From Bogota: Mountains & Valleys Off-Road Motorcycle Tour

This is the kind of Bogotá day trip that trades city traffic for Andean twisty roads and real off-road dirt. You start in La Candelaria, then spend hours climbing, dropping, and zig-zagging through Cundinamarca’s mountain valleys with a guide who knows the route well.

Two things I like a lot: the combination of over 400 curves plus mixed terrain, so the day never turns boring, and the lunch stop in Choachi at La Cocina de V, where you get a proper sit-down meal instead of a snack-and-go moment. If you’re thinking of doing this purely for views, plan for the physical side too, because you do need prior motorcycle riding experience and you’ll be on the bike for most of the day.

Key highlights worth waking up for

• Small group of up to 5 riders, which keeps the pace manageable and the experience personal
• Sena radios for communication, plus English guiding throughout
• 400+ curves around Bogotá’s mountain region, mixing tarmac with dirt and rough sections
• Choachi lunch at La Cocina de V, a fuel stop with both Colombian and Western-style options
• 2 to 3 hours of off-roading through rugged mountain valleys and backcountry routes
• Optional Honda XRE upgrade for more power and comfort, including the XRE 300

Why this Bogotá to Cundinamarca moto route feels like a ride you remember

This tour works because it’s not just a scenic drive. It’s a full-on day where the road keeps changing, and you keep earning those viewpoints. The guides even talk about the route like it matters, and you can feel why: you get misty mountain roads, curve-heavy stretches, remote terrain, and a real taste of countryside Colombia without spending days in transit.

I especially like how the day is structured so you’re not stuck doing one long boring segment. There’s momentum early, then a snack break, then lunch, then dirt time. That rhythm matters when you’re riding all day, because it gives your body a chance to reset without losing the fun.

One more detail I really appreciated is how the tour is built for riders who already know how to handle a motorcycle. The experience is thrilling, but it is not for complete beginners. You bring skill, they provide the gear and guidance, and then you ride.

Meeting in La Candelaria, then gearing up with helmets and Sena radios

You meet in the heart of La Candelaria at Calle 3 #12b-72 Apt 103, in a blue building that looks like an apartment complex. The easiest landmark is the Big Bang Laundry nearby. When you arrive, ring the bell labeled 103, or message on WhatsApp.

Check-in starts at 8:45 AM, so build in time to find the place and get ready. This tour is English-guided, and it also includes an audio guide in English. The guides use Sena radios so they can keep communication clear on the road, and they share historical or contextual insights while you ride. It’s one of those “small” inclusions that makes a big difference, especially if you want to focus on driving instead of constantly trying to figure out where to look next.

Before you go out, you’ll get helmet, gloves, and a jacket. That takes some stress off your packing. Still, bring your warm layers. Even though you’re in Colombia, the higher mountain areas can feel cool, and the start of the day is often crisp.

Practical note: sandals or flip flops are not allowed. You’re riding, so closed-toe footwear matters.

The Bogotá climb: 400+ curves, misty roads, and a viewpoint locals keep to themselves

The day starts with a short ride out of Bogotá, then you settle into the curve-heavy mountain driving. Expect a steady build in elevation, with stretches described as over 400 curves total. That matters because this is not a “drive until you reach one pretty spot” type of tour. You’re moving constantly, and the scenery is changing as often as the road is bending.

Along the way, there’s a photo stop and a countryside snack break. These are short enough that you don’t lose the pace, but long enough that you can actually look around, take photos, and feel the scale of where you are. I like that balance because it keeps the day from turning into a schedule full of stops you’ll forget.

Then comes the part many people are chasing: an overlook known to locals and serious riders. You don’t just see the valley, you get the payoff of the climb. The guide’s control of the route is a big part of why this works, because they know where to take you for the kind of view that feels earned, not crowded, and not just “another lookout.”

Choachi lunch at La Cocina de V: the smartest break in the day

After the morning riding, you head to Choachi for lunch at La Cocina de V. It’s a cozy restaurant in town, and the menu is a mix of traditional Colombian dishes and Western-style options. That combination is useful if you’re traveling with anyone who wants familiar comfort food but still wants to eat well.

Why lunch is a highlight here is simple: you’re about to shift gears from tarmac-focused riding to dirt and rough terrain. A good meal helps you feel human again before the off-road portion starts. You also get a full hour for lunch, which is just enough time to eat, reset, and not feel rushed back onto the bike.

I’ll be honest, the best moto days include food that tastes good and time that feels respectful. This one does both.

Dirt time in Cundinamarca: what off-roading really feels like

After lunch, the tour hits the dirt for about 2 to 3 hours, including rough mountain valleys and scenic backcountry routes. The ride is described as rugged, with significant elevation changes, and you should expect the terrain to change under you. One review summed it up well: you can experience sand, gravel, mud, and tarmac in the same day. That variety is exactly why this section feels like an adventure instead of a scenic detour.

For you, the key is mindset. If you go into this expecting smooth surfaces, you’ll tense up. If you go in understanding that the ground will be uneven, you’ll enjoy it more. The guide is there to set expectations and keep you moving as a group. And because you’re riding with Sena radios, you’re not stuck guessing what the guide plans to do next.

As you ride, you’ll also hit another scenic views stop on the way. That gives you a chance to catch your breath and enjoy the big-picture valley views before the next rough stretch.

Bikes, comfort, and the upgrade choice: XRE 190 vs XRE 300

The tour includes a Honda XRE 190 motorcycle, with an upgrade available. The highlights specifically mention an upgrade to a Honda XRE 300 for a more powerful, comfortable ride. If you want a smoother feeling over rougher sections or you prefer a bike that handles power demands more confidently, this upgrade is worth considering.

Here’s how I’d think about it: the included bike is the baseline, designed to get you through the route. The upgrade is for people who want less strain and more comfort over a long day, especially if you’re planning to push your riding comfort rather than just survive the terrain.

Small group size helps too. With up to 5 participants, you’re less likely to feel like the tour is dragging you through the day. That also means bike handling and spacing stay predictable.

Guides who actually help, not just follow along

This is one of those tours where the guide makes the difference between good and great. In the reviews, Brandon and Richard are named for being patient, helpful, and genuinely into the area. That lines up with what you want from a guide on an off-road day: clear direction, a calm presence when conditions change, and practical help when you need it.

One thing I love about this setup is the combination of guidance and communication. Sena radios mean you get instructions without constant stopping. And historical or local context helps you understand what you’re seeing while you ride, not just memorize a route in your head.

If you’re coming with confidence but still want coaching on comfort and positioning, this is the kind of tour where that support matters.

Price and value: is $146 worth it for 8 hours of real riding?

At $146 per person for an 8-hour experience, the value is strong if you look at what’s included. You’re not just paying for a guide and a pretty drive. Included are the motorcycle (Honda XRE 190), helmet, gloves, and jacket, plus guide time, snack and lunch, and gas. You also get Sena radios and English live guiding.

What you’re really buying is a full day of structured riding that would be hard to plan yourself from Bogotá. Getting the route right, managing group safety, timing lunch, and navigating mixed terrain is the hard part. The price becomes easier to justify when you see that your big costs are covered upfront.

What to budget separately:

• souvenirs money
• extra snacks and drinks
• gratuity for your guide
• anything not listed as included

If you’re only interested in a simple city viewpoint day, this will feel like overkill. If you want a hands-on motorbike day with real variety, this price feels fair.

What to bring, what to wear, and the licensing rule you cannot skip

Read the requirements carefully before you book, because this tour is strict about the riding rules.

You need:

• passport
• a valid motorcycle driver’s license from your home country

You also need to bring warm clothing, since the route climbs into misty mountains.

Not allowed:

• sandals or flip flops

Rider requirements include:

• all riders must be 20 years or older
• you must have prior motorcycle riding knowledge and experience
• recommended minimum height is 160 cm (5 ft 3 in) to operate the motorcycle safely and comfortably
• not suitable for pregnant women, people with pre-existing medical conditions, people without a driver’s license, or people over 70

If you’re even slightly unsure about height fit or comfort on the bike, double-check before committing. A “close enough” body fit can turn into an uncomfortable day fast.

Who this tour suits best, and who should skip it

This is best for riders who:

• already ride motorcycles and feel comfortable with elevation changes
• want a day trip that’s active, not passive
• like a mix of tarmac and off-road conditions
• enjoy real local towns like Choachi, not just highway stops

It may not be the right fit if:

• you want a beginner-friendly introduction to motorcycling
• you have medical limitations that could be affected by long riding time and changing terrain
• you’re looking for a mostly smooth, low-effort scenic drive

Because it’s a small group, the pace is more direct than on big bus tours. That’s part of the charm, but it’s also why the experience depends on you matching the riding level.

Should you book this Bogotá mountains and valleys off-road tour?

If you want a memorable day that combines curve-heavy Andean riding with actual dirt time, plus a real meal in Choachi, then yes, this is a great booking. The small group format, Sena radios, included gear, and the guide support are all practical reasons it works well.

I’d book especially if you’re comfortable riding already and you want more than a viewpoint stop. It’s not just scenery, it’s the ride itself, with the kind of mixed terrain that makes you feel like the day had purpose.

Skip it if you don’t meet the motorcycle license requirement, if you’re not experienced, or if you’re dealing with medical constraints. The tour is built for riders who can handle the bike and the terrain.

FAQ

Do I need a motorcycle license to join?

Yes. You must have a valid motorcycle driver’s license from your home country to participate.

What age and height limits apply?

Riders must be 20 years or older. You should be at least 160 cm (5 ft 3 in) tall to operate the motorcycle safely and comfortably.

How long is the tour and when does it run?

It lasts about 8 hours. Check-in begins at 8:45 AM, and you typically return around sunset.

What is included in the price?

You get the Honda XRE 190 motorcycle (with an upgrade available), helmet, gloves, and jacket, a guide, Sena radios, snack and lunch, and gas.

Where is the meeting point in Bogotá?

Meeting point is in La Candelaria at Calle 3 #12b-72 Apt 103. It’s a blue building near The Big Bang Laundry. Ring the bell labeled 103 or message on WhatsApp when you arrive.

Is lunch included, and where do you eat?

Yes. Lunch is included and is served at La Cocina de V in Choachi.

What should I bring or wear?

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