From Bogota: Mountains & Valleys Off-Road Motorcycle Tour

Trade Bogotá’s traffic for mountain curves. This full-day ride takes you from La Candelaria into Cundinamarca’s misty Andean roads, with more than 400 bends, remote viewpoints, dirt trails, and lunch in Choachi. I like the mix of paved and rough riding, and I like that the group is limited to five people. The main catch is simple: you need real motorcycle experience, a valid motorcycle license, and enough confidence for gravel, mud, sand, and steep mountain roads.

I also like the practical setup. The price includes the Honda XRE 190, helmet, gloves, jacket, fuel, lunch, a snack, and a guide. You can pay extra to upgrade to a Honda XRE 300, which may suit taller or more experienced riders who want more power and comfort. This is not a sightseeing trip with a short scooter ride tacked on. It is a serious eight-hour motorcycle day, and the riding takes center stage.

Key Points Before You Book

• More than 400 mountain curves: The paved climb gives you a long, twisty introduction to the Cundinamarca highlands before the dirt riding begins.

• Two to three hours off-road: Expect sand, gravel, mud, tarmac, rough backcountry routes, and changing elevations.

• Lunch in Choachi: La Cocina de V serves traditional Colombian and Western-style dishes made with fresh local ingredients.

• Small group of five: A compact group helps the guide manage the ride and communicate with you through Sena radios.

• Honda XRE 190 included: The standard bike is supplied with riding gear, fuel, and support. A Honda XRE 300 upgrade is available.

• Motorcycle license required: You must be at least 20, hold a valid motorcycle license from your home country, bring your passport, and have prior riding experience.

Leaving La Candelaria for the Cundinamarca Mountains

The day begins at the Loco Moto office at Cra. 3 #12b-72, Apt 103, in La Candelaria. Finding it takes a little attention. Look for the blue building with the yellow and black fence and the laundromat called 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. The ride usually lasts about eight hours, though the return can be just before or after sunset. That timing matters. You are not squeezing in a quick morning outing before other plans. Keep the rest of the day open, and avoid booking an evening activity that requires you to be back at a precise hour.

The first ride segment takes about 30 minutes through the Bogotá region. This gets you out of the city and toward the mountain roads. It is also a useful period for settling into the motorcycle, checking your gear, and getting used to the guide’s rhythm.

You ride a Honda XRE 190 as part of the standard package. The bike is paired with a helmet, gloves, jacket, and fuel. If you prefer a more powerful motorcycle, the Honda XRE 300 upgrade is worth considering, especially if you have plenty of riding experience or simply prefer a larger engine on rough roads.

The First 400 Curves and a Viewpoint Worth the Ride

The climb into the mountains is one of the defining parts of the day. The route includes more than 400 curves, so this is not a straight road with occasional bends. You need to stay alert, place your motorcycle carefully, and be comfortable changing speed often.

After about 50 more minutes of riding, there is a 15-minute photo stop. This breaks up the climb and gives you time to take in the first broad views beyond Bogotá. Bring a phone or camera, but keep it packed safely while riding. Mountain weather can change quickly, and warm clothing is specifically recommended.

The roads are part of the attraction. You get repeated turns, elevation changes, and mountain scenery rather than a single lookout followed by a long wait. If you enjoy riding for its own sake, this section will likely be more rewarding than a standard day trip by car.

There is also a 15-minute countryside snack break. The included snack gives you a small boost before the longer section ahead. Additional snacks and drinks are not included, so you may want to bring some spending money or confirm what is available at the stop.

After the snack, the route continues for roughly 80 minutes through Cundinamarca. The ride then reaches a local viewpoint that is described as a favorite among local riders. It is the kind of stop that adds character to the day because it is presented as a place known more by riders than by standard sightseeing groups.

The viewpoint stop lasts about 30 minutes. It is a good chance to pause before the route changes from mostly paved riding to rougher terrain. The views are a major reason to take this tour, but remember that weather and visibility can affect what you see in the mountains.

Turning onto Dirt Roads in Cundinamarca

The first off-road section lasts about an hour. This is where the tour becomes more demanding. You may encounter gravel, sand, mud, and uneven backcountry surfaces, based on the range of road conditions described for the route.

I like this variety because it keeps the day from feeling repetitive. You are not simply repeating paved curves for eight hours. You get a clear change of pace, from controlled mountain bends to loose or rough surfaces that require more active riding.

That variety is also the main reason this tour is not suitable for a beginner. You must already know how to handle a motorcycle before arriving. A valid license alone is not enough if you have never ridden off-road or have little practice managing gravel and mud.

The guide uses Sena radios for communication and historical information. That is useful on a ride with repeated turns and changing surfaces. You can receive instructions without relying on hand signals or trying to ride close enough to hear every word. The English-speaking guide also helps make the route easier to follow.

The small group limit of five participants is a real advantage here. A compact group can make it easier for the guide to keep an eye on riders and adjust the pace when needed. It also means this is not a large convoy that clogs every viewpoint or forces you to wait through long roll calls.

Lunch in Choachi at La Cocina de V

Lunch comes after the first off-road section, with about an hour set aside at La Cocina de V in Choachi. The restaurant serves a mix of Colombian and Western-style food, using fresh local ingredients.

This stop gives the day a useful human pause. After hours of curves and rough roads, you get a proper meal in a small mountain town rather than a quick roadside snack. The food is one of the strongest parts of the day’s value, especially because it is included in the $146 price.

A meal in Choachi also adds more local texture than eating back in Bogotá. You are stopping in a town that forms part of the route, not simply returning to the city for lunch. One rider described the meal as the best of their time in Colombia, which says a lot about how memorable this stop can be for some people.

Still, I would not choose the tour only for lunch. The restaurant is one part of a long motorcycle day, and your main reason for booking should be the riding. Also remember that extra drinks and snacks are not included, so budget for those separately.

The Longer 105-Minute Off-Road Return

After lunch, you ride for another 105 minutes through Cundinamarca. This is the longest off-road section of the itinerary and likely the part that asks the most from you physically and mentally.

By this point, you will have already spent hours riding curves, stopping at viewpoints, and handling different surfaces. Fatigue can make rough roads feel harder, especially if you are not used to a full day on a motorcycle. The included jacket, gloves, and helmet help, but you should still arrive rested and dressed for changing temperatures.

Warm clothing is important. Bogotá may feel mild or cool, while the mountain roads can be misty and colder. Sandals and flip flops are not allowed, and proper closed footwear is a basic safety need for this type of ride.

The reward is the backcountry scenery. The route passes through mountain valleys and remote areas, with broad views and elevation changes that are difficult to experience from a normal city tour. You get a stronger sense of the countryside because you are moving through it at riding speed, stopping where the route calls for it rather than following a string of city attractions.

The conditions can also be messy. Sand, gravel, mud, and rough tracks are not decorative details. They affect balance, braking, and comfort. If you prefer smooth pavement, air-conditioned transport, and fixed arrival times, this is the wrong day trip for you.

Returning to Bogotá Before or After Sunset

The return to the Bogotá region takes about an hour. The tour then finishes back at the same La Candelaria office.

The advertised duration is eight hours, but the actual return may fall just before or after sunset. That is normal for a route with mountain curves, photo stops, changing surfaces, lunch, and a small group. I would plan dinner loosely rather than reserve a time-sensitive table across town.

The return leg also gives you a final stretch of paved riding after the dirt sections. You may be tired by now, but the city finish makes the trip easy to manage. There is no separate transfer back to Bogotá because you return to the starting point on the motorcycle route.

What the $146 Price Really Covers

At $146 per person, the price is not just paying for a guide and a scenic drive. It covers the Honda XRE 190, helmet, gloves, jacket, fuel, snack, lunch, communication radios, and a full day of riding.

That package makes the cost easier to justify for visitors who would otherwise need to rent a motorcycle, arrange protective gear, buy fuel, find the route, and organize a restaurant stop. The guide’s local route knowledge also matters on a day that includes lesser-known viewpoints and rough backcountry roads.

The Honda XRE 300 upgrade gives you a choice rather than forcing every rider onto the same machine. The standard XRE 190 is included, while the larger bike may offer a more powerful and comfortable ride. The exact upgrade price is not provided, so you should confirm that amount before booking.

You still need money for souvenirs, extra snacks, drinks, and the guide’s gratuity. Those costs are not part of the listed price. The reservation can be made with payment later, and cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance, which gives you some flexibility if your Bogotá plans shift.

Who Will Enjoy This Ride Most

I would recommend this tour to an experienced rider who wants a full day outside Bogotá without giving up the fun of operating a motorcycle. It suits you if twisty roads, dirt tracks, changing surfaces, and mountain scenery sound better than a gentle bus trip.

It is also a good choice if you want a small group. With no more than five participants and English-language communication through Sena radios, the setup is personal and practical.

The tour is not suitable for anyone under 20, anyone without a motorcycle license, or anyone without prior motorcycle experience. The operator advises riders to be at least 160 centimeters, or 5 feet 3 inches, for safe and comfortable operation. The stated restrictions also exclude pregnant women, people over 70, and people with pre-existing medical conditions.

You should bring your passport and driver’s license. The license must be a valid motorcycle license from your home country, not simply a standard car license. If you are unsure about the type of license accepted, contact the operator before reserving.

Guide Support and the Feel of the Day

The guide is central to this experience. Brandon received specific praise for being helpful and well informed about the area, while Richard was described as kind and supportive throughout the ride. One account also highlights the patience and helpfulness of the guide.

Those details matter because the route is long and varied. You want someone who can explain the area, keep communication clear, and help when the riding gets harder. The Sena radios support that role by allowing direct communication while you ride.

The strongest praise focuses on three things: the scenery, the road variety, and the guides. The route delivers twisty turns, gravel, sand, mud, paved roads, mountain valleys, and remote views in one day. That combination gives the ride more character than a simple paved motorcycle loop.

The small number of published ratings means you should not treat the perfect score as a guarantee for every rider. Still, the repeated praise is specific rather than vague. People liked the scenery, the mix of road surfaces, the guides’ patience, and the meal in Choachi. Those are exactly the parts I would weigh most heavily when deciding.

Should You Book This Motorcycle Tour?

Book it if you already ride motorcycles and want a demanding day in the Cundinamarca mountains. The route gives you a strong mix of 400-plus curves, remote viewpoints, off-road riding, local food, and guide support, all without requiring you to arrange the bike or fuel yourself.

The best value comes from the complete package and the route variety. The biggest drawbacks are the long riding time, uncertain return near sunset, physical demands, and strict license and experience rules.

If you are a confident rider, bring warm clothes, closed footwear, your passport, and your motorcycle license. Consider the Honda XRE 300 upgrade if you want extra power or comfort. If you are new to motorcycles or mainly want to see the countryside from a passenger seat, choose a less demanding day trip instead.

FAQ

How long does the motorcycle tour last?

The tour lasts about eight hours. Check-in begins at 8:45 AM, and the return to the Bogotá office may be just before or after sunset.

Where does the tour start and finish?

It starts and finishes at the Loco Moto office at Cra. 3 #12b-72, Apt 103, in La Candelaria, Bogotá. The office is in a blue building with a yellow and black fence near The Big Bang Laundry.

Do I need a motorcycle license?

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

Do I need previous riding experience?

Yes. Riders must have prior knowledge and experience riding a motorcycle. This is not a beginner motorcycle lesson.

What motorcycle is included?

The standard package includes a Honda XRE 190. A Honda XRE 300 upgrade is available for an additional cost.

What safety gear is provided?

The tour includes a helmet, gloves, and jacket. You should also bring warm clothing and wear proper closed footwear. Sandals and flip flops are not allowed.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included at La Cocina de V in Choachi. The restaurant serves Colombian and Western-style food made with fresh, local ingredients.

How much off-road riding is included?

The route includes about two to three hours of off-road riding, split into sections before and after lunch. Road conditions can include sand, gravel, mud, and tarmac.

How many people are in the group?

The tour is limited to five participants. An English-speaking guide leads the ride, and Sena radios are included for communication and historical information.