From Bogota: Mountains & Valleys Off-Road Motorcycle Tour

Bogotá turns into dirt-road adventure fast, and that’s the point. This Cundinamarca tour strings together 400-plus curves with misty mountain climbs, then mixes in real off-road riding through rugged valleys. I like how the day feels like a full package, not just a couple of pretty overlooks.

I also love the people side of it, especially with guides like Brandon and Richard guiding at an easy-to-follow pace. You get a small group (up to 5), Sena radios for clear communication, and lunch in Choachí at La Cocina de V that hits both traditional Colombian and Western-style cravings. The main drawback is straightforward: you need prior motorcycle experience and a valid motorcycle driver’s license from your home country, plus warm layers for the cooler mountain air.

Key points worth your attention

• A full 8 hours out of Bogotá, with a ride that’s heavy on curves and elevation changes
• Off-road time is real, not just a quick dirt section, with rugged mountain valleys and backcountry routes
• Choachí lunch at La Cocina de V breaks up the day in a charming small-town setting
• Bike upgrade option to the Honda XRE 300 for more power and comfort
• Small group + Sena radios, which makes the ride feel controlled and safer in traffic and on dirt

Leaving Bogotá behind: check-in, first rides, and quick orientation

Your day starts in La Candelaria, at Cra. 3 #12b-72 apt 103. Check-in begins at 8:45 AM, and the meeting spot is a blue building that looks like an apartment complex, with a yellow and black fence. You’ll find it near the laundromat called The Big Bang Laundry, and you ring the bell labeled 103 when you arrive.

Once you’re set, the first stretch is all about getting your bearings. There’s about a 30-minute ride and then a 15-minute photo stop, which is exactly what you want early in the day. It gives you time to adjust your posture, figure out the feel of the bike, and get used to the guide’s rhythm before the road starts getting twistier.

Gear matters here. You’re provided a helmet, gloves, and a jacket, but you still need to show up ready for mountain weather. Bring warm clothing, even if Bogotá feels mild in the morning. Also plan on riding without sandals or flip flops, since those aren’t allowed.

Cundinamarca’s curve party: mist, viewpoints, and a local snack break

The middle of the morning is where the tour starts earning its reputation. You’ll ride another stretch of pavement (about 50 minutes) through the Bogotá region, and the day’s theme becomes clear: curves, climbs, and that slow shift from city roads to countryside roads.

Then comes a snack stop (about 15 minutes), which is more useful than it sounds. Mountain riding burns energy, and taking a quick break before the next chunk of twists keeps you from feeling rushed later when you switch from tarmac to dirt.

After that, you head toward one of Bogotá’s more serious motorcycle stops, an overlook known among locals and riders who really care about the route. You get scenic views on the way for about 30 minutes, and this is the part I’d treat like a reward. It’s not just about taking a photo, it’s about absorbing the geography you’ve been riding through: steep slopes, valley cuts, and those big open sightlines that make the whole day feel bigger than your starting point.

One more thing to note: the tour description talks about misty mountain conditions. That matters for visibility and grip. Go smooth, trust the guide’s pace, and expect the road surface to feel different as the altitude changes.

Choachí lunch at La Cocina de V: why the break is part of the adventure

When you arrive in Choachí, you’re not just stopping to eat. You’re resetting for the off-road portion that comes after. Lunch is about one hour, and it’s at La Cocina de V, a cozy restaurant in town.

What I like about this lunch is the balance. The menu is described as a mix of traditional Colombian and Western-style food, made with fresh, local ingredients. That mix is practical on a motorcycle day. You can find something familiar if you want it, but still get a sense of where you are.

Timing also matters. The day is long, and you’ll be riding for hours before and after lunch. Eating somewhere local helps you refuel without losing the feeling that you’re traveling through real communities, not just checking a box.

If you’re sensitive to hunger or low energy on rides, treat lunch as a strategy, not an afterthought. Eat what you can, drink what’s available, and let the break cool you down before you hit dirt again.

The off-road chunk: gravel, mud, and mountain valleys you can’t fake

After lunch, the tour switches gear. This is the part that separates a normal scenic drive from a true motorcycle day. Expect 2 to 3 hours of off-roading through rugged mountain valleys and scenic backcountry routes.

The schedule breaks this up into two segments: one off-road stretch of about one hour, then another longer dirt segment of about 105 minutes, before you ride back toward Bogotá. Between them, you’re still getting road transitions, but the core of the experience is that you’ll be riding over and through mixed surfaces like sand, gravel, and mud, plus tarmac connections.

I love how this kind of riding teaches you without making the day feel like a test. You get time to adjust your balance, learn how the bike behaves on loose terrain, and build confidence as the day progresses. The elevation changes also add pressure to your legs and breathing, so it’s smart that the route gives you breaks and viewpoints before the dirt goes full throttle.

Practical tip: on dirt, your comfort is your technique. Keep your body relaxed, let your arms and knees absorb the bumps, and follow the guide’s line rather than trying to fight the ground. If you upgraded to the Honda XRE 300, you may feel the comfort and power here more clearly, especially when the terrain gets demanding.

Bikes, gear, and the upgrade to the Honda XRE 300

The tour provides a Honda XRE 190 motorcycle by default, with an upgrade available to the Honda XRE 300 for a more powerful and comfortable ride. That upgrade is worth considering if you care about smoother handling during climbs or if you just want extra confidence on rougher sections.

You’ll also get helmet, gloves, and a jacket included. That’s a big value piece, because motocross-style gear can add up fast if you’re renting or buying it last minute.

There are a few safety and comfort notes you should not ignore:

• You must be at least 20 years old.
• You need prior motorcycle experience.
• You should be at least 160 cm (5 ft 3 in) tall to operate the motorcycle safely and comfortably.
• Warm clothing is advised because the mountains can feel cold and misty.

If you’re tall enough, experienced enough, and comfortable riding in changing conditions, this tour can feel surprisingly approachable, even when you’re bouncing through dirt.

Guides, Sena radios, and why this works as a small-group day

The ride is led by an English-speaking guide, and communication is handled with Sena radios. That detail is more than a tech flex. It helps keep the group together, reduces confusion on turns, and allows the guide to share context while you’re moving.

From the reviews and the way the day is described, two guide names come up repeatedly: Brandon and Richard. Both are described as patient and helpful, with solid area knowledge and the kind of guidance that matters when you’re on unfamiliar roads and mixed surfaces.

Group size is capped at 5 participants, which changes everything. You’re not trying to keep up with a long line of motorcycles stretching across the route. You get attention, and you can ask questions without feeling like you’re holding everyone back.

If you’ve ever taken group tours that turn into a scramble, this setup is a nice antidote. You still feel the freedom of riding, but you get structure. That structure is what makes the longer day feel manageable.

Price and value: what you’re really paying for at $146

At $146 per person for an 8-hour day, the value depends on what you’d otherwise spend to do something similar on your own.

Here’s the core of what’s included:

• Motorcycle (Honda XRE 190, upgrade to XRE 300 available)
• Helmet, gloves, jacket
• Guide
• Sena radios
• Snack and lunch
• Gas

That combination is the real value. You’re not just booking “transport and a view.” You’re paying for safety support, equipment, fuel, and a guided route out of Bogotá that includes both pavement and off-road terrain. The Sena radios and guide are especially important, because mixed-surface riding is where small mistakes become big problems.

Now, the balanced view. If you already have your own motorcycle, gear, and local route knowledge, you could theoretically DIY a portion of this. But the tour packs in the hard-to-arrange parts for most visitors, like a coordinated day plan, communication on the ride, and a solid lunch stop in Choachí.

For most people, the $146 makes sense because it turns a complicated day into a guided, equipment-supported experience.

Who should ride, and who should skip it

This tour is built for riders who already know how to ride. The requirements are clear:

• You need a valid motorcycle driver’s license from your home country.
• You must bring your passport.
• Riders must be 20 or older.
• You should be at least 160 cm tall.
• You must have prior motorcycle knowledge and experience.
• Warm clothing is advised.

It’s also explicitly not suitable for certain situations:

• Pregnant women
• People with pre-existing medical conditions
• People under 5 ft 2 in (160 cm)
• People under 20 years
• People over 70 years
• People without a driver’s license

If you’re a confident rider and you want a day that goes beyond city sightseeing, this tour fits well. If you’re unsure about your comfort on dirt or you don’t have the required license, you’ll likely feel stressed instead of excited. In that case, it’s better to pick a different style of Bogotá trip.

Should you book this Mountains and Valleys Off-Road Tour?

If you want one day that gives you a real sense of the region, this is a strong pick. You get long riding time, a mix of surfaces, and a lunch stop that keeps you fueled for the dirt sections. The small-group size and Sena radios also make it easier to enjoy the ride without constantly wondering what’s happening next.

Book this tour if:

• you already ride motorcycles and feel comfortable on changing surfaces
• you want more than viewpoints, you want motion and terrain
• you value guided route planning and included gear

Skip it if:

• you don’t meet the license and age requirements
• you’re not comfortable riding in cool, misty mountain conditions
• you have medical limitations that could make a long day on a bike risky

If your goal is an authentic day out of Bogotá that feels adventurous but still well-run, this one is worth serious consideration.

FAQ

Do I need a motorcycle driver’s license from my home country?

Yes. The tour requires a valid motorcycle driver’s license from your home country, and you also need your passport to participate.

What time does the tour start, and how long is it?

Check-in begins at 8:45 AM. The total duration is 8 hours.

What motorcycle and safety gear are included?

You get a Honda XRE 190 motorcycle, plus helmet, gloves, and a jacket. Sena radios for communication are also included.

Can I upgrade to a more powerful motorcycle?

Yes. There is an upgrade option to the Honda XRE 300 for a more powerful and comfortable ride.

Where do we meet in Bogotá?

The meeting point is Cra. 3 #12b-72 apt 103 in La Candelaria. The building is blue with a yellow and black fence, near a laundromat called The Big Bang Laundry. Ring the bell labeled 103 when you arrive.

What should I bring, and what footwear is not allowed?

Bring your passport, your driver’s license, and warm clothing. Sandals or flip flops are not allowed.

Who is this tour not suitable for?

It is not suitable for pregnant women, people under 160 cm tall, people under 20 years old, people with pre-existing medical conditions, people without a driver’s license, and people over 70 years old. Riders must also have prior motorcycle knowledge and experience.