Foggy mountains start the day right. You’ll ride Andean roads and then trade pavement for dirt, sand, gravel, and mud on an off-road route outside Bogotá. What I like is the hard mix: tight curves on tarmac followed by rough mountain valleys, plus a real lunch break in Choachí that feels like a pause, not a detour. One consideration: this is not a casual spin. You need a valid motorcycle license, prior riding experience, and you should be ready for colder mountain air and bumpy sections.

There’s a practical rhythm here too. Check-in starts at 8:45 AM, you’ll move through several planned stops, and you’re back around sunset. With a small group limited to 5 and Sena radios for communication, you won’t feel lost in the chaos, but you do need to pay attention to the guide’s instructions and stay in sync.

Key things to know before you go

• Over 400 curves in the Bogota-to-Cundinamarca drive, with lots of time for photo stops
• Off-road for 2 to 3 hours through rugged mountain valleys and scenic backcountry routes
• Choachí lunch at La Cocina de V mixes traditional Colombian and Western-style plates using fresh local ingredients
• Small-group setup (max 5 riders) with Sena radios, helmets, gloves, and a jacket included
• Honda upgrade option: swap the base Honda XRE 190 for a Honda XRE 300 for more power and comfort

Setting out from Bogotá: La Candelaria, early check-in, and a clear plan

This is a full-day ride, and it starts early. Check-in begins at 8:45 AM, and the tour runs about 8 hours, with return to the meeting spot just before or around sunset. If you’re staying in Bogotá, this timing matters because the mountains feel like a different world fast. Morning light and cool air make the ride more comfortable, and you also get more stable riding conditions for the rougher parts later in the day.

You meet in La Candelaria, at Cra. 3 #12b-72 apt 103. The building is blue and looks like an apartment complex, with a yellow and black fence. You’ll know you’re in the right spot if you find the laundromat called The Big Bang Laundry. Ring the bell labeled 103 or message on WhatsApp when you arrive.

One smart point here: you’re not just handed a bike and told good luck. The day is guided, and communication is handled using Sena radios. That means the group can stay together through turns, climbs, and dirt sections, while the guide can call out what’s ahead.

The paved-road part: why the first stage feels like the warm-up you actually need

Before the dirt, you’ll do a set of paved drives that build you up for what’s coming. The schedule moves you out of the Bogota area and then into Cundinamarca, with multiple ride segments and breaks. Early on, there’s a short ride, then a photo stop, then another ride segment, followed by a snack break.

This part of the day is more than logistics. Those early curves help you get a feel for the bikes, the road surfaces, and how the group forms up behind the guide. You’re climbing into misty mountain air, and that can change visibility and traction even before you leave the tarmac. If you’ve done little or no riding in hilly conditions, this warm-up matters.

You’ll also rack up serious curve time. The ride includes over 400 curves total, and the route is designed to keep things interesting without constantly changing plans. Expect twisting roads, panoramic viewpoints, and a rhythm of ride, pull over, look, and get back moving.

And yes, there’s an overlook stop that’s described as one of Bogotá’s better kept moto secrets—an angle locals and serious riders know. Even if you’ve seen Bogotá viewpoints before, a motorcycle route adds a feeling you don’t get from a bus: you’re arriving with your tires still warm from the climb, and you’re not just looking at the mountains, you’re part of the climb.

Choachí lunch at La Cocina de V: the break that makes the dirt section make sense

After the paved climbing and viewpoint time, the day shifts into a proper meal break in Choachí, at a cozy restaurant called La Cocina de V. Lunch runs about 1 hour, and the menu mixes traditional Colombian options with Western-style dishes, made with fresh local ingredients.

I like this stop because it does two things for you. First, it gives your body a reset. Off-road riding uses a lot of grip and leg tension, and your wrists will appreciate a real break. Second, it helps the day feel balanced. You get the thrill early, then you fuel up, then you go back for the rougher section. It’s a smarter sequence than saving the meal for the end when you’re already tired.

There’s also a useful earlier snack stop in the countryside, about 15 minutes, so you’re not going into lunch running on fumes. Still, pack the mindset that you’re riding a lot. Even with lunch included, you may want to plan for extra water and small drinks on your own, since those are not included.

If you care about food, this lunch is one of the highlights people keep pointing to. It’s not a rushed sandwich stop by the road. You get a sit-down meal in a small town, and that’s a big part of why the day feels like a real escape from the city.

The off-road ride: 2 to 3 hours of dirt, mud, and switchbacks

This is where the tour earns its name. After lunch, you hit the dirt for 2 to 3 hours total, split into sections. You’ll ride rugged mountain valleys on scenic backcountry routes, with elevation changes that keep your concentration up.

The terrain is a mix: you should expect rougher surfaces like sand, gravel, and mud, alongside stretches that still connect you back to the mountain views. One of the best parts is that it’s not just a straight line on a trail. The route includes curves, climbs, and downhill rhythm. That mix is what makes the experience feel like a true off-road day rather than a short demo.

Practically, you’ll want to ride with calm control. Off-road riding isn’t about speed. It’s about smooth inputs, steady posture, and letting the bike do the work over uneven ground. The guide is there to help you stay on the right line and keep the group moving safely.

Also, the fact that you’re wearing proper gear matters here. You’ll have a helmet, gloves, and a jacket included. Sand and gravel can be petty, but the gear helps prevent that annoying road rash you don’t want later.

Honda setup and the XRE upgrade: when the extra power matters

Your default bike is a Honda XRE 190, and there’s an upgrade option to a Honda XRE 300. The difference you’re told to care about is more powerful and more comfortable. That’s not a small detail on a day like this, because you’re dealing with altitude changes, lots of turning, and then off-road surfaces that can demand more from throttle control.

In real terms, the upgrade is likely most attractive if you want a smoother feeling on climbs or you just prefer stronger acceleration when you’re leaving slower sections. Comfort matters too because you’ll be on the bike for hours, including tarmac and dirt.

If you’re deciding between them, I’d treat it like this: if you know you’ll feel better with extra engine room—choose the XRE 300. If you’re more focused on the experience and less on power, the included XRE 190 is still part of the value of the trip.

Guides, Sena radios, and how the group stays together

The guide experience seems to be a major reason people come away happy. Names that come up include Brandon and Richard, both praised for being helpful and supportive during the ride. One theme is patience: when riders need a moment, the guide doesn’t bulldoze through.

You’ll also get communication support using Sena radios. That helps on roads where spacing matters and on rough terrain where you don’t want a guessing game about where the lead rider is headed. Radios also make it easier for the guide to share historical insights as the day moves along.

If you’re new to motorcycle group rides, this is comforting. You can focus on riding instead of constantly scanning for hand signals. You still need to listen and follow instructions, but the system reduces stress.

And since the tour is in English, you’ll get that guidance clearly. There’s also an audio guide included in English, which is useful if you want extra context during scenic stops.

What to bring: warm layers beat cold surprises

Mountain weather can be trickier than you expect in Colombia. The tour asks you to bring warm clothing for the ride. Even if Bogotá feels comfortable when you leave, higher elevations and mist can change how you feel on the bike.

Other practical musts:

• Bring your passport and a valid motorcycle driver’s license from your home country
• Wear closed-toe footwear you can control on foot pegs
• No sandals or flip-flops
• You should be at least 160 cm (5 ft 3 in) to operate the motorcycle comfortably and safely
• Plan for a full day outside, not a quick in-and-out ride

The tour also has some clear boundaries. You must be 20 years or older. It’s not suitable for pregnant women, people with pre-existing medical conditions, or riders over 70. And you need prior riding experience, since the route includes dirt and bumpy terrain.

Price and value: what you get for $146

At $146 per person, you’re paying for a full guided day that includes a lot more than just the scenery. Included in the price are:

• A Honda XRE 190 (with an upgrade option to XRE 300)
• Helmet, gloves, and jacket
• Guide and Sena radios
• Snack and lunch
• Gas

So the value isn’t only the bike. It’s also the structure and safety support. You’re getting a plan for the whole day: paved curve time, snack and lunch stops, viewpoint breaks, and then off-road riding with communication and a guide.

The main things not included are money for souvenirs, additional snacks or drinks, and gratuity. That last part is optional in many places, but if your guide helps you through tricky sections, you might want to budget for it.

Overall, if you want one day outside Bogotá that mixes big road energy with real off-road time, this price feels reasonable because your biggest costs—bike access, gear, guide, and food—are already handled.

Who this tour fits best (and who should skip it)

This one is ideal if you like motorcycles and want a day that’s not boring. If you’re comfortable riding and you want a serious mix—curve-heavy paved roads plus dirt riding through valleys—this fits well. It’s also a good match for people who want an organized day with a small group of up to 5 participants, so you’re not stuck with a huge pack.

I’d be cautious if:

• You don’t have a motorcycle license (you need a valid one from home)
• You don’t have passport documents on hand
• You’re not comfortable riding with gear and road noise for hours
• You’re sensitive to cold mountain air
• You have any pre-existing medical conditions that could worsen with vibration and bumpy ground

If you’re tall enough and experienced enough, it’s the kind of day that makes Bogotá feel like the start of an adventure instead of the endpoint.

Should you book the Bogota Mountains & Valleys Off-Road Tour?

If you want a single day that combines serious curves, a proper mountain-town lunch in Choachí, and real off-road time with a guide and communication support, I’d book it. The small group size, the included gear, and the fact that food is built into the schedule make this easier than cobbling together your own riding day.

Skip it if your idea of fun is mostly flat roads, or if you’re not ready for uneven terrain and colder conditions. And don’t underestimate the documentation rule: you’ll need your passport and your motorcycle license to participate.

If you check those boxes, this is a strong value way to see the mountains around Bogotá from a seat that actually feels the altitude.

FAQ

Do I need a motorcycle driver’s license to join?

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

Do I need a passport?

Yes. Riders must have a passport to join.

What motorcycle is included?

The activity includes a Honda XRE 190. There’s also an upgrade option to a Honda XRE 300.

What’s included for meals and riding gear?

Snack and lunch are included. Helmet, gloves, and a jacket are also included.

How long is the tour and when does it start?

The duration is about 8 hours. Check-in begins at 8:45 AM.

Is this a small group tour?

Yes. It’s limited to 5 participants.

Is this for beginners?

It’s not meant for first-timers. You must have prior knowledge and experience of riding a motorcycle.

What should I wear or bring?

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

Where do I meet the tour?

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

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