Tour Info
Essential Colombia Guided, Group RIDE
SELF-GUIDED: You can also do this trip as a Self-Guided ride, inquire for the details and available dates.
PRIVATE GROUPS: Please see our Private Group Trips explanation page, and let us know well in advance when you'd like to RIDE Colombia!*
- Origin: Cali, Colombia (CLO Airport)
- Destination: Cali, Colombia
- Dates of tour: Multiple. Please see "Dates" tab
- Trip Duration: 9 Days (1 Arrival, 1 Departure, 7 Riding Days with no rest days.)
- Distance: 1285 kilometers (798 miles)
- Average ride per day: Variable hours on the bike (184 km / 114 miles per day - Might not seem like much, but in Colombia, these are full days!)
- Terrain: 35% dirt/gravel roads, 65% pavement
- Weather: Variable depending on the time of year, elevation, and location. Temperatures vary from 10C/50F at high elevations to 35C/95F. Summer/vented gear is recommended over padding, and there's almost always a chance of rain when passing through so many micro-climates.
Included (as shown for Guided Group packages. Please see Self-Guided explanation under Pricing tab.)
- Motorcycle rental for trip (see Bikes or Pricing for options)
- Bilingual Professional Tour Guide
- Mandatory 3rd Party Liability Insurance
- 8 Nights Hotel of 3-4 Star, excellent accommodations per itinerary
- 8 Breakfasts
- 7 Riding Day lunches
- Welcome and Departure Dinner
- Fuel for motorcycle
- Tolls (fast & free for motorcycle Riders in Colombia!)
- Mandatory 3rd Party Liability Insurance for moto
- Motorcycle Dry bags and Tank bag
- Gift bag (TShirt, hat, and stickers)
- Airport transfers
- Sweep Support Rider, familiar with route (*Groups of 5 or more)
Not Included:
- Flights
- Visas or personal documentation
- Optional Damage Liability Reduction Waiver & associated fully refundable Security Deposit (*Please inquire on specific costs associated with your requested rental or tour package)
- Tour pricing is based on a 5-Rider minimum. Trip may continue as scheduled with fewer than 5 Riders, although adjustments in pricing or inclusions may be necessary
- Any non-mentioned item or service as Included
Adventure Tour Pricing (USD)
Guided Group Tour: $4,999 per person
Base tour on KTM 790 Adventure with Shared Room
Option Upgrades:
- KTM 890 Adventure; +$165
- Husqvarna Norden 902: +$215
- Single Room: +$485
Additional Options:
- KTM 390 Adventure
- Pillion Rider: (Shared Room) $1,950
Self-Guided "Fly & RIDE" Package: $2,999 per person
Base Price on KTM 790 Adventure with Shared Room
Optional Upgrade:
- Single Room: +$485
Please Note:
- Self-Guided packages include motorcycle rental, hotel accommodations, breakfasts, and a Road Book or GPS.
- Excluded from Self-Guided packages are a Lead Motorcycle Guide, Fuel, Hotel Transfers, and meals other than hotel-provided breakfasts.
- For a detailed quote on specific dates, please contact us.
Important:
- Tours can sell out 6-8 months in advance; reservations are confirmed upon deposit receipt per our Terms & Conditions.
Interested in This Tour?
Contact Ricardo Today About Your Adventure RIDE in Colombia!
Tour Specs
Level 4
Colombia
- Fantastic Colombian Riding - As is with all our tour routes, we've already done the research so you can rest assured you'll be riding the absolute best routes in the region
- Calima Lake and El Cairo - Visit a town untouched by modern life, enjoy the freshest coffee you've ever tasted, and take in the unbelievable views of the Andes Mountains
- Cocora Valley - The origins of the Quindío River and home to the Wax Palms, the world's tallest palm trees welcome both riding and hiking possibilities
- Salento & Coffee Region - Ever wonder where all that coffee breath came from? The heart of the world's largest coffee producing countries is right here, and refreshing views of the plantations surround you (much fresher than after drinking their product.)
- Ruiz Volcano - Overnight locations overlooking incredible scenery showing the stunning colors of Colombia. Get your camera ready and make your friends back home jealous!
- The town of Salamina is a must-see location, the "City of Light" is named as such for its rich history of artists and musicians, having been declared a national monument and heritage city for Colombia
- Andes Mountains where you can enjoy the stunning scenery on your RIDE. We've ridden all over South America, and can't stress this enough: You'll never forget the majesty of the Andes.
Tour Video
Testimonials
- Antoine de Braquilanges from France conquered Patagonia in early 2020 Self-Guided, and using one of our BMW F750GS Motorcycle Rentals in Patagonia. Folks, whether you're part of one of our groups, or taking on the challenge of Patagonia alone or with a few friends, ya just gotta see this place!
- Mary Jo Ford, along with her husband and daughter from California enjoyed a customized version of our Self-Guided "RIDE the 3 Corners" adventure riding package. This photo overlooking the Salar de Uyuni from Fisher Island, what a place to RIDE!
-Andrea and Chapman from California after a weekend ride through the Lakes District of Chile, Northern Patagonia on a BMW F800GS rental.
Overall the trip was great. The closing of the pass was a real wrench in the plan. We decided to play things by ear and instead of going to Argentina spent our days exploring the region around Puerto Varas. We met a great french couple running a place called Casa Ko and loved staying with them and getting daily recommendations. Some of the highlights were Volcan Osorno, falls near Petrohue, the road to Cochamo, Lago Tagua Tagua, and taking the ferry from Ruta 7.
-Chris from California, after a week-long motorcycle rental in Chile and Argentina. In December of 2012, Paso Samore (between Osorno and Bariloche) had a fire and was shut down for a couple of weeks. Riders had to make some last-minute route adjustments!
-George and Anders from Norway, after 10 great days of BMW motorcycle rentals in Chile, spent riding the Andes Mountains of northern Argentina, Bolivia, and Chile - on the ferry at Estrecho de Tiquina to Copacabana, Bolivia for sure!
-Fernando Carneiro from Brazil, after his group's Northern Chile trip on BMW motorcycle rentals we provided. Glad you enjoyed the service and riding adventure, Fernando!
-Paulo Godoy, also from the same Brazilian group renting BMW R1200GS's in Chile. Vê-lo novamente, amigos!
-Remi Aquin, District Sales Manager (Pictures from Jan and Remi's travels by renting motorcycles in Chile, and riding through Northern Chile, Peru, Bolivia, and Northern Argentina.)
"The trip was awesome! The itinerary allowed some side excursions on “rest days” which we took full advantage of with trips to the Salar to Tara, Valle de la Luna, and Isla Incahuasi. The route suggestions were spot-on (my favourite being Ruta 9 north of Salta…we did it both directions…epic!).
If someone asks me whether I’d recommend a self-guided fly and ride with RIDE Adventures…the answer is absolutely YES!! Our experience was incredible, the scenery was stunning, the people amazing, and we overcame problems with help from your people on the ground. We are already talking about doing a ride in southern Chile and Argentina, plus riding the Lagunas route from SPDA to Uyuni is now on my bucket list. Hopefully I can convince you to rent me a DR650 in ANF at some point."
- Dave Munro from Calgary and his buddy, Al, sure did enjoy their Self-Guided, Fly & RIDE The 3 Corners: Argentina, Bolivia & Chile trip, and we couldn't be happier for that. Come back again anytime guys, the Andes are the longest mountain chain in the world, and there's lots more to experience!
-The epitome of adventure riding, Fabricio and Quel from Brazil flew into the face of the Coronavirus situation, and made the best out of their Self-Guided Fly & RIDE The Best of Northern Patagonia package. What an amazing time in our world history to carry out such a trip, congrats, Fabricio!
We had a fantastic time, not without its challenges as you had promised.
- John and Jane from New Zealand tackled the Altiplano and Atacama region of the Andes Mountains with our Self-Guided "RIDE the 3 Corners" adventure riding package. The picture helps realize just how clear, crisp, and vivid the colors and textures of this region are. So fantastic for photography, and riding!
-Mark Jeffries from the U.K. after his clearly EXCELLENT experience riding a Self-Guided Motorcycle Trip in Patagonia in 2015.
Thanks again!"
-Written by Craig Pejic from the U.K. after his motorcycle rental package in Patagonia for riding through Chile and Argentina. So glad you guys enjoyed your trip, and that we had a chance to meet along the road near Futaleufú, Craig!
"I have finally made it back to Singapore after the long haul from the bottom of the world. I just wanted to write a few words about the 2 weeks I spent with Ride Adventures, Ulli and Andres.
Going into this trip, I had some trepidation about being able to keep up with the rest of the team on the infamous Ripio. Although I was confident I would get through it, I did not want to end up an hour behind the rest of the group and becoming a drag on the tour.
Luckily, we had a group of riders that although on their own bikes had a very large range of ability and would have no doubt kicked my ass on dirt or road were quick to develop a team concept and help each other out when needed. I do believe I was very fortunate to be able to ride and spend time with such an outstanding group of people.
-Written by Dan Ruben from Singapore after he was able to sneak most of our "Patagonia, Tierra del Fuego & Ushuaia!" motorcycle trip into his busy schedule!
The Essential Colombia Adventure RIDE
If you only have the time to hit the highlights of Colombia, this is the way to do it!
With sights like volcanos and waterfalls, ferry rides and working your way through dense rainforests, get ready for a truly remarkable RIDE through the Essential parts of Colombia.
Riding through this gorgeous country full of twisties and sweeping vistas, on dual sport routes, Riders not only experience the very heart of Colombia but a sampling of what the Andes Mountains of South America have to show us.
Browse the itinerary below, let your imagination run wild, and then contact us to RIDE this amazing route!
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrival in Cali, Colombia (CLO)
Colombia welcomes you with open arms! Adventure is right around the corner as a quick shuttle into the heart of Cali and your arrival hotel gives a sampling of life around one of Colombia's largest cities.
This arrival day is also a good time to finish some motorcycle paperwork, get familiar with the rental bike reserved for you, and meet the other Riders in the group (if a Guided Group trip format was chosen.
Please note in the Pricing section that both Guided and Self-Guided versions of this package are available.) Either way, take a deep breath and smile, as a truly unique, fun, and rare experience lies ahead!
Day 2 - Cali to Salento - 280km
Let the adventure RIDE begin! Barely five minutes into this motorcycle trip, the pavement is left behind and the route heads into some of the fantastic dirt riding that makes such great variety on this route.
Up into the hills surrounding Cali and along ridges of the "Cordillera Occidental" or "Western Mountain Range," the riding will offer up fantastic viewpoints as you head north and explore for the day. A mix of pavement and dirt makes this the perfect first day's ride, and now the realization an settle in: You're riding ... in Colombia!
Arriving to the heart of Colombia's coffee plantation region, settle down into the hotel for the night, marvel at the stunning views of the Andes, and prepare for even more fun riding the next day.
Day 3 - Salento to Termales del Ruiz - 180km
A day full of mixed riding terrain begins with breakfast in the town square before heading off toward Cartago and about 2600m of climbing through mountain twisties and off road routes.
Eventually ending up at a hotel near the top of the Ruiz Volcano, prepare to relax in the natural hot spring pool and views overlooking Manizales below.
Day 4 - Termales del Ruiz to Rio La Miel - 225km
This medium-length riding day is a highlight full of drastic elevaton changes, twisties in the mountains, riding on some technical off road sections, crossing bridges, ferry rides, and finally, leaving your bike behind.
Yes, you read that right. From here, take the local transportation. Just exactly where to will remain a secret for now, but, we're positive you'll love this destination buried deep within the rainforests of Colombia.
Day 5 - Rio La Miel to Sonson - 130km
A Day in the Dirt! This shorter day of riding isn't necessarily 'easier' as it includes plenty of challenging terrain changes, river and stream crossings, on-peg riding along rocky trails, and even some spots with sand.
After all that, if you're too tired to continue for the day, you'll have the option of parking your bike, and yourself, in a small village for the night. If not, great! Keep going on to your next destination, the town of Sonson.
Day 6 - Sonson to Salamina - 90km
At only 90km, today is the shortest riding day of the journey, but it's a fun RIDE that wiggles along roads that only local farmers use while delivering their crops. Plenty of little technical nuiances make just 90km seem like much more, and adds to the variety packed into this route.
Riding will end with plenty of time to relax and explore in Salamina, known as the City of Light, and declared a national monument due to its cherished heritage.
Day 7 - Salamina to Filandia - 160km
After yesterday's short ride to Salamina, hop back on the bike for more unforgettable dual sport riding over the 'less-travelled' roads of the region. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the Colombian Andes on this leg of the journey on the way into one more colonial town in the heart of coffee country.
If arriving with enough time, there's an opportunity to visit a coffee farm and learn about the production process while enjoying stunning views of plantation life around you.
Arts and crafts are the Salento's specialty, along with fantastic dining, views of the Cocora Valley and typically snow-capped mountains. Rest up and get ready for your final RIDE back to Cali!
Day 8 - Filandia to Cali - 220km
Today's fun includes a visit to the stunning Cocora Valley where you'll take in the views of Colombia's national tree, the Wax Palm (the tallest palm tree in the world) along with other unique vegetation in this must-see location.
Heading back through the Cauca Valley to Cali, the surroundings will be of the largest sugar plantations in the country. This route is mostly paved and the perfect way to ease out of vacation mode after a week blended with some relaxing, some techinical, and over all, some fantastic riding.
Day 9 - Return Home
Rested and recharged, or are you ready to head back into the Heart of Colombia and see what else they've got? We understand if you have to leave, but your airport transfer is included if needed, or we'll gladly help you continue the adventure.
Start organizing all those photos and get ready to share with friends, as you just completed a RIDE in Colombia!
Minimum Essential Gear for RIDE Training
If you're planning to jump on a guided tour or training with RIDE Adventures, it's essential that you have the right gear. This helps to ensure your safety and the safety of others while on the road.
Not being properly prepared can lead to injuires that could have been avoided. Our guides have created a Minimum Essential Gear Guide if you plan to book a RIDE Adventures. If you don't come minimally prepared there is a chance our guides will prevent you from hopping on a bike. Make sure you're prepared for the adventure.
Bikes Available
Husqvarna Norden 901
X
33.6/34.4 in | 854/874 mm
449 lbs | 204 kg
5 gal | 19 liter
889 cc
KTM 390 Adventure
X
33.6 in / 855 mm
379 lb / 172 kg
3.8 gal / 14.5 L
373 cc
KTM 790 Adventure
X
33.5/32.7 in / 851/831 mm
464 lb
5.3 gal / 20 L
799 cc
KTM 890 Adventure
The KTM 890 ADVENTURE is the ultimate motorcycle for adventure travel. Whether you're tackling highways or rough terrain, this bike has got you covered. It's been updated for 2023 to provide an even better ride with reworked adjustable suspension, a comfortable seat, and wind protection. Get ready to explore new places with the powerful and capable KTM 890 ADVENTURE.
X
33.4 in / 850 mm
464 lb
5.3 gal / 20 L
889 cc