GUIDED TRIP
$3,150USD
Per Motorcycle
MOTORCYCLE +
PRE- BOOKED HOTELS
$1,950USD
Per Motorcycle
GROUP DEPARTURES
FEBRUARY 6, 2023
PRIVATE DEPARTURES
AVAILABLE ANYTIME
What's Included in Guided Trips:
Our trips and rentals include reliable easy to ride motorcycles, all riding gear, beautiful hotels, and off-the-beaten-path locations for an authentic experience Colombian experience.
✓ Adventure Motorcycle
✓ Protective gear including helmet, jacket, gloves, knee protection, rain gear
✓ Accommodations in hotels
✓ All airport and hotel transfers
✓ All fuel and road tolls
✓ Basic emergency medical insurance
✓ 24 hour customer support for any needs or emergencies during the trip
✓ High-quality 50 liter dry bags
✓ Locking 50 liter top box
✓ Luggage storage at our office
✓ Cell Phone holder
✓ Wireless / USB Charger
✓ Tire repair kit including electric air pump and tire tubes
Not Included in Guided Trips:
❌ Lunch and Dinner
❌ Alcoholic Beverages
What to Expect:
Our routes are made for intermediate riders.
The mild off-road sections are simply unpaved roads where cars can easily drive.
Rides are at a relaxed pace and our guides are very patient with everyone.
We calculate 5 hours of actual driving time per day but with stops for pictures, breaks and lunch, each day is a full 8 hours of being out and about.
There is always plenty of time to explore the towns and have a nice relaxing meal after we arrive.
8 DAY / THE PERFECT LOOP
RIDE DESCRIPTION
If you’re looking to experience the best of Colombia and only have a week, we highly recommend this trip. Based on the feedback from dozens of travelers, we have put together the “Perfect Loop” of Colombia's famous coffee region. an authentic, off-the-beaten-path experience, with unique stops and opportunities to connect with the locals. The trip is a combination of 50% on-road and 50% intermediate off-road riding.
HIGHLIGHTS
Airport Pickup and Hotel Transfers: Enjoy the convenience of an airport pickup and hotel transfer as the perfect start to your adventure-filled trip.
Snow-capped Volcano: Ride on a 5,321m (17,457ft) snow-capped volcano
Thermal Springs: Swim in beautiful hot springs and stay in the attached hotel. Massage services available.
Hand-feed Hummingbirds: 10 species of hummingbirds including the second largest hummingbird in the world.
Paramo: Ride through an extremely rare alpine ecosystem. See 200 year old plants.
Coffee Farm Visit: Harvest coffee with a local family
Tallest Palm Trees in the World: Ride to a rare wax palm forest and walk among 200ft tall palm trees.
Spectacular Views: As always, enjoying all the twists and turns while riding through some of the most amazing scenery in the world.
ROUTE MAPS & NOTES
ELEVATION
DOWNLOADS
TOTAL DISTANCE / 1041 km (647 mi)
RIDING CONDITIONS / 50% Paved / 50% Easy Off-Road
SKILL LEVEL / Intermediate Skill Level
MAX ELEVATION / 3693 m (12,117 ft)
MIN ELEVATION / 500 m (1,474 ft)
Alex Spanos
My wife and I recently returned from a trip to Colombia. This was our first time traveling to South America, and after learning about Colombia Motorcycle Adventures through a podcast (Adventure Rider Radio), I thought that the 7 - Day Perfect Loop Coffee Region Tour sounded like a great way to introduce ourselves to motorcycle travel in Colombia. In every way, Jeff and his staff met or exceeded our expectations. Jeff was gracious, accommodating, easy to work with, and helpful. Our guides, Carlos and Natalia, were wonderful. The route was beautiful, often challenging (road and traffic conditions, weather, etc...) but never boring. Our bike, a Honda XRE 300, was in perfect condition. We rode two-up on this little bike, and although it would have been nice to have a bit more power at times, it was perfectly adequate and very easy to ride. All in all, our experience was stellar. If you are considering a trip to Colombia and want to include motorcycles in your adventure - contact Jeff today. You will not be disappointed.
THREE BOOKING OPTIONS
① All-Inclusive Guided Tours
Our all-inclusive tours include a knowledgeable local guide / mechanic, fully prepped adventure motorcycle, motorcycle gear, prepaid and booked hotels. Single occupancy hotel rooms- your own private room each night at no extra charge.
② Motorcycle + Hotels
(aka Self-Guided + Hotels)
Our self-guided tours include a fully prepped adventure motorcycle, prepaid and booked hotels, motorcycle gear, detailed route map, and 24-hour customer support. Single occupancy hotel rooms- your own private room each night at no extra charge.
③ Motorcycle Rental Only
(aka Self-Guided)
Fully prepped adventure motorcycle rental. All motorcycle gear included as well as 24-hour customer support. Explore on your own or with a group of friends. Let us help you plan a great trip.
FEATURED IN
IS COLOMBIA SAFE?
The answer is a resounding YES. Colombia is exactly the opposite of what Netflix Narcos series portrays. People have to realize that Pablo Escobar was killed three decades ago. We've led hundreds of tours around the country and have never had any problems with security.
Anthony Bourdain summed it up perfectly:
"If you want to find bad people in Colombia, you can surely find them, as you could in New York or Los Angeles. But nowhere have my crew and I been treated better or with more kindness and generosity. I'd bring my family on vacation there in a heartbeat. And hope to soon. As I said before: Colombians are proud. Let them show you what they are proud of."
ITINERARY
Day 1 / Arrival in Medellin
Recommended Hotel:
Inntu Hotel Laureles
Restaurant:
Parmessano
Courtesy airport pickup: Upon arrival at the José María Córdova International Airport, a driver will be waiting for you at the arrivals area holding a sign with your name and wearing a fluorescent shirt for easy identification. They will then take you directly to the Inntu Hotel in the Laureles neighborhood.
First Night Hotel Stay: The Inntu Hotel is located in the trendy Laureles neighborhood of Medellin, a vibrant area known for its tree-lined streets, outdoor cafes, and eclectic mix of restaurants and bars. The hotel itself is a contemporary, eco-friendly property that offers guests a comfortable and stylish stay, with amenities such as a rooftop terrace with panoramic views of the city, a fitness center, and a restaurant serving organic cuisine. The neighborhood is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, offering a lively and authentic Medellin experience with plenty of opportunities for exploring, shopping, and dining. Its central location also makes it an ideal base for visitors to explore other areas of the city, with easy access to major attractions.
Day 2 / Medellin to Sónson
Overnight Parking:
Sonson Parking
This is going to be an interesting trip. Today we ride to the former guerilla conflict zone of Sonson. Sonson has been off-limits for decades due to guerilla activity. Although it's safe now there is very little information on the internet about the area. Consequently, it’s untouched by tourism which makes it the perfect place to get an authentic taste of Colombia.
The ride to Sonson is great. One of the best things about this ride is the miles and miles of exciting twists and turns. Ups, downs, ascending curves, descending curves, increasing radius curves, decreasing radius curves. You’re going to get a ton of riding experience on just this one road. The pavement here is in good shape and as is the case in lots of areas in the countryside, there is very little traffic.
Midway we’re going to stop off at Luisa’s house and have a cup of local coffee called tinto. If you like kids you’ll be delighted to meet her twin toddlers. Tourists never stop here and you’ll see how happy she is to talk with us. Besides being a fun way to connect with the locals, it's a way to directly support a family business.
The town of Sonson is located at a high elevation but we’re going to climb even higher. The Paramo de Sonson is a lookout point that stands at over 10,000ft in elevation. The lookout has a scenic view of the fog rolling across the cloud forest and nearby valley. By now it will be late afternoon and we’ll head back to town to check in to our hotel and grab a pizza and a beer.
We stay at the El Tesoro hotel located on the main square. This is a 200-year-old mansion that has been converted into a unique hotel. Unlike other hotels, this one hasn't been updated and still retains its original charm. In addition, the hotel is somewhat of a museum and is filled with an eclectic collection of antiques. Looking over everything will keep you captivated for hours.
Located next door to the hotel is a great pizza restaurant. From the second-story balcony, we can enjoy a brick oven pizza while people-watching on the main square. Located at 8,100ft you’ll want to bring a jacket because it's going to be cold at night.
Day 3 / Sónson to Pensilvania
Recommended Hotel:
Colina Plaza
Overnight Parking:
Pensilvania Parking
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The road from Sonson is unpaved but in good condition. Almost as soon as we leave Sonson we have to stop to take photos of the expansive valley right outside of town. The rest of the ride consists of windy roads and spectacular views of the surrounding coffee and sugarcane plantations. In the middle of the trip, we drop into a warm valley and cross a bridge over a white water river before winding back into the mountains on the other side. Just before we arrive in town, there's a panoramic view of the town precariously sitting on the top of a hill. Once we arrive, we feel like you have somehow discovered a special place that hardly any other foreigner has set eyes upon.
Day 4 / Pensilvania to Salamina
Recommended Hotel:
Salamina Highs
Overnight Parking:
Salamina Parking
Salamina is Colombia's best-kept secret. Tucked away in a far off corner of the coffee region, the beauty of Salamina is a sight to behold. The town itself is situated on the peak of a mountain, with entire streets sometimes appearing as if they are about to slide off the side of the mountain. Once we enter the town, we see why it has earned national heritage status. Houses climb the sloping streets with each one seeming determined to outdo its neighbors. Elaborate woodworking takes the form of intricately decorated doors, windows, balconies, and zócalos (the distinct lower sections of the whitewashed facades). It's hard to walk the streets of Salamina without constantly looking upward at the flower-filled balconies.
A gorgeous bronze basin fountain made in Paris sits in the central plaza surrounded by tall trees and benches. In 1900 the fountain was brought to town on the back of ox and mules. Since then it has become a symbol of the region. There are also various restaurants surrounding the main square where you can try typical local dishes, including the local favorite of steamed eggs (Huevos al Vapor), made with the help of an espresso machine.
One of the nicer boutique options in Salamina is the Salamina Highs hotel. Formerly a coffee hacienda, the owners have beautifully restored the house and converted it into a charming boutique hotel. The property is complete with spacious rooms, king-sized beds, and a beautiful courtyard with jasmine trees and a jacuzzi. The hotel has a perfect location and is only a two-minute walk from the main square.
Day 5 / Salamina to Manizales
Recommended Activities:
Nevado Ruiz
Termales el Sifon
Cascada del Rio Asufrado
Laguna Negra
Valle de Frailejon
Recommended Restaurants:
El Ocho
Overnight Parking:
Salamina Parking
Nevado de Ruiz
Today takes us to the famous Nevado Ruiz Volcano. Colombia is part of the Ring of Fire, a 40,000 kilometer (24,900 miles) long string of volcanoes that forms a horseshoe-shaped ring around the edge of the Pacific Ocean. This Ring of Fire contains 75% of the world's volcanoes and 90% of its earthquakes with Colombia itself being home to 23 volcanoes, of which 19 are considered active. Conveniently located right in the heart of the coffee region is Nevado Ruiz stratovolcano which reaches a staggering height of 5,311m (17,424ft)
Rides around the Nevado del Ruiz are often touted as “The best rides in Colombia.” You’ll ride up through the clouds until arriving in a high altitude tundra known as Paramo. Sitting at 13,000ft you will be surrounded by ancient plants that look a lot like cactus. Called frailejones these plants are actually related to sunflowers and are over 150 years old. Although you are at a high altitude the temperatures aren’t freezing and the cool air feels more like a sunny day in the Swiss Alps than sitting on a stratovolcano on the equator.
Although beautiful, Nevado Ruiz was the cause of one of the most devastating events in Colombian history. On November 13, 1985, after ignoring evacuation warnings from geologists, the Nevado del Ruiz erupted. The intense heat of the eruption melted the volcano's ice caps producing high-speed avalanches of mud, water, and debris (called lahars) that rushed down the side of the mountain destroying the town of Armero and claiming the lives of 23,080 of its residents.
Day 6 / Local Exploration
Hummingbirds and Nevado Ruiz or Coffee Farm Visit
Recommended Hotel:
Termales del Otoño
Recommended Activities:
Hummingbird Experience
Nevado Ruiz
Termales el Sifon
Cascada del Rio Asufrado
Laguna Negra
Valle de Frailejon
Termales del Ruiz Hotel
Whatever you do, don’t even think of coming down from the volcano without visiting the Termales del Ruiz Hotel, one of the few hotels actually located on the side of an active volcano. Located amid stunning landscapes at 3500masl (11,500ft), this glorious thermal-bath complex is the place to go to for total relaxation. The ride to get here is just as good. Visiting this hotel means navigating an off-road route that takes you from the relatively low altitude of Manizales through the jungle and into the high altitude paramo. Constructed in the 1940s by a German skiing champion, the rooms have the feel of a classic alpine lodge because it actually was an alpine ski lodge, used by the first-ever Colombian ski-team. While not huge, the rooms are certainly comfortable.
Outside, there are two large hot thermal pools. Sitting in the steaming hot pools while feeling the cool mountain air and looking out over the valley below feels great after a long ride. The lodge is also great for watching hummingbirds. Located on a hillside above it, there's a birding shelter beside a gushing stream where 17 species of hummingbird come to feed including the second largest hummingbird species in the world. The front desk can provide you with brightly colored sugar water feeders to feed the birds from your hand.
Head uphill through a side road and you’ll come to a forest of frailejones, a tundra plant that’s been adapting at this altitude for eons, covering its flowers in white hairs to protect it from the sun and surrounding its stems in dead leaves to protect it from the cold.
Day 7 / Manizales to Jardin
Recommended Restaurants:
Mambru Jardin
Tacos del Mundo
Cafe Macanas
La Mayoria del Suroeste
Bon Appetit
Overnight Parking:
Jardin Parking
Recommended Activities:
La Garucha
Cueva de Murceligos
Reserva Natural Jardin de Rocas
Tour Cafetera: Cafe Historias
Jardin is the perfect place to finish a great trip. Leaving Nevado de Ruiz, we make our way down from the paramo and through the jungle until we reach the city of Manizales. Here we cross the city in about 30 minutes before we climb back up into the mountains towards the town of Riosucio. After reaching Riosucio the trail switches from pavement to unpaved gravel. We stay on the unpaved trail, winding our way through the forest until we reach the town of Jardin.
Revered for its brightly-colored houses and quaint mountainside location, Jardin is often dubbed ‘the most beautiful town in all of Colombia’ and acts as the poster-child for the culturally-enriched Antioquia region.
In Spring, when the town’s floral decorations are in full bloom, Jardin is an explosion of colors (and tourists), and local cafes do a great job of reflecting the vibrant essence of the city with their rainbow-colored outdoor seating. The town looks tailor-made for postcards. In town, you can simply stroll the little colonial streets, admire the stunning architecture, and watch as cowboys come into town in the evening with their trained horses. The center of town is compact and easily explored on foot.
A great way to get a bird’s eye view of the town is by cable-car. La Garucha is a home built metal lattice cable car that pulls you across a valley while suspended hundreds of meters in the air. The views of the city, mountains, and valley below are incredible, and there is a restaurant located on the other side.
Visiting the Parque Natural Jardín de Rocas is a must-do trip for birdwatchers. You can see the shockingly bright orange and black Gallo de Roca Andino also known as the Andean Cock-Of-The-Rock. Located at what is known as a lek, we can see courtship displays with males trying to impress the females. The best time to go is in the early morning and just before dusk. You can get within feet of the birds as they socialize to start and end their days.
Day 8 / Jardin to Medellin
Recommended Hotel:
Inntu Hotel Laureles
Sorry amigos, today we have to go back to Medellin. The trip is beautiful though and its a great way to end an awesome motorcycle adventure in Colombia.
