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ColombiaStarts in Bogota4.9410 Google reviews, operator

Colombia – Wild Southern Heart Expedition

  • 13 Days
  • Intermediate
  • 2,180 km
  • Dual Sport
  • All Year Round

Overview

Thirteen days, about 2180 km, from Bogotá deep into the south of Colombia and back. You cross several branches of the Andes on twisty mountain passes, from the coffee region to the southern highlands and the lowland tropics, on a Honda XR190.

The Tatacoa Desert and its observatory. The archaeological site of San Agustín. A jungle stay in Mocoa. Then the Devil's Trampoline: 4 hours off-road on a thin road next to a steep cliff. After that Popayán, the white city, a coffee farm and Tejo in Salento, and a hot spring stay at Nevado del Ruiz.

Two rest days, in Mocoa and La Unión, keep it fun: hikes, pools or an optional half day of enduro.

Highlights

13 days and about 2180 km through the south of Colombia
Tatacoa Desert with an observatory
San Agustín archaeological site
Devil's Trampoline: 4 hours off-road beside a steep cliff
Jungle stay and a rest day in Mocoa
Popayán, coffee farm and Tejo in Salento
Two rest days, in Mocoa and La Unión
Hot springs and the Nevado del Ruiz pass
  1. DAY1

    Bogotá to Girardot

    Riding Hours: 4.5 Approx. 190 km

    You start at 9am with a stop at the Tequendama waterfall just outside Bogotá, then ride winding mountain roads over the Andes and out of the Bogotá plains. In the evening there is a river cruise on the Magdalena.

    Overnight: Girardot.

  2. DAY2

    Girardot to the Tatacoa Desert

    Riding Hours: 2.5 Approx. 100 km

    You put some early miles on the highway and spend the last hours of the day in the Tatacoa Desert. In the evening you can watch the stars at an observatory a short walk from the desert accommodation.

    Overnight: Tatacoa Desert.

  3. DAY3

    Tatacoa Desert to San Agustín

    Riding Hours: 6 Approx. 270 km

    You head south to San Agustín and its archaeological site. Lunch is in Gigante, where the town plaza has a tree more than 500 years old. The evening is relaxed, by the pool of a homestay above San Agustín.

    Overnight: San Agustín.

  4. DAY4

    San Agustín to Mocoa

    Riding Hours: 3.5 Approx. 150 km

    The morning is for the UNESCO archaeological site. Then you ride further south along highway 45, with views of the Andes, and arrive at the jungle hideaway for sunset.

    Overnight: Mocoa.

  5. DAY5

    Mocoa rest day

    Riding Hours: none

    A free day with choices: hikes, waterfalls, rivers and caves if you feel active, or massages, cocktails and pools if you want to relax.

    Overnight: Mocoa.

  6. DAY6

    Mocoa to Pasto

    Riding Hours: 4.5 Approx. 150 km

    You ride the Devil's Trampoline, a 4 hour off-road ride on a thin road next to a steep cliff, with a stop at a local eatery on the way. The day ends at the lakeside accommodation.

    Overnight: Pasto.

  7. DAY7

    Pasto to Popayán

    Riding Hours: 5.5 Approx. 270 km

    You climb in elevation and ride through canyons, with the view from the Juanambú bridge. You spend the night in Popayán, the white city.

    Overnight: Popayán.

  8. DAY8

    Popayán to La Unión

    Riding Hours: 5 Approx. 290 km

    You put highway miles on early, then twist and turn through the westernmost branch of the Andes. Lunch is at a well known restaurant outside Cali. The day ends at a campground that motorcyclists like, with dinner and drinks.

    Overnight: La Unión.

  9. DAY9

    La Unión rest day

    Riding Hours: none

    A free day to walk, swim and unwind in a very motorcycle friendly place. An optional half day enduro ride around the area is possible.

    Overnight: La Unión.

  10. DAY10

    La Unión to Salento

    Riding Hours: 5.5 Approx. 270 km

    A relaxed morning ride to a coffee farm for a tour and fresh coffee. You try Tejo, Colombia's national game. You enjoy the fresh climate of Salento and dinner in town.

    Overnight: Salento.

  11. DAY11

    Salento to Nevado del Ruiz

    Riding Hours: 2.5 Approx. 110 km

    You choose between a coffee farm visit or a short walk in the Cocora Valley among the tall palm trees. A quick ride on the highway toward Manizales brings a late lunch. You arrive at the hot spring accommodation in time for a swim in the thermal pools.

    Overnight: Nevado del Ruiz.

  12. DAY12

    Nevado del Ruiz to Honda

    Riding Hours: 4.5 Approx. 190 km

    The day starts with a thermal bath. Then you ride over the Nevado del Ruiz pass through volcanic scenery, with short stops at the blue lagoon and at a field of fraylejón plants. You cross a bridge that was the largest suspension bridge in the world when it was built.

    Overnight: Honda.

  13. DAY13

    Honda to Bogotá

    Riding Hours: 4.5 Approx. 190 km

    The last ride twists up the middle branch of the Andes, with lunch at a local eatery, and then down into Bogotá. You finish the tour there and have a final dinner together.

Tour itinerary

  1. DAY1

    Bogotá to Girardot

    Riding Hours: 4.5 Approx. 190 km

    You start at 9am with a stop at the Tequendama waterfall just outside Bogotá, then ride winding mountain roads over the Andes and out of the Bogotá plains. In the evening there is a river cruise on the Magdalena.

    Overnight: Girardot.

  2. DAY2

    Girardot to the Tatacoa Desert

    Riding Hours: 2.5 Approx. 100 km

    You put some early miles on the highway and spend the last hours of the day in the Tatacoa Desert. In the evening you can watch the stars at an observatory a short walk from the desert accommodation.

    Overnight: Tatacoa Desert.

  3. DAY3

    Tatacoa Desert to San Agustín

    Riding Hours: 6 Approx. 270 km

    You head south to San Agustín and its archaeological site. Lunch is in Gigante, where the town plaza has a tree more than 500 years old. The evening is relaxed, by the pool of a homestay above San Agustín.

    Overnight: San Agustín.

  4. DAY4

    San Agustín to Mocoa

    Riding Hours: 3.5 Approx. 150 km

    The morning is for the UNESCO archaeological site. Then you ride further south along highway 45, with views of the Andes, and arrive at the jungle hideaway for sunset.

    Overnight: Mocoa.

  5. DAY5

    Mocoa rest day

    Riding Hours: none

    A free day with choices: hikes, waterfalls, rivers and caves if you feel active, or massages, cocktails and pools if you want to relax.

    Overnight: Mocoa.

  6. DAY6

    Mocoa to Pasto

    Riding Hours: 4.5 Approx. 150 km

    You ride the Devil's Trampoline, a 4 hour off-road ride on a thin road next to a steep cliff, with a stop at a local eatery on the way. The day ends at the lakeside accommodation.

    Overnight: Pasto.

  7. DAY7

    Pasto to Popayán

    Riding Hours: 5.5 Approx. 270 km

    You climb in elevation and ride through canyons, with the view from the Juanambú bridge. You spend the night in Popayán, the white city.

    Overnight: Popayán.

  8. DAY8

    Popayán to La Unión

    Riding Hours: 5 Approx. 290 km

    You put highway miles on early, then twist and turn through the westernmost branch of the Andes. Lunch is at a well known restaurant outside Cali. The day ends at a campground that motorcyclists like, with dinner and drinks.

    Overnight: La Unión.

  9. DAY9

    La Unión rest day

    Riding Hours: none

    A free day to walk, swim and unwind in a very motorcycle friendly place. An optional half day enduro ride around the area is possible.

    Overnight: La Unión.

  10. DAY10

    La Unión to Salento

    Riding Hours: 5.5 Approx. 270 km

    A relaxed morning ride to a coffee farm for a tour and fresh coffee. You try Tejo, Colombia's national game. You enjoy the fresh climate of Salento and dinner in town.

    Overnight: Salento.

  11. DAY11

    Salento to Nevado del Ruiz

    Riding Hours: 2.5 Approx. 110 km

    You choose between a coffee farm visit or a short walk in the Cocora Valley among the tall palm trees. A quick ride on the highway toward Manizales brings a late lunch. You arrive at the hot spring accommodation in time for a swim in the thermal pools.

    Overnight: Nevado del Ruiz.

  12. DAY12

    Nevado del Ruiz to Honda

    Riding Hours: 4.5 Approx. 190 km

    The day starts with a thermal bath. Then you ride over the Nevado del Ruiz pass through volcanic scenery, with short stops at the blue lagoon and at a field of fraylejón plants. You cross a bridge that was the largest suspension bridge in the world when it was built.

    Overnight: Honda.

  13. DAY13

    Honda to Bogotá

    Riding Hours: 4.5 Approx. 190 km

    The last ride twists up the middle branch of the Andes, with lunch at a local eatery, and then down into Bogotá. You finish the tour there and have a final dinner together.

Your adventure starts in Bogota. The map below shows where this tour takes you, with the overnight stops and highlights along the way.
2180 kmTotal riding distance
11Riding days
Mountain Trails, Desert, PavedTerrain

The map is loaded from OpenStreetMap once you press the button.

Indicative route. The real tracks follow the guide. Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.

Route and Location

Your adventure starts in Bogota. The map below shows where this tour takes you, with the overnight stops and highlights along the way.
2180 kmTotal riding distance
11Riding days
Mountain Trails, Desert, PavedTerrain

The map is loaded from OpenStreetMap once you press the button.

Indicative route. The real tracks follow the guide. Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.

Twelve nights in a mix of stays. Girardot; a desert accommodation in Tatacoa; a homestay above San Agustín; a jungle hideaway in Mocoa for two nights; a lakeside stay in Pasto; Popayán; a motorcyclists' campground at La Unión for two nights; Salento; a hot spring accommodation at Nevado del Ruiz; Honda. Rooms are shared; a single room is available on request.

Twelve nights in a mix of stays. Girardot; a desert accommodation in Tatacoa; a homestay above San Agustín; a jungle hideaway in Mocoa for two nights; a lakeside stay in Pasto; Popayán; a motorcyclists' campground at La Unión for two nights; Salento; a hot spring accommodation at Nevado del Ruiz; Honda. Rooms are shared; a single room is available on request.

Honda XR190 dual sport
Helmet and riding gloves
Medical insurance (SOAT)
Drop bars and luggage rack
Luggage tie-downs and luggage storage in the office
Area map and info book
Daily itinerary with a Google Maps route
Bilingual guide and mechanic
All meals
Shared room accommodation
Off-bike activities: observatory, San Agustín park, Tejo, coffee farm, waterfall visit and hot springs
Snacks and water
Gasoline
Honda XRE300 upgrade (USD 325)
Passenger riding with you (USD 2,299)
Single room (on request)
Protective gear (full gear USD 75)
Support truck with driver (USD 300 per day, shared by the group)
Honda XR190 dual sport
Helmet and riding gloves
Medical insurance (SOAT)
Drop bars and luggage rack
Luggage tie-downs and luggage storage in the office
Area map and info book
Daily itinerary with a Google Maps route
Bilingual guide and mechanic
All meals
Shared room accommodation
Off-bike activities: observatory, San Agustín park, Tejo, coffee farm, waterfall visit and hot springs
Snacks and water
Gasoline
Honda XRE300 upgrade (USD 325)
Passenger riding with you (USD 2,299)
Single room (on request)
Protective gear (full gear USD 75)
Support truck with driver (USD 300 per day, shared by the group)

Price: USD 4599 per rider, all-inclusive, on a Honda XR190, sharing a room.

Options: upgrade to a Honda XRE300 for USD 325. A passenger riding with you costs USD 2,299. Single room on request.

A support truck with a driver (Toyota Hilux or similar) costs USD 300 per day, shared between the group.

A day to visit the emerald mines in Chivor can be added on request.

Weather: Temperature follows altitude: about 10 to 17 °C in Bogotá, around 30 °C on the Caribbean coast and below 5 °C on high mountains such as Nevado del Ruiz and the Sierra Nevada. In the Andes the drier months are December to March and July to August, and April to May and October to November are the rainiest, with rain often falling in the afternoon. Pack warm layers and a rain jacket.

Terrain: Twisty mountain passes, a desert section, jungle lowlands and a 4 hour off-road section at the Devil's Trampoline.

Gear: Helmet and riding gloves are included. Riding gear can be rented: boots USD 50, pants USD 25, jacket and armor USD 25, knee and elbow pads USD 25, or full gear for USD 75. Gear is never charged for more than 5 days. Bring a rain jacket and warm layers for the high Andes.

Licence: You need a valid motorcycle licence from your home country. An International Driving Permit is recommended if your licence is not in English or Spanish.

Visa: Colombia exempts many nationalities from a visa for short tourist stays, but the rules change. Check the official Cancilleria website before you book.

Insurance: Colombia requires SOAT accident insurance, which tour companies provide for their bikes. Also check that your own travel insurance covers motorcycling.

Price: USD 4599 per rider, all-inclusive, on a Honda XR190, sharing a room.

Options: upgrade to a Honda XRE300 for USD 325. A passenger riding with you costs USD 2,299. Single room on request.

A support truck with a driver (Toyota Hilux or similar) costs USD 300 per day, shared between the group.

A day to visit the emerald mines in Chivor can be added on request.

Weather: Temperature follows altitude: about 10 to 17 °C in Bogotá, around 30 °C on the Caribbean coast and below 5 °C on high mountains such as Nevado del Ruiz and the Sierra Nevada. In the Andes the drier months are December to March and July to August, and April to May and October to November are the rainiest, with rain often falling in the afternoon. Pack warm layers and a rain jacket.

Terrain: Twisty mountain passes, a desert section, jungle lowlands and a 4 hour off-road section at the Devil's Trampoline.

Gear: Helmet and riding gloves are included. Riding gear can be rented: boots USD 50, pants USD 25, jacket and armor USD 25, knee and elbow pads USD 25, or full gear for USD 75. Gear is never charged for more than 5 days. Bring a rain jacket and warm layers for the high Andes.

Licence: You need a valid motorcycle licence from your home country. An International Driving Permit is recommended if your licence is not in English or Spanish.

Visa: Colombia exempts many nationalities from a visa for short tourist stays, but the rules change. Check the official Cancilleria website before you book.

Insurance: Colombia requires SOAT accident insurance, which tour companies provide for their bikes. Also check that your own travel insurance covers motorcycling.

Total Distance
2180 KM
Comfort Rating
5/10
Duration
13 Days
Tour Availability
All Year Round
Min. Group Size
2 Riders
Max. Group size
12 Riders
Bike Type
Dual Sport
Difficulty Level
Intermediate
Pillion Friendly?
Yes
Terrain
Mountain Trails, Desert, Paved, Mountain Passes
Special Feature
all-inclusive, New Tour
Support level
Local Guide, Mechanic Support
Total Distance
2180 KM
Comfort Rating
5/10
Duration
13 Days
Tour Availability
All Year Round
Min. Group Size
2 Riders
Max. Group size
12 Riders
Bike Type
Dual Sport
Difficulty Level
Intermediate
Pillion Friendly?
Yes
Terrain
Mountain Trails, Desert, Paved, Mountain Passes
Special Feature
all-inclusive, New Tour
Support level
Local Guide, Mechanic Support
Adrenaline Addicts offers adventure motorcycle tours and rentals in Colombia, with multiple locations, award-winning services, and a well-maintained Honda fleet.
Adrenaline Addicts offers adventure motorcycle tours and rentals in Colombia, with multiple locations, award-winning services, and a well-maintained Honda fleet.

Tour Information & Request

Duration13 days
CountryColombia
Starting pointBogota
MotorcycleHonda XR190
USD 4599
per rider, incl. bike rental
4.9 · 410 reviewsOperator rating on Google, not this specific tour.
Starting Point
Bogota
Motorcycle
Honda XR190
Upcoming Departures
  • No payment required to request
  • The local operator confirms availability
  • You decide whether to proceed

Why book with us

Share this tour

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Questions about this tour

What makes this ride special?

Thirteen days and about 2180 km from Bogotá deep into the south of Colombia and back. The Tatacoa Desert and its observatory, the archaeological site of San Agustín, a jungle stay in Mocoa, then the Devil's Trampoline: 4 hours off-road on a thin road next to a steep cliff. Popayán, a coffee farm, Tejo in Salento and a hot spring stay at Nevado del Ruiz finish the loop.

What does a riding day look like?

Riding days are 2.5 to 6 hours, with two rest days in Mocoa and La Unión for hikes, pools or an optional half day of enduro.

How hard is the riding?

Expect endless hours of twisty mountain passes and a 4 hour off-road section at the Devil's Trampoline. It is a long tour with many hours in the saddle.

Which motorcycle do I ride, and can I upgrade?

You ride a Honda XR190 dual sport, included in the price. A Honda XRE300 is available as an upgrade for USD 325.

What gear do I need?

Helmet and riding gloves are included. Riding gear can be rented: boots USD 50, pants USD 25, jacket and armor USD 25, knee and elbow pads USD 25, or full gear for USD 75. Gear is never charged for more than 5 days. Bring a rain jacket and warm layers for the high Andes.

What is the weather like?

Temperature follows altitude: about 10 to 17 °C in Bogotá, around 30 °C on the Caribbean coast and below 5 °C on high mountains such as Nevado del Ruiz and the Sierra Nevada. In the Andes the drier months are December to March and July to August, and April to May and October to November are the rainiest, with rain often falling in the afternoon. Pack warm layers and a rain jacket.

What is special about riding in Colombia?

Colombia stacks climates on top of each other: ride from a 30 °C coast or a desert up to cold, misty mountains in one trip. It has 9 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, peaks above 5,700 m and 61 national park areas, and the roads climb, drop and twist the whole way. Coffee farms, colonial towns, jungle tracks and thermal baths all sit within a day's ride.

Which licence do I need?

You need a valid motorcycle licence from your home country. An International Driving Permit is recommended if your licence is not in English or Spanish.

Do I need a visa?

Colombia exempts many nationalities from a visa for short tourist stays, but the rules change. Check the official Cancilleria website before you book.

Can a passenger ride along?

Yes, this tour is passenger friendly: you can ride with a passenger on the back. The price for a passenger is listed under Extra info.

Where do we sleep?

Shared rooms, including a jungle stay in Mocoa and a hot spring stay at Nevado del Ruiz.

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