From Bogota: Mountains & Valleys Off-Road Motorcycle Tour

The real draw here is the road itself: 400-plus curves carry you out of Bogotá and into the misty Andes, then the pavement gives way to gravel, mud, sand, and remote mountain tracks. I like the mix of serious riding and simple pleasures, especially the local snack stop and lunch at La Cocina de V in Choachí. The main thing to consider is that this is a long, demanding day, not a casual scooter outing.

I also like the small-group format, with no more than five riders and Sena radios for instructions and local stories. Guides Brandon and Richard have earned praise for being patient and helpful. You need a valid motorcycle license, prior riding experience, a passport, and the stamina for several hours in the saddle.

Key points before you book

• 400 curves on the climb from Bogotá: The opening ride quickly trades city traffic for tight mountain bends and changing elevations.
• Two to three hours of off-road riding: Expect dirt, gravel, sand, mud, and rough backcountry routes rather than one smooth trail.
• A proper lunch in Choachí: La Cocina de V serves Colombian and Western-style dishes made with local ingredients.
• Small groups capped at five: Sena radios help you stay in touch with the guide while riding.
• Honda XRE 190 included: You can upgrade to a Honda XRE 300 if you want more power and comfort.
• Strict rider requirements: You must be at least 20, hold a valid motorcycle license, and have previous motorcycle experience.

Leaving La Candelaria for the Andean mountains

Your day begins at the Loco Moto office in Bogotá’s La Candelaria district. The meeting point is Cra. 3 #12b-72, Apartment 103, in a blue building with a yellow and black fence. Look for The Big Bang Laundry and ring the bell marked 103, or send a WhatsApp message when you arrive.

Check-in starts at 8:45 AM. The office location is handy if you are staying in the historic center, but give yourself enough time to find the building. It looks more like an apartment complex than a tour office, so the laundromat is the useful landmark.

After gearing up with a helmet, gloves, and jacket, you start on a roughly 30-minute motorcycle ride through the Bogotá area. This first section gives you time to settle onto the bike and get used to the group rhythm before the route becomes more remote.

The tour uses a Honda XRE 190. It is included in the price and is suited to a day that combines paved roads with rougher surfaces. If you prefer a more powerful motorcycle, the Honda XRE 300 is available as an upgrade. That may be worth considering for taller or more experienced riders, though the operator advises all riders to be at least 160 centimeters, or about 5 feet 3 inches, for safe and comfortable operation.

The first bends and a quiet photo stop

The city soon gives way to mountain roads. One early riding section lasts about 50 minutes and leads to a 15-minute photo stop. The attraction is not a formal monument or a crowded viewing platform. This outing is built around roadside views, open mountain air, and the changing feel of the route.

Then comes the famous run of curves. The tour describes more than 400 bends as the road climbs into the misty mountains of Cundinamarca. That number tells you what kind of day this is: constant concentration, frequent changes in direction, and plenty of chances to look across steep valleys when the road opens up.

The curves are a thrill for confident riders, but they also require restraint. You are not on a racetrack, and the guide’s pace and instructions matter. Sena radios are included, so you can hear the guide and receive riding directions or local context without needing to pull over every few minutes.

The route includes another 80-minute motorcycle section through Cundinamarca, followed by a 30-minute stop for scenic views. Exact visibility will depend on weather. Mountain mist can make the ride atmospheric, but it can also limit the grandest views, so bring warm clothing even if Bogotá feels mild when you leave.

Local snacks before the remote viewpoint

A 15-minute countryside snack stop breaks up the early riding. This is a small feature, but I think it matters. You are spending much of the day moving through mountain roads, and a quick local bite gives you a chance to stretch, refuel, and see a less polished side of the region.

The route then reaches one of the area’s lesser-known motorcycle viewpoints. The exact name is not provided, and that is part of the appeal. This is described as a place mainly known to local riders rather than a standard sightseeing stop.

You should expect a scenic pause rather than a long guided visit. The value lies in the setting and the route needed to reach it. If your idea of a Bogotá day trip is a bus ride to one major attraction, this feels very different. You are seeing the Cundinamarca countryside from the seat of a motorcycle, with the road itself providing much of the entertainment.

Lunch at La Cocina de V in Choachí

Lunch comes after the first major stretch of riding, at La Cocina de V in the town of Choachí. You get about an hour to eat, rest, and let your body recover before the roughest part of the day.

The restaurant serves traditional Colombian food alongside Western-style dishes, using fresh local ingredients. That wider choice is useful after a morning of curves, especially if you are unsure how adventurous you want your meal to be. The setting is described as cozy rather than formal, which fits the scale of the outing.

This meal is one of the tour’s strongest value points. At $146 per person, you are not just paying for a motorcycle rental. The fee also covers fuel, protective gear, a guide, communications equipment, a snack, and lunch. A full meal in a small town, rather than a rushed roadside sandwich, makes the day feel more complete.

Choachí is also a practical midpoint. You are not simply stopping for fuel and leaving. You have time to eat properly before switching from paved mountain roads to the dirt portion of the route.

Two to three hours on dirt, gravel, and mud

After lunch, the character of the trip changes. The first off-road section lasts about an hour, and the later section lasts roughly 105 minutes. Together, that is close to two hours and 45 minutes of off-road riding, with the stated expectation of two to three hours overall.

The surfaces can include sand, gravel, mud, and tarmac. That variety is what makes the day appealing, but it is also why prior motorcycle experience is required. You need to be comfortable managing a bike when the surface shifts under the tires and when the road becomes rough or uneven.

This is not an introductory lesson. The guide can help, and the small group makes it easier to receive attention, but you should already know how to control a motorcycle. If you have only ridden an automatic scooter on flat city streets, this is probably the wrong choice.

The off-road sections run through mountain valleys and backcountry routes. You get elevation changes, open views, and a stronger sense of being away from Bogotá. I like that the dirt riding is not treated as a token ten-minute add-on. It forms a substantial part of the day and gives the tour a clear identity.

The tradeoff is physical effort. Hours of riding, repeated curves, mountain weather, and rough surfaces can be tiring. Warm layers are important, and closed shoes are required. Sandals and flip-flops are not allowed.

Guides, radios, and group size

The tour is limited to five participants, which is a major advantage on a route with tight bends and off-road sections. A small group is easier to keep together, and it gives you a better chance to ask questions or get help if you need it.

English-speaking guides lead the outing. Brandon has been singled out for his help with the route and the area, while Richard has been praised for patience and practical support. The key quality to look for here is not a nonstop performance. It is calm guidance when road conditions change.

Sena radios come with the equipment. These let you communicate while riding and hear historical or local information along the way. That is safer and more useful than trying to follow hand signals or waiting for every stop to ask where you are going.

Fuel is included, so you do not need to budget for gas during the ride. Bring money for extra drinks, additional snacks, souvenirs, and a tip for the guide. Those are the main costs outside the stated price.

Timing, comfort, and the ride back to Bogotá

The advertised duration is eight hours, but the listed riding and stop times add up to about eight hours and 25 minutes before normal delays or weather changes. You may return to the office just before or after sunset, so I would not book a fixed evening dinner or airport transfer immediately afterward.

The ride back includes about an hour of motorcycle travel in the Bogotá region. By then, you will likely be ready for a shower and a quiet meal. That is not a criticism. It is a useful warning for anyone comparing this with a short half-day activity.

The bike and gear do much of the practical work, but your clothing still matters. Bring warm layers, a passport, and your motorcycle license. Mountain temperatures can feel quite different from those in central Bogotá, and the route’s changing elevations make a light jacket useful even on a bright morning.

The operator sets a minimum age of 20 and does not accept riders over 70. The activity is not suitable for pregnant women or people with pre-existing medical conditions. Riders under 160 centimeters may find the motorcycles difficult to handle safely and comfortably.

Is $146 a fair price?

I consider the price reasonable for the amount of riding and support included. You receive the motorcycle, fuel, helmet, gloves, jacket, guide, Sena radio, snack, and lunch. You also get a full day outside Bogotá, with a route that combines paved curves, viewpoints, a town meal, and a substantial off-road section.

The value is strongest if you already enjoy motorcycles. You are paying for access to a route that would be harder to plan independently, plus a guide who knows how to connect the mountain roads and dirt tracks. The small group also helps justify the cost.

It is less attractive if you mainly want to see Choachí or take mountain photographs. A regular day trip may be more comfortable and less demanding. Here, the motorcycle is not just transportation. It is the central experience.

The Honda XRE 300 upgrade could add value for a rider who wants extra power or a more comfortable ride. The included XRE 190 is the standard option, so ask about the upgrade cost when booking if the larger motorcycle matters to you.

Who should book this ride?

I would choose this tour if you have real motorcycle experience, enjoy winding roads, and want a more active escape from Bogotá. It suits riders who are happy with a full day outdoors and who see changing road surfaces as part of the fun.

It is especially good for a solo rider or couple who wants a small group rather than a large coach excursion. The English guide, radio communication, and lunch in Choachí make the day easy to follow without removing its sense of adventure.

I would skip it if you dislike mud, gravel, cold mountain air, or long periods on a motorcycle. You should also skip it if you do not have the correct motorcycle license. A passport and valid license are required, and prior riding experience is not optional.

The tour allows free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and offers reserve-now, pay-later booking. Those policies help if your Bogotá plans are still shifting, but the more important decision is physical readiness.

Should you book the Cundinamarca motorcycle tour?

Book it if the thought of 400 curves, a quiet mountain viewpoint, a good meal in Choachí, and nearly three hours on dirt roads sounds better than a standard city excursion. The strongest parts are the route variety, small group, patient guide support, and the fact that lunch and fuel are already covered.

Do not book it as a sightseeing shortcut. This is a serious riding day with real demands on your attention and energy. For a licensed rider who wants to get beyond Bogotá on two wheels, it offers a memorable and well-rounded day for the price.

FAQ

Where does the motorcycle tour start?

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

What time should I arrive?

Check-in begins at 8:45 AM. Ring the bell marked 103 or contact the operator through WhatsApp when you arrive.

Do I need a motorcycle license?

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

How old must I be to join?

All riders must be at least 20 years old. The activity is not suitable for people over 70.

Do I need previous motorcycle experience?

Yes. You must already know how to ride a motorcycle. This is not a beginner riding lesson, since the route includes many curves and two to three hours of off-road riding.

What motorcycle is included?

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

What equipment is provided?

The tour includes a helmet, gloves, jacket, and Sena radio for communication and information from the guide.

Is lunch included?

Yes. The tour includes a snack and lunch at La Cocina de V in Choachí. Extra snacks and drinks are not included.

What should I wear and bring?

Bring your passport, motorcycle license, and warm clothing. Wear closed footwear, since sandals and flip-flops are not allowed.