A day on a dirt-capable motorcycle in the Andes feels like a reset. This trip out of Bogotá pairs tight mountain roads with real backcountry off-road time, plus a solid lunch stop in Choachí. Two things I like a lot are the route’s mix of surfaces and curves, and the way the guides run the day with Sena radios for clear communication. One thing to consider: it’s not a casual “sit and enjoy” tour—you’ll need prior motorcycle experience and you must have a valid motorcycle license.

Check-in starts at 8:45 AM in La Candelaria, and you’ll usually be back around sunset. You’ll ride from the city into misty Cundinamarca, stop for snacks and photos, eat in Choachí at La Cocina de V, then switch to dirt for a couple of hours of rugged valley riding.

Key Things to Know Before You Ride

• 400-plus curves and big elevation changes keep the day interesting from start to finish.
• Off-road time is real: you’ll spend 2 to 3 hours on dirt, gravel, sand, and mud-type terrain (not just a short trail).
• Small group (up to 5 riders) means less waiting and more attention from the guide.
• English live guide plus audio helps you follow what’s happening along the route.
• Upgrade option to Honda XRE 300 if you want extra power and comfort.
• Guides like Brandon and Richard are praised for being patient, helpful, and on top of the ride.

Bogotá to Choachí: Why This Route Makes Sense

This is the kind of day trip that saves you from doing anything “extra” once you’re in the city. You meet in La Candelaria, then you’re moving quickly out of Bogotá and into Cundinamarca where the roads start getting dramatic. The whole plan is built around a steady rhythm: ride, stop, snack, ride again, eat, then dirt, then back.

The best part is that the day doesn’t rely on just one type of scenery or one type of road. You get panoramic viewpoints, lots of curve time, and remote-feeling sections that let the Andes do their thing. And when you finally switch to off-road, it’s long enough that you actually feel like you had a motorcycle adventure, not a quick sample.

The pace is full-day, so come prepared to be outside for hours. Warm layers matter because higher elevations can feel cooler, even when Bogotá is sunny.

Starting Point in La Candelaria: Easy to Find, Worth Arriving Early

You’ll meet at Cra. 3 #12b-72 apt 103 in La Candelaria, in a blue building that looks like an apartment complex. There’s a yellow and black fence, and the landmark to look for is a laundromat called The Big Bang Laundry. When you arrive, ring the bell labeled 103 or message on WhatsApp.

This matters because check-in begins at 8:45 AM. If you’re late, the day gets compressed, and you don’t want to rush the briefing. Also, you’ll be happier if you show up with your documents ready and your riding gear questions handled before you hit the road.

What’s Provided: Bike, Safety Gear, Radios, and Fuel

This tour covers a lot for the price, which is a big part of the value. You’ll ride a Honda XRE 190 by default, and helmets, gloves, and a jacket are included. You also get gas, a guide, snack and lunch, plus Sena radios for communication and historical insights.

Those radios are more than a nice-to-have. When you’re following mountain roads and then transitioning to dirt, being able to hear instructions and confirmations helps keep things calm. It also improves the flow of the route, which is part of why this day feels like it has a plan.

If you want an even more comfortable ride, there’s an upgrade to a Honda XRE 300. It’s there for a reason: more power can make the climbs and longer dirt sections feel less tiring.

Riding Briefing and First Road Sections: Building Confidence Fast

After you get set up, the day starts with a short ride out of the city area. Then you move into the real curve sequence—this is where the guides start shaping the day into a ride you’ll remember. Expect a photo stop early on, plus more road time that gradually ramps up the scenery and the feel of the Andes.

There’s a clear logic to this approach. You’re not thrown straight into rough terrain. You get a chance to settle into how the bike handles, how your guide manages spacing, and how the group moves. If you’ve ridden before, you’ll likely appreciate that the day builds, rather than shocks.

One practical note: you’re required to be at least 20 years old, and you must have prior motorcycle experience. The tour also advises riders be at least 160 cm (5’3”) to operate the bike comfortably and safely.

The Curve-Filled Climb: Misty Mountains and Viewpoints

Once you’re fully out in the Cundinamarca region, the ride becomes a steady string of twisty roads, climbs, and viewpoint moments. The route is famous for its many curves—over 400—so your hands stay busy in a good way.

This portion is where you feel the Andes changing around you. The air can turn cooler and misty as you gain elevation, and the roads often feel more remote than anything you’ll see inside Bogotá. You’ll also stop for snacks in the countryside, which helps a lot because the morning ride is active.

A big plus here is that the guide’s route choices are part of the experience. The day is designed around perspectives that you wouldn’t casually find on your own without a local.

Choachí Lunch at La Cocina de V: The Break That Resets You

Lunch is in Choachí at La Cocina de V, a cozy spot serving a mix of traditional Colombian and Western-style options made with fresh, local ingredients. This is exactly the kind of meal you want after hours of riding: filling, not fussy, and easy to digest before you head back out.

Choachí also adds flavor to the day because it gives you a normal human pause. Between the curves and the dirt later on, that one-hour lunch break feels like real recovery time. If you’re prone to getting stiff, take the chance to stand up, stretch your legs, and drink water before the off-road portion.

Dirt Time in the Valleys: Where the Day Becomes a Motorcycle Adventure

After lunch, the tour shifts from tarmac to off-road. You’ll get 2 to 3 hours of dirt riding through rugged mountain valleys and scenic backcountry routes. That’s not just a short trail. Expect a sustained stretch where you’ll deal with uneven ground and changing traction.

The terrain is part of the thrill. In practice, that usually means you’ll experience a mix of surfaces—often gravel, sand, and mud-like patches—plus elevation changes that require steady control. This is where Sena radio instructions and guide pacing matter, because the “same speed” doesn’t work across all surfaces.

This section is also why the experience is rated highly for the thrill. In real terms: your body gets used to the bike’s movement, your mind focuses on line choices, and you earn the sense of accomplishment when you roll back toward pavement.

The Scenic Return: More Riding, Less Fatigue

Once the off-road portion wraps, you transition back toward Bogotá with more road riding and time to take in the last views. The schedule includes a scenic viewpoints stop on the way back, plus additional riding blocks before arriving back at the starting address.

This return segment is important because it decides whether the day feels exhausting or satisfying. Since you’re already fueled and you’ve had a real break at lunch, the ride back tends to feel like a victory lap rather than a grind.

Bike Upgrade: When Honda XRE 300 Is Worth It

The default Honda is XRE 190, and you can upgrade to a Honda XRE 300. I’d think about the upgrade if you want a more relaxed feel on climbs or if you expect the extra engine power to reduce strain across the longer off-road stretch.

Comfort also matters with these bikes because you’re in motion for most of the day. Even if you’re experienced, a smoother power delivery can keep you less tense through the rough segments. If you’re on the fence, the upgrade is an option that fits well with what the tour emphasizes: long riding time plus a serious dirt portion.

Price and Value: What $146 Covers and Why That Matters

At $146 per person for an 8-hour day, this tour is priced around a simple idea: you’re paying for the ride experience, not just transportation. What you actually get included is a major part of the value: motorcycle rental (XRE 190 unless you upgrade), helmet/gloves/jacket, guide, Sena radios, snack and lunch, and gas.

When you add those pieces up, it becomes easier to see why riders feel it’s worth it. You also avoid the hassle of figuring out routes, safety equipment, and local pacing yourself. And because the group is capped at five riders, the day doesn’t turn into a chaotic convoy.

If you want a “try off-road without buying gear and without guessing routes” day, this is the kind of setup that makes sense.

Group Size and Guide Style: Small Numbers, Clear Instructions

This is a small group tour limited to 5 participants. That’s a practical advantage. Fewer riders means less traffic jam energy at turns and stops, and it’s easier for the guide to monitor how everyone’s doing.

The communication setup also helps. Sena radios are there for a reason, and the guides use them to coordinate. In the real world, that means you spend more time riding and less time wondering what happens next.

The guide support is consistently praised, including guides such as Brandon and Richard, for being helpful and patient. That matters most when you’re bouncing over dirt and trying to learn the feel of the bike and terrain.

What to Bring (and What to Skip) for a Comfortable Day

You’ll need your passport and a valid driver’s license (plus the motorcycle license requirement from your home country). Bring warm clothing because elevations can feel cool, especially in misty mountain areas.

Don’t show up in sandals or flip-flops. The tour explicitly doesn’t allow them. Wear footwear that gives your feet proper protection and grip, and if you’re sensitive to cold, pack layers you can adjust during stops.

Who This Tour Fits Best (and Who Should Skip It)

This is built for riders with prior motorcycle experience, not first-timers. You need a valid motorcycle driver’s license from your home country and you must be able to operate the bike safely. The tour also sets clear limits: minimum age 20, minimum height 160 cm (5’3”), and maximum age 70.

It’s also not suitable for pregnant women or people with pre-existing medical conditions. If you’re unsure, it’s better to be cautious. Off-road riding includes bumps, vibration, and changing terrain, so it’s not the day to “see how it goes.”

The Bottom Line: Should You Book?

Book this tour if you want a full-day motorcycle adventure that mixes twisty Andes roads with a substantial off-road section, includes a real meal in Choachí, and keeps things organized with a small group and clear radio communication. It’s also a smart choice if you’re already comfortable riding and want a guided route that feels remote without needing navigation skills.

Skip it if you don’t ride often, don’t have the required motorcycle license, or you’re not comfortable on rough terrain. And if cold weather tends to catch you off guard, plan on layering up.

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 are required?

All riders must be 20 years or older. Riders should be at least 160 cm (5’3”) tall to operate the motorcycle safely and comfortably.

How long is the tour?

The duration is 8 hours, starting with check-in at 8:45 AM.

Where does the tour start and how do I find the meeting point?

It starts at Cra. 3 #12b-72 apt 103 in La Candelaria, in a blue building with a yellow and black fence. Look for The Big Bang Laundry, then ring the bell labeled 103 or message on WhatsApp when you arrive.

What’s included in the price?

Included are the Honda XRE 190 motorcycle (upgrade available), helmet, gloves, jacket, a guide, Sena radios, snack and lunch, and gas.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes. The live tour guide and the audio guide are both in English.

Can I upgrade to a different motorcycle?

Yes. There is an upgrade option to a Honda XRE 300 for more power and comfort.

What should I bring?

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

Are sandals or flip-flops allowed?

No. Sandals or flip-flops are not allowed.

What are the cancellation rules?

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

If you tell me your comfort level on bikes (street only vs. dirt experience) and whether you’re considering the XRE 300 upgrade, I’ll help you decide if this is the right fit for you.