From Bogota: Mountains & Valleys Off-Road Motorcycle Tour

The best part of this day is the quick change from Bogotá traffic to misty Andean mountain roads. You climb through more than 400 curves, pass remote viewpoints, then trade pavement for dirt tracks through the valleys around Choachí. It is a proper riding day, not a short motorcycle outing with a photo stop attached.

I like the mix of twisty pavement and rough backcountry roads, and I like that lunch is in Choachí rather than at a generic roadside stop. The main caution is simple: you need real motorcycle experience, a valid motorcycle license from your home country, and enough stamina for a full day in the saddle.

Key points

• More than 400 curves: The ride begins with a long climb into the Cundinamarca mountains, so the road itself is a major part of the experience.
• Two to three hours off-road: Expect gravel, sand, mud, dirt, and changing elevation rather than a polished road tour.
• Lunch in Choachí: La Cocina de V serves Colombian and Western-style food made with local ingredients.
• Small group size: With no more than five participants, communication with the guide is direct and practical.
• Honda XRE 190 included: You can upgrade to a Honda XRE 300 if you want more power and comfort.
• Sena radios provided: You can hear the English-speaking guide while riding and receive local context along the way.

Leaving Bogotá by Motorcycle

The day starts at the Loco Moto office at Cra. 3 #12b-72, Apartment 103, in La Candelaria. Look for the blue building with the yellow and black fence, next to The Big Bang Laundry. Ring the bell marked 103, or contact the team on WhatsApp when you arrive.

Check-in begins at 8:45 AM. The start time matters because this is a long day, usually bringing you back around sunset. You are not simply signing up for an activity that takes up the morning. You are giving the better part of a day to the mountains.

Your motorcycle is a Honda XRE 190, with a larger XRE 300 available as an upgrade. The 190 is included in the $146 price, along with a helmet, gloves, jacket, fuel, guide, snack, lunch, and Sena communication radios. The 300 upgrade may be worth considering if you prefer a stronger engine or want a little more comfort during the long road sections.

The group is limited to five participants. That is useful on a ride that includes dirt roads and changing conditions. A smaller group makes it easier for the guide to keep track of riders and stop when someone needs help, though the day still depends on everyone riding at a similar pace.

The First 30 Minutes: From City Streets to Mountain Air

The first ride section takes about 30 minutes through the Bogotá area. This part is practical rather than scenic. You need to get clear of the city before the real mountain riding begins, and it gives you time to settle onto the motorcycle.

Once the road begins to climb, the character of the trip changes. The route winds through more than 400 curves, with misty mountain air and repeated changes in elevation. You should be comfortable cornering, managing your speed, and staying alert for surface changes.

This is not a good place to learn how to ride a motorcycle. The operator requires previous riding experience, and that rule makes sense. You need to handle the bike without constant instruction so you can pay attention to traffic, turns, weather, and the road beneath your tires.

A 15-minute photo stop follows the first riding section. The exact view can depend on conditions, but the purpose is clear: pause, stretch, and take in the shift from city to mountain country. Bring your phone or camera, but do not let the photo stop define the day. The best views come in pieces as you ride.

Snacks, Curves, and a Local Viewpoint

After another roughly 50 minutes on the motorcycle, you stop for local snacks. This is a useful break because the morning includes sustained riding, and you will want something more than coffee before the dirt sections begin.

The snack stop also keeps the schedule from feeling like one long push. The ride includes several extended stretches, including an 80-minute section before the main scenic stop. Short breaks make a real difference when you are wearing protective gear and riding in changing temperatures.

One of the most appealing parts of the route is a viewpoint that local riders know well. It is described as a place known mainly to people from the area and serious motorcyclists. That does not mean you should expect a secret attraction with formal facilities. Think of it as a road-access viewpoint whose value comes from the setting and the way you reach it.

You may see broad mountain and valley views, mist, and shifting light. The weather in the high country can change the mood of the stop, so warm clothing is important even if Bogotá feels mild when you leave. The operator specifically advises bringing warm clothes.

Choachí Lunch at La Cocina de V

The route continues through Cundinamarca before reaching Choachí for lunch. This is a charming mountain town and a natural place to break up the riding day.

Lunch is served at La Cocina de V, a cozy restaurant with Colombian and Western-style dishes prepared with fresh local ingredients. That range is helpful if your group has different tastes. It also gives you a chance to eat a proper meal in town instead of relying only on packaged food or a quick roadside snack.

You have about an hour for lunch. Use it to eat slowly, drink water, and let your body recover before the off-road portion. The afternoon is not an easy ride after lunch. You still have roughly two to three hours of dirt-road riding ahead, so a heavy meal may not be the best choice if rough roads affect your stomach.

The restaurant is part of what makes the day feel connected to the region. Choachí is not just a turning point on a route map. It is where you stop, eat local food, and spend time in a small town before heading into the backcountry.

Two to Three Hours on Dirt Roads

After lunch, the tour shifts from mountain road riding to its most demanding section: about 105 minutes of off-road motorcycle riding through Cundinamarca. Combined with the earlier off-road segment, you get two to three hours on dirt and rougher surfaces.

Expect a mixture of sand, gravel, mud, tarmac, and changing road conditions. The exact balance depends on the route and weather. A dry day may make some surfaces dusty or loose, while wet conditions can make mud and slick sections more difficult.

The route runs through mountain valleys and remote countryside. You will get more than a simple gravel-road detour, with elevation changes, curves, and long stretches away from the city. The appeal is the variety. One moment you are managing a paved bend, and later you are choosing a careful line across a rough patch.

This section is where the Honda XRE matters. The included XRE 190 is designed for the kind of mixed riding described here, but the XRE 300 upgrade gives you a larger machine. If you are taller, carry more weight, or simply prefer extra power on climbs, ask about the upgrade before booking.

You should also be realistic about physical effort. A motorcycle jacket, gloves, helmet, and changing temperatures can make a full day tiring. The route is suitable for riders with experience, not for someone hoping to practice off-road skills for the first time.

What the Guide Adds to the Ride

The guide uses Sena radios, so you can communicate while riding and hear historical or local information without stopping every few minutes. That is a small feature with real value on a motorcycle tour. It lets you receive directions and context while keeping your attention on the road.

Brandon and Richard are the guides associated with this experience. Brandon is described as especially helpful during the ride, and Richard is noted for his patience and assistance. The most useful quality in a motorcycle guide is not theatrical commentary. It is calm support when a rider needs a little extra time, a clearer instruction, or help handling an unfamiliar surface.

The English-language guiding is also useful for visitors who do not speak Spanish. Still, the radio does not replace careful riding. Keep your focus on your own motorcycle and the road, and treat the guide’s commentary as a supplement.

With a group of up to five, you are not lost in a convoy of dozens of bikes. You have a better chance of asking questions, hearing advice, and getting attention during stops. The tradeoff is that the pace must suit the group, so a very fast rider may find the ride more measured than a private rental.

Riding Gear, Licenses, and Practical Requirements

The tour provides a Honda XRE 190, helmet, gloves, jacket, fuel, snack, lunch, and guide service. Bring your passport and motorcycle driver’s license. The license must be valid in your home country, and you cannot participate without one.

You must be at least 20 years old. The operator advises riders to be at least 160 centimeters, or about 5 feet 3 inches, for safe and comfortable control of the motorcycle. The activity is not suitable for anyone under 160 centimeters, people over 70, pregnant women, or people with pre-existing medical conditions.

Wear long, practical clothing and bring a warm layer. Sandals and flip-flops are not allowed. The mountain air and the long riding time make that advice more than a formality.

You are responsible for extra drinks, additional snacks, souvenirs, and a tip for the guide. Lunch and one snack are included, but it is sensible to carry money for anything else you want during the day.

Is $146 a Fair Price?

At $146 per person, this is not the cheapest way to see the countryside around Bogotá. It is also not comparable to a basic city motorcycle rental. The price includes the motorcycle, protective gear, fuel, guide, radio communication, snack, and lunch, along with a full day of route planning and support.

The value depends on how much riding you want. If your goal is a quick scenic drive with very little physical effort, this will feel like too much. If you want to ride your own motorcycle through paved mountain curves and rough back roads without arranging the route yourself, the price is more reasonable.

The included meal matters because Choachí is a destination within the day, not just a place to refuel. The small group also adds value for riders who want direct communication rather than a large organized convoy.

You can reserve now and pay later, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. Check the available start time when booking, since the ride’s length can bring you back just before or after sunset.

Who Should Book This Ride?

I would choose this tour if you already ride motorcycles and want a full day outside Bogotá. It suits riders who enjoy curves, changing surfaces, mountain weather, and a bit of uncertainty about what comes next.

It is especially good for someone who wants more than a paved scenic route. The combination of Choachí lunch, local viewpoints, remote roads, and off-road riding gives the day a clear sense of place.

I would not recommend it for a beginner, a nervous passenger, or someone who dislikes mud, gravel, or long hours in the saddle. The route includes substantial riding, and the operator’s age, height, health, and license rules should be treated seriously.

Should You Book the Cundinamarca Motorcycle Tour?

Book it if you have a valid motorcycle license, solid riding experience, and the appetite for a demanding day in the mountains. The strongest reasons are the variety of road surfaces, the 400-plus curves, the small group, and the chance to eat lunch in Choachí.

Choose the Honda XRE 300 upgrade if extra power and comfort matter to you. Otherwise, the included XRE 190 gives you the essential equipment for the route.

This is a better choice for an experienced rider than for someone simply looking for a relaxed day trip from Bogotá. If that sounds like you, the $146 covers a lot: motorcycle, gear, fuel, guide, communication system, food, and a route that would be difficult to organize on your own.

FAQ

Do I need a motorcycle license to join the tour?

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

How old must I be to participate?

All riders must be at least 20 years old.

Do I need previous motorcycle experience?

Yes. You must already know how to ride a motorcycle. This tour is not intended as a beginner riding lesson.

What motorcycle is included?

The standard motorcycle is a Honda XRE 190. An upgrade to a Honda XRE 300 is available.

Is motorcycle gear provided?

Yes. The tour includes a helmet, gloves, and jacket.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is served at La Cocina de V in Choachí. A snack is also included.

How long is the experience?

The experience lasts about eight hours. Check-in begins at 8:45 AM, and return is usually just before or after sunset.

How large is the group?

The tour is limited to five participants.

What should I bring?

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