6 DAY / Off-Road Lost Emerald City
Ride to Muzo, Colombia’s Emerald Capital of the World
This six-day expedition takes you deep into Colombia’s eastern Andes and the legendary emerald belt—one of the most remote and storied regions in the country. The ride begins with sweeping mountain pavement before dropping into the hot Magdalena River Valley, then climbs back into rugged jungle mountains where waterfalls, caves, and emerald mines await.
You’ll explore hidden towns like Florián, home to the dramatic Windows of Tisquisoque waterfall cave, before riding rough backroads into Muzo—the world’s emerald capital. Here, you’ll witness real-life mining culture, meet local guaqueros, and experience a part of Colombia few travelers ever see.
The journey continues through isolated mining settlements, jungle ridgelines, and remote dirt tracks before returning to Medellín via a scenic climb out of the tropical lowlands. Designed for intermediate riders, this route blends adventure riding, geology, and authentic rural culture into one of Colombia’s most unique motorcycle loops.
⭐ Highlights
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💎 Ride into Muzo, the world’s emerald capital
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🕳️ Explore the massive 1000ft waterfall & cave at Florián
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🏔️ Remote eastern Andes backroads and jungle ridges
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⛏️ Optional emerald mine tour. See real mining life
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🌄 Scenic climbs from tropical lowlands to mountain passes
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🏞️ Ride through isolated towns few tourists ever reach
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📸 Waterfalls, river valleys, and raw Andean landscapes
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🏍️ A true off-the-map adventure through Colombia’s emerald belt
🏍️ Tour Snapshot
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Duration: 6 riding days
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Distance: 817 km (507 mi)
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Ride Time: 4–6 hours per day
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Terrain: Mixed pavement, gravel, and dirt
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Skill Level: Intermediate
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Elevation Range: 123 m – 919 m (404–3,015 ft)
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Regions Covered: Antioquia, Santander, Boyacá, Caldas
🗺️ Towns & Regions (By Day)
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Day 1: Medellín → Cimitarra
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Day 2: Cimitarra → Florián
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Day 3: Florián → Tununguá → Briceño → Muzo
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Day 4: Tour Emerald Mining Zones
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Day 5: Muzo → Quipama → Otanche → Doradal
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Day 6: Doradal → Medellín
What Riders Say About the Emerald Tour
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“My tour, Journey to the Lost Emerald City, exceeded my expectations beyond measure
The roads, the scenery, the people, the bikes, and the amigos I rode with made this a life-changing experience.”
- Simon Storey
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"Six days in paradise! Great tour, a mix of off-road and paved road in the middle of the jungle.
Highly recommended — we will be back for more."
- Pascal Zeimet
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"Colombia is an incredible country and a bike is simply the best way to see it. Jeff sorted us with two Hondas which were perfect for dual-sport travel. We found amazingly isolated places where the excitement raised the stakes.
People are fantastic, Colombia is just brilliant."
- Alan Veitch
RIDE DESCRIPTION
VISIT THE WORLD CAPITAL OF EMERALDS
A unique experience to what was formerly the most dangerous place in Colombia Deep in the rugged eastern portion of the Colombian Andes in the department of Boyaca lies the town of Muzo, known as the Emerald Capital of The World.
Of all the emeralds in the world, most of them come from Colombia. It is estimated that Colombia accounts for 70-90% of the world's emerald market. Deep in the eastern portion of the Colombian Andes lies the department of Boyacá, known as the world capital of Emeralds.
Drive off-road through rugged terrain, cross mountain ranges, and streams see amazing vistas and waterfalls, and finally get the chance to and interact with local emerald miners. You can even buy emeralds directly from the miners in the field!
Truly a once in a lifetime adventure and completely different than any other trip you have ever taken. The perfect South America motorcycle tour to hang out with your friends and experience a remote and rarely seen part of Colombia.
We've been there, it's safe, and our clients find it one of the most interesting and fascinating places to discover.
Now grab some buddies, and let's go on an adventure motorcycle tour in Colombia!