Turn Bogotá traffic into mountain riding. You get a full day of 400+ curves and real Andean terrain, plus a satisfying break in Choachí for lunch at La Cocina de V. What I like most is how the route mixes road-style riding with hands-on off-road time. The main drawback is you need real prior motorcycle experience and the right paperwork, including a valid motorcycle driver’s license from home plus your passport.

I also appreciate the small group size, limited to 5 riders, and the fact that the guides can communicate with you using Sena radios. If you’re choosing between bikes, the Honda XRE 190 is the standard, with an upgrade available to the Honda XRE 300 if you want more power and comfort. Plan for a cold, misty mountain start, and pack warm layers.

Key takeaways before you go

• Find the office in La Candelaria fast: blue building by The Big Bang Laundry, ring bell 103
• Small-group pace works: limited to 5 participants with guide support throughout
• English guide + Sena radios: you’ll get directions plus historical insights while riding
• Choachí lunch is part of the day, not a quick stop: at La Cocina de V with fresh local ingredients
• You’ll ride multiple surfaces: tarmac, gravel, mud, and dirt in different stretches
• Optional Honda XRE 300 upgrade: better for power and comfort if you want it

From La Candelaria to the Andes in a single day

This is the kind of tour that turns a Bogotá morning into something you actually feel in your arms and legs. You’re not just riding to a viewpoint and posing for a photo. You’re spending the day on the kind of curves and changing elevation that make you concentrate, relax, and then concentrate again.

The meeting point is in the heart of La Candelaria, at Cra. 3 #12b-72 apt 103. Look for a blue building that looks like an apartment complex, with a yellow and black fence. A laundromat called The Big Bang Laundry is nearby. When you arrive, ring the bell labeled 103, or message on WhatsApp if that’s easier.

Check-in begins at 8:45 AM. The tour runs about 8 hours, and you typically roll back toward the office just before or around sunset. That timing matters: you’re riding in daylight through the mountain sections, then returning before the city traffic wave gets too thick.

How the day flows: riding, views, and breaks that make sense

You start with a short ride to get your bearings. The schedule includes a 30-minute ride out of Bogotá, followed by a 15-minute photo stop. This early pause is helpful because you’ll want to calibrate your camera hand and your riding comfort before the real climb starts.

After that, there’s another 50-minute ride segment. This is where the route starts to feel more “out of town,” with the roads curving more consistently and the air changing as you gain elevation. Then you get a 15-minute snack break in the countryside. It’s not a long stop, but it’s timed well: you’re fueled before you reach the most demanding road sections.

From there, the day shifts into longer riding blocks. You’ll have an 80-minute ride segment, then a 30-minute stop for scenic views on the way. Think of this as the stretch where you can look around, breathe, and let your brain reset. The route is designed around big viewpoints and the kind of angles you can’t get from the city.

The curve count you didn’t know you wanted

The big selling point here is speed-with-skill riding: the route is described as involving over 400 curves. That’s not marketing fluff. A curve-heavy route changes the whole experience. It forces you to read the road early, plan your line, and stay smooth. If you like riding for the ride, not just the destination, you’ll get your money’s worth.

One thing that helps is the variety of surfaces. As you go, you’re likely to transition between tarmac and rougher terrain. The ride is built to feel like a little adventure menu: twisty paved stretches, then dirt where traction and control are the whole game. One rider summed it up as a mix of tarmac, sand, gravel, and mud, and that variety is exactly what makes this day feel more than just a long drive with a bike.

Off-road time: two dirt sessions and a real change in rhythm

After the mountain road segments and the main view stop, you hit off-road in a more serious way. There’s a 1-hour off-road ride segment, then later another 105-minute off-road adventure. Together, you’re looking at about 2 to 3 hours off-road depending on conditions and pacing.

This is the part that matters most for fit. Off-road riding isn’t just scenic. It’s technical and physical. You’ll deal with elevation changes and uneven ground where balance and speed control matter more than going fast. If you already ride motorcycles regularly, you’ll likely find it fun and doable. If you’re new, you’ll probably feel overwhelmed quickly.

The practical upside: the off-road segments are broken up by lunch, so you’re not spending the whole day on fatigue mode. That helps your focus and makes it easier to keep riding smoothly instead of rushing.

Choachí lunch at La Cocina de V: why this stop counts

Lunch in Choachí is set at La Cocina de V. The food is described as a mix of traditional Colombian and Western-style options, made with fresh local ingredients. That combination is smart on a motorcycle day because you want energy you’ll actually digest well after riding.

In plain terms, this lunch stop is a reset. You’ve been climbing and curving through misty mountain terrain, then you’ve got dirt coming up again. A solid meal here is the difference between finishing the second off-road stretch feeling steady versus feeling sluggish.

You also get about an hour for lunch. That’s long enough to slow down, talk with your guide, and use the time to refuel both your body and your brain before the next ride segment.

Bike choice: Honda XRE 190 vs XRE 300 upgrade

Your default bike is a Honda XRE 190. It’s set up for this kind of route: comfortable enough for riding and capable enough for dirt transitions with the right rider.

There’s also an upgrade option to a Honda XRE 300. People choose this when they want more power and a more comfortable ride. It’s a reasonable upgrade if you’re taller, want easier pulling on changes in elevation, or simply want the bike to feel less strained on longer, rougher stretches.

How to decide? If you already enjoy riding stronger bikes at home or you tend to ride with confident control on mixed terrain, the XRE 300 upgrade can make the whole day feel smoother. If you’re still building comfort with off-road technique, the standard bike may feel more forgiving.

Gear and guide support that keeps you in the flow

Included with the tour: helmet, gloves, and jacket. Gas is included too. You’re not stuck figuring out gear rental details last minute. Still, you’ll want your own comfort planning, especially because the mountains around Cundinamarca can be cold and misty.

Communication is handled with Sena radios. This is a big deal on a road-and-dirt mix day. It means you’re not guessing about stops or directions, and the guide can share historical insights along the way. It also helps the group stay connected when the terrain gets patchy.

Guide support is another highlight in the way the day is described and the way riders talk about the experience. Names that come up include Brandon and Richard, both praised for being helpful and patient. If you’re the type who likes clear instructions and reassurance when roads get tricky, that tone matters.

Timing and conditions: what cold morning means for you

This tour climbs into misty mountain terrain early on. That means you’ll feel the temperature shift as you ride higher. Warm clothing is listed as a must, and I agree with that advice. Even if Bogotá feels fine in the morning, once you’re on an off-road capable route with lots of elevation change, you’ll want layers you can actually tolerate while moving.

A practical tip: dress in warm layers that work under a jacket. Wind and damp air can sneak in when you stop for a photo or slow down in rough terrain. Also, avoid sandals or flip-flops—this tour is not built for casual footwear.

Who this tour suits (and who should skip it)

This isn’t marketed as an entry-level experience. You must have prior motorcycle knowledge and experience, and you need a valid motorcycle license from your home country. All riders must be 20 years or older.

There are also body-fit limits. Riders should be at least 160 cm (5’3″) tall or taller to operate the motorcycle safely and comfortably. If you’re smaller, the bike control and reach can become more than a comfort issue—it can affect safety.

Health and personal factors also matter. The tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, people with pre-existing medical conditions, or riders over 70. If any of those apply to you, skip this and look for a tour that matches your comfort level and mobility needs.

If you meet the requirements and you like motorcycle riding more than sightseeing alone, this day trip is likely to hit the sweet spot: challenging enough to feel like an adventure, organized enough that you don’t spend your time figuring things out.

Price and value: why $146 can feel fair

The price is $146 per person for a full day of riding, including the essentials. You get a Honda XRE 190 by default (with an upgrade to the XRE 300 available), plus helmet, gloves, and jacket. You also get a guide, Sena radios, a snack, lunch, and gas.

If you’ve ever tried to price out gear, a guide, fuel, and a full day of riding time separately, this kind of bundled value starts to make sense. You’re not paying to be driven to viewpoints. You’re paying for structure: route planning, a guide who knows where the roads are worth it, gear for safety, and communication so the day stays smooth even when the terrain gets rough.

What’s not included is also clear: money for souvenirs, additional snacks and drinks, and gratuity for the guide. So bring a little cash or card for extras you discover along the way, but don’t expect the tour price to cover everything you might want.

What to bring (so you don’t regret it later)

Plan like this is an all-day mountain ride with occasional stops and off-road stretches. Bring:

• Your passport
• Your driver’s license (motorcycle license requirements apply)
• Warm clothing

Leave behind:

• Sandals or flip-flops

Also consider bringing your own personal comfort items that support warm layers, like a simple base layer system. The tour provides key safety gear, but cold comfort is still on you.

Should you book this Bogotá Mountains & Valleys Off-Road Motorcycle Tour?

Book it if you want a real riding day. The combination of 400+ curves, long mountain-road segments, and two off-road sessions makes this better than a short demo ride. The Choachí lunch at La Cocina de V adds a genuine mid-day payoff, not just an empty break.

Skip it if you’re looking for an easy scenic outing. You need prior motorcycle experience, the right motorcycle license paperwork, and you should be physically comfortable operating the bike. Also, this is not a fit for riders under 160 cm, those with medical conditions, or anyone outside the age guidance.

If you’re an experienced rider with the right documents and you’re excited about mixed surfaces—tarmac one minute, dirt the next—this is a strong day trip from Bogotá. Just dress for cold air, choose the bike you feel best on (XRE 300 if you want more comfort and power), and be ready to ride with focus.

FAQ

What license do I need to join this tour?

You need a valid motorcycle driver’s license from your home country to participate. You also need your passport.

Where do I meet for the tour in Bogotá?

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

How long is the experience?

The tour lasts about 8 hours.

How big is the group?

It’s a small group limited to 5 participants.

What motorcycle do I ride?

You ride a Honda XRE 190. There’s an upgrade available to a Honda XRE 300.

What’s included in the price?

Included are the motorcycle, helmet, gloves, jacket, guide, Sena radios for communication and historical insights, snack and lunch, and gas.

Is the tour guided in English?

Yes. There’s a live tour guide in English and an audio guide included in English.

What should I bring?

Bring your passport, your driver’s license, and warm clothing.

Are sandals allowed?

No. Sandals or flip-flops are not allowed.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.