Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrival in Cali, Colombia (CLO)
Welcome to Colombia and this amazing riding and travel experience that so many adventure riders dream about doing! Arrival instructions specific to your trip will of course be communicated in advance, so making your way to the first hotel included in your package will be easy.
Appropriate first meetings with our Staff and/or other Riders will take place today, as well as anything else explained as "included." Rest up for some exciting days ahead!
Day 2 - Cali to Salento - 300km
Finally, you're riding in Colombia! An appropriate check-in to your motorcycle takes place, you'll have a safety briefing and questions answered, and then you're off on this adventure!
Just a few minutes into the trip, and the terrain starts switching between pavement and dirt, so this is why we stress this particular route is only for experienced dual sport riders. - Continuing through a perfect first day into the heart of Colombia's coffee region, fantastic views of the surrounding plantations also breed opportunity for a tour of an actual plantation operation. Salento is a great town just for walking around with lots of shopping, dining, and scenic possibilities.
Day 3 - Salento to Jardin - 260km
The day begins with a visit to nearby Cocora Valley with its unique vegetation and tallest palm trees in the world.
Then, it's on to Jardin, one of the most beautiful destinations in Colombia, Along the way, you'll RIDE along the ridges of the Andes Mountains and over dirt roads that only the locals use while they're transporting produce. Plantain fields and small villages along the way bring authenticity to this experience, keeping Riders away from major cities for the most part.
Day 4 - Jardin to Guatapé - 230km
Feel free to scream inside your helmet while riding this 230km stretch to Guatapé. Both pavement and off-road twisties greet you all day long as you make your way to one of the most unique towns that sits by a large reservoir and the world famous geological attraction, El Peñol Rock that towers over the area and allows for climbing to the top for incredible views.
Day 5 - Guatapé to Río Claro - 95km
Before one of the shortest rides of the route, make sure you've climbed the magnificent Peñol Rock! (If you're up for it, that is.) The challenging climb of 740 steps up the side is worth every second of effort as the views are astounding and something you won't want to miss!
Finish your day with a jaunt through the rainforests to nearby Río Claro, where the chance to check out the marble river bed that runs by close to your accommodations makes for the perfect finish to another day of riding.
Day 6 - Río Claro to Girón - 400km
Did you rest up? We hope you got a full night of sleep, because yesterday was the shortest riding day, and today will be the longest! This nearly 400km expedition is a challenge well accepted by adventurous riders, and is full of so many inspiring views and thrilling switchbacks that will make you want to do it all over again...
Rest up in the mid-size city of Girón. Enjoy some wonderful cuisine at the local restaurants, browse around the shops, or hit the sack after a long day of fun-filled adventure.
Day 7 - Girón to Barichara - 120km
This last riding day before a welcome rest day an easy one, but before you hit your destination of Barichara, how about a stop at Chicamocha Canyon for some paragliding to add to your adventure?
Enjoy heartstopping views of the canyon on a tandem paraglide flight, or, if that's not your thing, start twisting that throttle as you head to your boutique hotel for some relaxtion by the pool with a local beverage in your hand.
Day 8 - Rest Day in Barichara
Rest day! We schedule these as important safety measures, but here's the catch; there are so many outstanding activities in the area that you may not get much rest if you want to go experience things like water rafting, rappelling down waterfalls, or walking around town.
If you'd rather just take the time to relax and recover around the hotel or town, that's okay too. Just soak-up the feeling and pleasure of being in beautiful Colombia.
Day 9 - Barichara to Villa de Leyva - 195km
Today's RIDE is mostly paved and shorter, with an optional detour to a unique river where you can stop and enjoy a swim.
Hop back on the bike and head to Villa de Leyva where you can explore the colonial architecture and archealogical sites. Grab some dinner and enjoy the charm of this town.
Day 10 - Villa de Leyva to Girardot - 295km
While the ride is a little bit longer today, you'll have plenty of time to take in the awesome views on this fully-paved leg of your journey.
Head past Bogota, the capital of Colombia, and on to Girardot, your stop for the night. It's a popular getaway destination with nice, warm weather and water parks, clubs, and resorts. Girardot is also famous for the quality of its delicious bread!
Day 11 - Girardot to Desierto Tatacoa - 160km
Getting to the Tatacoa Desert is the fun part! Today you'll get to ride across old bridges, through tunnels, and then take a canoe over the Magdalena River just to get to your destination.
A modern oasis awaits you for the evening. Settle in and enjoy the tranquility of the area, and the realization that this beautiful, lush country so rich with vegetation also has a desert like this adding to the variety in this adventure. Photo opportunities galore!
Day 12 - Desierto Tatacoa to San Agustín - 260km
Today's mostly paved journey sets you on a course for San Agustín, a town nestled in the Andes Mountains of western Colombia, known for the San Agustín Archealogical Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Take your time and soak up the views on this easy, relaxing riding day, just in time to explore everything that the area has to offer on your next rest day.
Day 13 - San Agustín Rest Day
Ready for a Rest Day again? As off-bike experiences help round-out the overall adventure, you have plenty of options to choose from in this charming town.
If you'd rather rest up and just walk around town, strolling and relaxing, that's perfectly fine, but for those of us who just can't seem to sit still, choose from horseback riding, swimming in waterfalls, checking out the world famous archealogical sites, or other activities.
Day 14 - San Agustin to Laguna de la Cocha - 290km
One of the most unforgettable stretches of riding on your trip is also one of the longer riding days, passing through the Trampolin de la Muerte or "Trampoline of Death," which has been referred to as the most dangerous road in Colombia. (Don't worry, smart and careful riding makes it perfectly safe to ride through.
Every country has a "most dangerous road" statistically, and if it wasn't perfectly possible to complete this safely, we wouldn't suggest it in the first place!)After an exciting day of riding, enjoy a well-deserved rest and dinner by the gorgeous Laguna de la Cocha, and look forward to even more exploration ahead.
Day 15 - Laguna de la Cocha to Popayán - 280km
Before heading back to Cali, enjoy this fantastic ride up to Popayán, nicknamed the White City, a location known for its colonial architecture and contributions to Colombian culture and politics. (Popayán has been home to seventeen Colombian presidents!)
The ride into Popayán is a longer but easier, on all paved roads, and is the perfect way to wind down on your second-to-last riding day. Grab some delicious food, a couple of beers, and rest up for the final destination.
Day 16 - Popayán to Cali - 240km
The final leg of this amazing journey is primarily all paved, but there are some options to get in a last little bit of off-roading before heading back into Cali early in the afternoon.
Enjoy these last moments in a city our Staff can inform you about plenty, and smile back upon an incredible riding experience having been completed. Celebrate with the realization that "I have ridden Colombia!"
Day 17 - Return Home
We hate to see you go, but we understand if you have to leave. Different package types will include airport transfers if you're heading home, or our Staff can assist with other travel plans if you can stay longer.
We look forward to seeing you again, and come back for another RIDE in beautiful Colombia any time!
- 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!
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