pause before the next stretch of winding road.

The following ride lasts about 50 minutes. Expect more bends and changing elevation before a short countryside snack stop. The snack is included, but additional drinks and food are not, so carry some extra cash if you know you will want more during a long day in the saddle.

The viewpoint serious riders keep to themselves

One of the strongest parts of the route is a mountain overlook described as a local favorite and a spot known mainly to riders. The visit lasts about 30 minutes, giving you time to look out across the surrounding valleys and take photographs.

This stop gives the day more character than a standard tour route. It is not simply a drive to a famous marker, a quick photo, and back into the vehicle. The viewpoint is tied to the riding culture of the area, which makes it feel like part of the route rather than a separate attraction.

Still, keep your expectations practical. The stop is scenic, but the tour does not promise facilities, a long walk, or a formal viewpoint complex. You are visiting for the views and the ride. Warm layers are useful here, since mountain temperatures can feel quite different from Bogotá.

From this point, the paved riding leads toward the off-road portion. The route in Cundinamarca includes remote views and backcountry roads, so the day gradually shifts from a road ride into a more demanding motorcycle outing.

Dirt roads, mud, and changing surfaces

The first off-road section lasts about an hour. Later, after lunch, you ride off-road again for roughly 105 minutes. Taken together, you spend around two to three hours on dirt and rougher mountain routes.

This is where the tour earns its adventure label. The surface can include sand, gravel, mud, and tarmac. You may find that a road that looked easy from a distance requires more careful throttle control and balance once you reach it. The mix keeps the ride interesting, but it also means you need prior motorcycle experience rather than only a car license.

The Honda XRE 190 is included. It is the standard motorcycle for the experience, while an XRE 300 upgrade is available for riders who want a more powerful and comfortable option. The larger bike may make sense if you are tall, experienced, or simply prefer extra engine capacity on uneven ground. The operator advises riders to be at least 160 centimeters tall for safe and comfortable use.

Safety gear includes a helmet, gloves, and jacket. Fuel is included as well, which removes one practical worry during a long ride. You should still dress for changing conditions. Warm clothing is specifically recommended, and sturdy footwear is a must even though the exact type is not specified.

Your guide is an important part of this section. Brandon received especially strong praise for being helpful, patient, and well informed about the area. Richard was also described as kind and supportive throughout the ride. Those details matter on an off-road route, where calm instructions and a guide who pays attention can make the difference between an exciting challenge and an uncomfortable one.

Why lunch in Choachí matters

Lunch comes at La Cocina de V in Choachí, after the first off-road section. You have about an hour to eat, rest, and let your arms recover before getting back on the motorcycle.

Choachí gives the day a welcome human pause. After hours of curves and mountain roads, a proper meal in town feels far better than grabbing something quickly beside the route. The restaurant serves a mix of traditional Colombian and Western-style dishes using fresh local ingredients, so you have some choice in how familiar or local you want your meal to be.

The food has been one of the most praised parts of the experience. One rider called it the best meal of a Colombia trip, which is a strong endorsement for a one-day motorcycle excursion. I would not book the ride only for lunch, but it is a real advantage that the meal is built into the route rather than treated as an afterthought.

Lunch is included in the $146 price. Additional drinks and snacks are not, so keep money available if you want anything beyond what the tour provides. Souvenirs and gratuity for the guide are also extra.

The long ride back to Bogotá

After lunch, the second off-road section lasts about 105 minutes. This is likely to be the most tiring part of the day. You have already completed the climb, the curves, the viewpoint, and the first dirt section, so your concentration and muscles may be feeling the work.

The reward is another stretch through mountain valleys and remote routes. The tour does not simply turn around after reaching Choachí. You continue to get a proper full-day ride, with more changes in surface and elevation before returning toward Bogotá.

The final road ride through the Bogotá region takes about an hour. The exact return can fall just before or just after sunset, so do not schedule a tight evening reservation. The advertised duration is eight hours, but the detailed route adds up to a little more than that once the stops and riding segments are counted. Weather, road conditions, and group pace can also affect the finish.

This late return is one of the few drawbacks for planning. The day is full, and you should expect to be tired. It is best suited to someone who wants the ride itself to be the main event, not someone hoping to fit several evening activities into the same day.

What the $146 price really covers

At $146 per person, the tour is not a cheap way to see the countryside. It is a full motorcycle package, though, rather than a basic transport outing.

The fee covers:

• Honda XRE 190 motorcycle
• Optional upgrade to a Honda XRE 300
• Helmet, gloves, and jacket
• English-speaking guide
• Sena radio communication
• Fuel
• Snack
• Lunch in Choachí

The value is strongest if you would otherwise need to arrange a motorcycle, safety equipment, fuel, and a guide separately. The small group also adds practical value. You are not paying for a crowded coach or a long wait while dozens of riders regroup.

The price makes less sense if you already have access to a motorcycle and only want a short ride outside Bogotá. This tour charges for a full day, a planned route, food, equipment, and local guidance. For an experienced rider who wants a ready-made mountain and dirt-road route, that package is fairly easy to justify.

The Honda XRE 300 costs extra, but the listing does not state the upgrade price. Ask before booking if the larger bike is important to you.

Who should book this ride?

You should consider this tour if you already ride motorcycles and want a serious day outside Bogotá. It fits riders who enjoy winding pavement, mountain views, uneven surfaces, and the small challenges that come with gravel and mud.

It also suits anyone who prefers a small guided outing to a large group excursion. The English guide, radio system, and limited group size make the day easier to follow, especially when the road becomes complicated.

You should skip it if you have never ridden a motorcycle, only hold a standard car license, or feel uneasy on loose surfaces. This is not a beginner lesson. Pregnant people, those with pre-existing medical conditions, people under 20, people under 160 centimeters, and people over 70 are listed as unsuitable for the activity.

The ride may also be a poor match if you want a relaxed sightseeing day. You will spend many hours riding, and the route asks for steady attention. The views are a bonus, but the motorcycle experience comes first.

Practical details before you reserve

You must bring both your passport and valid motorcycle license from your home country. The license requirement is not a minor formality. You cannot participate without it.

Wear warm clothing and closed, sturdy footwear. Do not arrive in sandals or flip-flops. The equipment supplied includes a helmet, gloves, and jacket, but the clothing you wear beneath that gear remains your responsibility.

The tour is offered in English, with both a live English guide and English audio support through the communication system. Group size is limited to five participants, which helps keep instructions clear and the pace manageable.

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. The reserve-now, pay-later option gives you some flexibility while you finalize your Bogotá plans.

Should you book the Mountains and Valleys ride?

Book it if you want a proper motorcycle day, not a quick city add-on. The combination of 400 curves, a rider-focused viewpoint, two to three hours of off-road riding, and lunch in Choachí gives you a varied route with real time in the mountains.

I would be especially comfortable recommending it to an experienced rider who values good guiding and a small group. Brandon and Richard received praise for their patience and support, and the included radio system is useful on a route with so many bends and surface changes.

Skip it if your motorcycle experience is limited, if you need a guaranteed early finish, or if you prefer gentle sightseeing. For the right rider, though, $146 buys far more than a motorcycle rental. It buys a complete day route into Cundinamarca, with the practical pieces already handled.

FAQ

Do I need a motorcycle license to join the tour?

Yes. Every rider must have a valid motorcycle driver’s license from their home country, along with a passport.

How old do I need to be?

All riders must be at least 20 years old. The activity is also listed as unsuitable for people over 70.

What motorcycle is included?

The standard motorcycle is a Honda XRE 190. You can request an upgrade to a Honda XRE 300 for additional power and comfort.

Is motorcycle equipment provided?

Yes. The tour includes a helmet, gloves, and jacket. Fuel is also included.

How much off-road riding is involved?

The route includes about two to three hours of off-road riding through mountain valleys and backcountry routes. Surfaces may include gravel, sand, mud, and tarmac.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is provided at La Cocina de V in Choachí. Extra drinks, snacks, and souvenirs are not included.

Where does the tour begin and end?

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