🏍️ Colombia Motorcycle Trip
Packing & Travel Guide

Packing for a motorcycle trip in Colombia is easy when you know the essentials — and which items we already include with your rental. This guide covers everything from documents and riding gear to local laws, customs, and practical travel tips so you can focus on the ride, not the logistics. Colombia-specific laws and customs are marked with 🇨🇴.

 

📜 Documents & Essentials

• Passport – Valid for at least 6 months; carry a photocopy or digital copy separately.

• Motorcycle Driver’s License – With motorcycle endorsement (International Permit not required).

• 🇨🇴 SOAT Insurance Document – Provided with your rental

• 🇨🇴 Matricula (Bike Registration) – Provided with rental.

• 🇨🇴 Tecnomecánica (Vehicle Inspection Certificate) – Provided with rental.

• Credit Card & Cash – ATMs available in all towns visited; small bills are useful for tips/purchases.

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🪖 Standard Riding Gear & Rain Gear

Whether you bring your own gear or travel light, we’ve got you covered with the essentials to make your ride comfortable, safe, and hassle-free.

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• Helmet, jacket, gloves, and rain gear – Quality gear included if you don’t bring your own.

• Dry Bag Included - 50L waterproof dry bag with Rok-straps – Secure, weatherproof storage and reliable tie-downs for your belongings.

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👕 Clothing (Off-Bike) 

• 🇨🇴 Cold Weather Areas – Be prepared for chilly conditions in Nevado del Ruiz and Sonsón.

• Sweatshirt or Light Jacket – For cool Andean evenings; can be layered under riding gear for warmth in cold or rainy conditions.

• Long Pants – Regular or travel pants are fine; quick-dry for warm areas, heavier for cool nights.

• Shirts – Standard short- and long-sleeved quick-dry shirts; easier for comfort and mobility while riding.

• Cap or Hat – For sun protection.

• Walking Shoes – Comfortable for towns and short walks.

• Sandals/Flip-Flops – Optional for hotel or pool use.

💡 Pack as light as possible – You’ll be moving from town to town, and lighter bags make for a more enjoyable ride and easier motorcycle handling

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🏍️ Riding in Colombia – Local Knowledge

• 🇨🇴 Lane Splitting is Legal – Common in cities and expected in traffic. Cars often leave space, but watch for sudden lane changes, pedestrians, buses, and debris. Keep speed reasonable and stay alert. In rural areas, lane splitting can also help bypass long construction lines — be courteous when passing larger vehicles.

• 🇨🇴 Tolls are Free for Motorcycles – Use the narrow far-right lane; watch for speed bumps or cones.

• 🇨🇴 No Dar Papaya – Don’t display valuables openly; keep your phone in a secure pocket or mount. Just use basic common sense and you’ll be totally fine — we’ve never had any problems like this with any of our customers.

• 🇨🇴 Drivers Respect Bikes – But ride defensively, especially in urban traffic.

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🛡 Safety & Health

• 🇨🇴 Bottled Water Only – Even in cities.

• Sunscreen – Strong UV at altitude.

• Insect Repellent – Few mosquitoes in the Andes, but bring it if you want.

• First Aid Kit – Include personal meds and basic supplies.​

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📱 Electronics & Navigation

• 🇨🇴 SIM card from Claro – Lets you use your cellphone for navigation and stay connected while riding.

• 🇨🇴 Charging Cable & Wall Plug – Colombia uses the same plugs and voltage as the USA and Canada. If your device works there, it will work here. Travelers from the UK or Europe will need a plug adapter.