ALL-INCLUSIVE GUIDED TRIP
$4,150USD
Per Motorcycle
MOTORCYCLE + HOTELS
$2,250USD
Per Motorcycle
Trips are available anytime
Just let us know what fits your schedule and we'll be ready.
What's Included:
Everything Included - 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
✓ Unlimited Mileage
✓ Accommodations in hotels
✓ All airport and hotel transfers
✓ All meals included
✓ Fuel and road tolls
✓ Protective gear including helmet, jacket, gloves, knee protection
✓ Rain Gear
✓ Cellphone holder
✓ Wireless / USB Charger
✓ Basic emergency medical insurance
✓ High-quality 50 liter dry bags
✓ Locking 50 liter top box
✓ Tire repair kit including electric air pump and tire tubes
✓ Luggage storage at our office
✓ 24 hour customer support for any needs or emergencies during the trip.
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.
What an awesome time! Did the perfect loop 7 day tour with Jeff, he was super knowledgeable about the history of every place we went to, took incredible photos, knew interesting facts of the land, people, plants and animals. Everyone in all the hotels and restaurants we went to knew him and appreciated his business. He translated all conversations for me from Spanish to English, I have done off road tours all over the world and can’t think of anything I would have wanted to change! Highly recommend, will be back soon!
- Ross Heaton
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 and all meals. 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.
8 DAY / PICTURE PERFECT COLOMBIA: A NATURE PHOTOGRAPHY EXPEDITION
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TOTAL DISTANCE / 769 km (478 mi)
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RIDING CONDITIONS / 50% Paved / 50% Easy Off-Road
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SKILL LEVEL / Intermediate Skill Level
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MAX ELEVATION / 3693 m (12,117 ft)
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MIN ELEVATION / 500 m (1,474 ft)
HIGHLIGHTS
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.
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.
RIDE DESCRIPTION
Embark on an unforgettable motorcycle adventure through Colombia led by Jeff Cremer, an award-winning wildlife photographer and owner of Colombia Motorcycle Adventures. This trip not only boasts thrilling activities like riding up a snow-capped volcano, swimming in thermal springs, hand-feeding hummingbirds, and exploring the rare alpine ecosystem of Paramo but also showcases Colombia's incredible biodiversity. With Jeff as your guide, you'll have the opportunity to photograph a diverse range of wildlife, including monkeys, toucans, and exotic birds and insects. Colombia is known for having the highest biodiversity per square kilometer of any country in the world, with over 1,900 species of birds and an array of unique plant and animal species found nowhere else on the planet. In addition to the breathtaking scenery and exciting activities, this motorcycle trip is an opportunity to experience the natural wonders of Colombia with an expert guide.
ABOUT YOUR GUIDE
Jeff Cremer is an award-winning wildlife photographer from Pueblo, Colorado, who is the owner of Colombia Motorcycle Adventures. He has previously worked as a wildlife photographer and marketing director for a group of luxury ecolodges in the Amazon jungle. His work has been displayed in galleries worldwide and published in several books and magazines including Wired Magazine, National Geographic, NBC News and others including the world's largest atlas, "EARTH Platinum Edition."
He holds the record for the largest photo ever taken in Peru, which is a huge 22,000-megapixel panorama of the Miraflores district of Lima and the largest photo ever taken of Machu Picchu, which weighs in at 16,000 megapixels. He has also been a marketing consultant for Triton Submarines, a builder ultra-exclusive private submarines.
He is also a licensed private pilot with complex, high-performance aircraft and mountain flying checkouts, and a certified scuba rescue diver.
ROUTE MAPS & NOTES
ELEVATION
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."
RECOMMENDED HOTELS IN MEDELLIN
The Laureles area of Medellin is a popular neighborhood located in the western part of the city. It is known for its tree-lined streets, spacious parks, and abundance of restaurants, cafes, and shops. The neighborhood is well-connected to the rest of the city, with multiple public transportation options available. It is also a safe and secure area, making it a popular choice for travelers and residents alike.
We recommend these hotels but any hotel in the Laureles area is fine.
ITINERARY
FEATURED IN
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Day 0 / Arrival in Medellin
Recommended Hotel:
Inntu Hotel Laureles
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.
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 1 / Medellin 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
The motorcycle ride from Medellin to Jardin is a scenic and thrilling journey through the heart of Colombia's coffee region. The route takes you through lush green hills, picturesque small towns, and winding roads that offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Along the way, you'll have the opportunity to visit coffee farms and learn about the traditional methods of growing and processing coffee beans.
The ride begins in Medellin, a vibrant and dynamic city known for its innovative urban design and cultural heritage. From there, you'll head out of the city and into the countryside, following the Rio Cauca as it winds its way through the hills. As you ride through the small towns of the region, you'll have the opportunity to sample local cuisine, shop for traditional crafts, and get a sense of the unique culture and history of the area.
One of the highlights of the trip is a visit to Jardin, a charming colonial town nestled in the mountains. Here, you can stroll through the cobblestone streets, admire the colorful architecture, and relax in one of the many cozy cafes.
Day 2 / 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
Visiting the Parque Natural Jardín de Rocas is a must-do for birdwatchers. The best time to go is just before dusk and in the early morning, where you can get close to the birds as they socialize to start and end their day. Here you can observe the brightly-colored Gallo de Roca Andino, also known as the Andean Cock-Of-The-Rock.
A visit to the Yellow-eared Parrot Reserve, located in the sector called Alto Ventanas, 1.5 hours from the municipality of Jardín - Antioquia on the Western mountain range, is a must-do for birdwatchers. The reserve is located at an altitude of 1600 meters above sea level and is surrounded by High Andean forest at the top and Andean in the lower areas, providing an incredible biodiversity of birds and magnificent landscapes. The reserve is home to a resident population of Yellow-eared Parrots, which are strongly associated with forest remnants with wax palms. Bird watching will be on an unpaved road with very little traffic in the middle of the beautiful mountains of the western Andes.
A great way to get a bird's eye view of the town is by taking a cable-car ride, La Garucha, which offers incredible views of the city, mountains, and valley below. There is also a restaurant located on the other side.
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. In Spring, when the town's floral decorations are in full bloom, Jardin is a burst of colors and a popular destination for tourists. Local cafes reflect the town's vibrant essence with their rainbow-colored outdoor seating.
Day 3 / Jardin to Manizales
Recommended Restaurants:
El Ocho
Recommended Activities:
Nevado Ruiz
Termales el Sifon
Cascada del Rio Asufrado
Laguna Negra
Valle de Frailejon
Join us on a nature-lover's paradise at Montezuma Ecolodge, located on the borders of the departments of Risaralda, Chocó and Valle del Cauca, within the Chocó bioregion, one of the world’s most biodiverse regions. Nestled at the entrance of the Tatamá National Natural Park, this eco-lodge offers comfortable lodging, delicious home-cooked meals, and expert nature guiding, while you explore one of Colombia’s most incredible natural treasures.
The park encompasses 51,900 hectares of primary west-Andean tropical and subtropical rainforest, temperate cloud forest and páramo habitat, and is home to over 550 species of birds, 450 species of orchids, and 700 species of butterflies, making it a must-see destination for birders, butterfly enthusiasts, orchid lovers and zoologists and botanists of all sorts.
During your stay, you will have the opportunity to explore the park's diverse habitats, and with the expert guidance of our local nature guides, you will discover the incredible abundance of life that the park holds. From the colorful hummingbirds and tanagers to the elusive near-endemic species, the park is a bird-watcher's paradise.
Day 4 / Manizales
Recommended Restaurants:
El Ocho
Recommended Activities:
Nevado Ruiz
Termales el Sifon
Cascada del Rio Asufrado
Laguna Negra
Valle de Frailejon
Today we discover the natural beauty of the Montezuma Ecolodge, an eco-lodge that is nestled at the entrance of the Tatamá National Natural Park. This tour is a nature-lover's paradise and offers comfortable lodging, delicious home-cooked meals, and expert nature guiding while you explore one of Colombia's most incredible natural treasures.
The park encompasses 51,900 hectares of primary west-Andean tropical and subtropical rainforest, temperate cloud forest, and páramo habitat and is home to over 550 species of birds, 450 species of orchids, and 700 species of butterflies, making it a must-see destination for birders, butterfly enthusiasts, orchid lovers and zoologists and botanists of all sorts.
During your stay, you will have the opportunity to explore the park's diverse habitats and with the expert guidance of our local nature guides, you will discover the incredible abundance of life that the park holds. From the colorful hummingbirds and tanagers to the elusive near-endemic species, the park is a bird-watcher's paradise. The park is also an ideal destination for bird photography and macro photography, with a wide variety of bird species and diverse macro subjects such as orchids, bromeliads, butterflies, amphibians, and reptiles. Our local guides are knowledgeable and experienced in bird and macro photography and will be happy to assist you in capturing the perfect shot.
Montezuma Ecolodge is operated by the Tapasco family and offers 12 rooms with comfortable beds, bathrooms, hot showers, and electricity. The kitchen at the main lodge offers delicious home-cooked meals based on typical Colombian cuisine and can accommodate dietary preferences upon request with advance notice.
Located on the Tapascos' 400 hectare property, a mix of farmland and forest, the lodge is surrounded by bird feeders, flowers, and fruit trees, attracting a beautiful array of hummingbirds, tanagers, honeycreepers, euphonias, and many others daily. Montezuma is one of the best bird-watching places in Colombia and is also an immensely valuable place for the observation of orchids, bromeliads, butterflies, amphibians and reptiles.
Come and explore the biodiversity of Tatamá National Natural Park, one of the most biodiverse places in the world.
The park is located on the borders of the departments of Risaralda, Chocó and Valle del Cauca, within the Chocó bioregion, and is a source of water to rivers in all directions. The only road access to the park is via Jardin and Manizales, making it a perfect destination for a motorcycle tour and for bird and macro photography enthusiasts.
Day 5 / Manizales to Termales del Ruiz
Recommended Hotel:
Termales del Ruiz
Experience the natural beauty and bird photography opportunities at Termales del Ruiz, a luxurious hotel located just an hour's drive from Manizales and 10km from Nevado del Ruiz. The hotel, originally built in 1937 and recently remodeled, offers stunning views of the valleys and mountains of the paramo, with the lights of Manizales visible on clear nights. The newly remodeled rooms are comfortable, with big beds, well-lit bathrooms, and balconies with views of the mountains. The hotel's restaurant serves delicious meals, like trout.
One of the highlights of the hotel is the thermal pool, a steaming, hot, sulfurous delight that is located behind the main building. The source of the thermal waters is right next to the pool, adding to the natural feel of the experience. The cold air of the mountains and the steaming hot water make for a relaxing afternoon spent in the pool.
But the real gem of this tour is the opportunity to explore the Nevado del Ruiz volcano and the Los Nevados National Park. The volcano is part of the Ring of Fire, a string of volcanoes that forms a horseshoe-shaped ring around the Pacific Ocean. The volcano is located in the heart of the coffee region and reaches a staggering height of 5,311m. Rides around the volcano offer breathtaking views of the paramo and the chance to see ancient plants like frailejones.
The park is also a bird-watcher's paradise, with over 550 species of birds, 450 species of orchids, and 700 species of butterflies, making it a must-see destination for birders and bird photographers. The park is home to many Colombian endemic and near-endemic species, and the expert guidance of local nature guides will help you discover the incredible abundance of life that the park holds. From the colorful hummingbirds and tanagers to the elusive near-endemic species, the park offers endless opportunities for bird photography. Hummingbird photography is particularly popular in the area, with many species of hummingbirds to be found in the park and around the hotel. The lodge feeders and flowers attract a beautiful array of hummingbirds, tanagers, honeycreepers, euphonias and many others daily.
Day 6 / Termales del Ruiz
Recommended Hotel:
Termales del Ruiz
The park is home to over 550 species of birds, 450 species of orchids and 700 species of butterflies, making it a must-see destination for birders and bird photographers. The park is home to many Colombian endemic and near-endemic species, and the expert guidance of local nature guides will help you discover the incredible abundance of life that the park holds. From the colorful hummingbirds and tanagers to the elusive near-endemic species, the park offers endless opportunities for bird photography.
The park is also a hummingbird photography paradise, with many species of hummingbirds to be found in the park and around the hotel. The lodge feeders and flowers attract a beautiful array of hummingbirds, tanagers, honeycreepers, euphonias and many others daily. With the help of our local guides, you will be able to capture stunning shots of these colorful and fast-moving birds.
Day 7 / Manizales to Salamina
Recommended Hotel:
Salamina Highs
Overnight Parking:
Salamina Parking
Explore the hidden gem of Salamina, a town known for its picturesque architecture, delicious local cuisine, and breathtaking landscapes. Begin your journey by admiring the intricate woodwork of the houses, the elaborate flower-filled balconies, and the historic bronze basin fountain in the central plaza. Take a scenic motorcycle ride through the winding roads and spectacular views of the coffee and sugarcane plantations, before arriving in the charming town of Salamina.
Stay at the Salamina Highs hotel, a beautifully restored boutique hotel, and spend your free day exploring the nearby hamlet of San Felix and the Valle Samaria Wax Palm Forest. The national tree of Colombia, the Quindío Wax Palm, towers over four stories tall and offers a stunning sight. Not only are the palms beautiful, but they are also home to green and yellow parrots, providing an opportunity for birdwatching and bird photography. Enjoy the views of the lush green mountains and the valley, as if you have discovered a secret place. The road to the valley is well-maintained and provides easy riding, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers and bird enthusiasts.
Day 8 / Salamina to Medellin
Recommended Hotel:
Diez Hotel Categoria
Today we ride back to Medellin but that doesn't mean that the adventure is over. Explore the stunning landscapes of Colombia on a motorcycle ride from Salamina to Medellin. The journey begins in Salamina, a picturesque mountain town known for its colonial architecture and beautiful flower-filled balconies. From there, you'll head out of town and into the countryside, following winding roads that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding coffee and sugarcane plantations.
The journey concludes in Medellin, a vibrant and dynamic city known for its innovative urban design and cultural heritage. The winding roads, stunning views, and charming small towns make this motorcycle ride an unforgettable experience. Along the way, you will pass by cemetery Jardins Montesacro where you can visit the grave site of Pablo Escobar, which has become a huge tourist attraction in Medellín due to the popular Narcos series and the notoriety of Pablo Escobar.
