We recommend hotel Casa Laureles, its close to our office, has onsite parking and is located in a nice neighborhood, :
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Hotel Casa Laureles - http://www.booking.com/Share-vUPbFL
Filling up with gas
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Please “Extra” fuel is put into the vehicle
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“Lleno de Extra Por favor”
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You need to get off the bike for them to fill it up
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Please bring the bike back with a full tank.
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We charge $25USD if the tank isn't filled.
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Please park the bike inside your hotel or inside a guarded parking lot. (parqueadero)
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Use the steering lock on the motorcycle when it's not in use.
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The renter shall ensure that all reasonable care is taken in handling and parking the vehicle and that it is securely locked when not in use.
Documents
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Documents are located in a small box inside the top box.
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If you lose the documents you will be charged $150USD to replace them.
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Please make sure to return the documents and keys to us when you return the bike.
Theft / damages
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Renters are responsible for all damages to the bikes.
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Call immediately in case of emergency
Money
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Dollars / Euros are not accepted in Colombia
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Yes, all the small towns on our routes have ATM/cash machines. Most places, including hotels, don't take credit card.
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We recommend carrying $400,000 Colombian pesos with you during your trip incase you need gas in a remote area etc.
Toll Roads
Luggage storage
TRAVEL ADVISORIES
Medellin Tunel del Oriente
Motorcycles Prohibited
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Medellin has recently opened up the "Tunel del Oriente" which connects Medellin with the rapidly growing “Oriente” (east of Medellin) region.
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Please note that although Google Maps displays this as a functioning road, motorcycles are not allowed to use the tunnel.
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Police love to hang out there and get bribes from people who make the mistake of trying to enter the tunnel.
Sonsón to Salamina
Remember, Google Maps isn't 100% accurate. I've had people try to drive from Sonson to Salamina with Google Maps and it took them down some sort of walking path or horse trail.
You can see the correct route on the right and also click here for the correct route from Sonson To Salamina
If you are driving from Sonson to Salamina please be sure to ask the people to show you the road to Salamina or Aguadas.
Amazingly, some of the people don't know what Salamina is even though it's just a couple of towns over. If you ask people to show you the road to Aguadas they should be able to show you.
Remember that the road to Salamina is a big unpaved road that cars and big trucks drive down. It's not a walking path or horse trail.
Gaia GPS shows the correct route out of town.
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You are more than welcome to store your bags at our office.
Motorcycles don't need to pay tolls in Colombia. You’ll see a dedicated motorcycle lane on the far right of the toll station on highways, that allows you to pass without paying.
Sonsón to Pensilvania
Remember, Google Maps isn't 100% accurate. The route from Sonson to Pensilvania is not on google maps. Please use the following map for the correct driving route: https://www.gaiagps.com/public/Q9sby8dOx0U5PxKLM6rrudoD
SPEED CAMERAS
While helpful road sign can be a bit of a hit and miss, you can trust that speed cameras are not only abundant but also immaculately maintained. Fines can be hefty so unless you don’t mind parting with $150USD for being just over the legal speed limit, keep your eye on your speed.
If speed cameras capture your image, expect to receive a bill for the offense by mail. It may take about a month for it to arrive, but trust that it will arrive. Nothing else arrives by post in Colombia but, miraculously, speed fines always do. Multiple statements may show up if you fail to notice the cameras on several occasions on the same stretch of road.
The green arrow shows the correct location to leave Sonson to Salamina
THE SUZUKI DR650 DOESNT HAVE A FUEL GAUGE
THE RANGE ON A FULL TANK OF GAS IS AROUND 200KM
No Gas Gauge - The Suzuki DR650 is a great bike but it doesn't have a fuel gauge. No DR650 comes with a fuel gauge. You will get around 200km per tank of gas from the bike. Make sure that after you fill up you reset the kilometers on the odometer so you know how long you have before you need to stop for gas again.
Please be sure to fill up on gas before you return the bike
This really helps us a lot. Here is a google maps link to a gas station that is located near our office: San Cristobal - Esso Gas Station
Remember, I'm always available to help you. Just give me a call and I'll help you out in any way I can.
Enjoy the ride!!
- Jeff
ContractS
This map uses GAIA GPS and shows the correct route from Sonson to Salamina
Recommended Hotels
Parking
Suzuki DR650 does not have a fuel gauge. It has a max range of 200km per tank of gas. It does have a small reserve switch located on the left-hand side.
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Which motorcycle should I take? Which bike do you recommend?All of our motorcycles are great for riding in Colombia. The main differences are these: Honda XRE300 More off-road orriented than the Versys alough it does long distance cruising very well. Taller seat height than the Versys Single cylinder Air cooled Tough as nails Kawasaki Versys 300 A more street oriented bike than the Honda but can handle all the off-roading you can throw at it. Lower seat height than the Honda Slipper clutch Twin cylinder Liquid cooled Suzuki DR650 Rock solid super tough bike Larger engine is good for larger people or for riding two up. Air cooled
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What is included with the rental?Rentals are truely "Fly and Ride." We include everything you need to have a great motorcycle trip in Colombia: For maximum comfort and convenience, we recommend that you bring your own riding gear but if you need something we have quality gear available for you at no extra charge: Unlimited Kilometers - Drive wherever you want without having to worry about extra charges for mileage/kilometers Helmet - High-quality helmets with integrated sun visors Cell Phone Holder with Wireless and/or USB Charging- Charge your phone and navigate while you drive. SOAT Insurance - Colombia's mandatory liability insurance Medical Insurance - (Just in case) Trip Planning Advice - I know lots of great places to ride. Just ask and I’d be happy to recommend some cool places. High-quality dry bags - 50-liter dry bags for all your gear. Use our included Rok Straps to quickly secure your bag to the back and off you go! The Oxford T50 is an all-weather bag featuring a roll top and TPU construction for maximum protection from the elements. Premium Emergency Tool Kit and Spares - Our motorcycles come with everything you need to change a tire and perform general maintenance and repairs in remote places. The kit includes spare tire tubes, an electric air pump, wrench set, valve stem remover, tire tools, first aid kit. Best of all, everything is small and lightweight and fits right into your top box or dry bag. Luggage Storage - You are more than welcome to leave your luggage at our office. Motorcycle Lowering Kit - If you're a shorter rider we can add a lowering kit to the bike to make it the perfect ride height for you. Rain Jackets - High-Quality Emergency Rain Gear Waterproof and breathable Rip Stop Nylon shell Hi-Viz Yellow with 3M Scotchlite reflective striping. GPS Tracking Device - So we know where you are if you need help. Gloves - We provide ergonomics gloves in all sizes for men and women. S, M, L, and XL sizes are available. Jacket - High-quality motorcycle gear that keeps you safe and dry through all the climates that Colombia has to offer. Top box - Huge 48 liter top box for all your things. The box also has a padded backrest so passengers can travel comfortably. Motorcycle Protection - Our bikes come with tough lateral Crash Bars, Skid Plates, and Hand Guards in case you drop the bike.
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Do you have a flexible refund policy?Yes, our refund policy is very flexable. Cancellations 31 days or more will be allowed to reschedule or given a full refund. Cancellations 30 days or less prior to rental will be allowed to reschedule their trip at no cost. If rescheduling isn't possible you will be refunded the full price of the trip excluding the price of the hotels. There are no hidden or "administrative fees"
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Whats the weather like in Colombia? When is a good time of year for these trips?Colombia has two seasons: rainy and dry. We’re not talking monsoons here. Rainy season just means predictable scattered afternoon thundershowers. Still great for motorcycling, just bring rain gear. The rainiest months are April, May, September, October, and November. Dry Season (Summer Season) - December thru March, June - August Rainy Season (Winter Season) - April, May, September thru November Click here for more informaiton about weather in Colombia
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Why take a motorcycle tour in Colombia?Why take a motorcycle tour in Colombia? Time - This is the reason you buy produce from a supermarket instead of growing it yourself. The best time you can have on a trip is by riding on the best trails and roads instead of looking for them on your own. We know all the best roads trails and routes in Colombia. Know what you are getting into - Solo adventure can be a blast but a simple wrong turn can turn into something thats way over your head. Especially if you don’t know the language or the area. Maps are great but they are no substitute for a guide with recent experience on the trail. We base all our trips with what you are comfortable with doing. Friends - Instead of riding alone and assuming the risk that comes with that you can ride with a group of like minded adventurers. Taking a motorcycle trip with a group strangers is a surefire way to turn those friends into riding buddies. Local Perks - When you go to a new town where do you find the best food? Do you hit up the local restaurants or hang out at the national chain restaurants like all the other tourists? We know Colombia and know all the best places to eat and stay. We taylor trips to fit your budget and traveling style. Perks - Film services, repair services. Our tours have tool kits and first aid kits. We also know how to speak the local language and how to take care of things in case something goes wrong. Experience - After your tour you will feel much more comfortable in the area and be able to go back by yourself. You will find the best places to stay and eat and even be feel confident to start exploring trails on your own if you decide to come back again in the future. Value - You may actually save money. We can show you the best value for food and lodging as well as save money on equipment by using ours. Instead of buying, transporting and hauling all your own gear, tool, first aid and snacks on your own motorcycle we take care of that for you. Our tours provide: Hotels Attractions Food Snacks Full coverage motorcycle insurance Medical insurance Unlimited mileage Local knowledge of trails 4K photography and drone filming services Gorgeous scenery Epic trails TL;DR: Theres nothing wrong with adventuring around and finding trails on your own if you have the time and resources. But riding with a tour will get you out on the best trails suited to your riding ability and ensure that your time is well spent. You will eat the best food and have the best accommodations for a solid value. You will ride lighter and safer with more confidence and a lot less stress about where to go and what to see. The best part is that you’ll probably meet some great new friends.
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Can I leave my extra luggage/bags at your house?Yep, you are more than welcome to leave any extra luggage or bags at my house.
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What happens if the bike breaks down on the road?If the bike breaks down on the road, just give us a call and we will handle it the quickest way possible to get you back on the road as soon as possible. These bikes are in great conditon but they are motorcycles and sometimes things happen that are out of everyones control. We do our best to handle the issue as fast as we can.
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Can we go off road with the bikes?The more offroad the more fun but please be careful not to drop or damage the bikes.
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Do the bike rentals include insurance?Yes. All bikes come with SOAT (Colombias mandatory liability insurance) Personal medical insurance coverage is also included with all rentals. All the documentation needed in the case you get pulled over by the police or accident are on the motos at all times so you don't have to worry about a thing.
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What happens if the bike gets damaged?The cost for damages are assessed within 3 working days after the bike is returned. You will receive all supporting documentation for damages. All our bikes have guards and protectors on them to limit any damage in the event of an accident.
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What is required to rent a motorcycle?You need a credit card for the security deposit, passport, and drivers license and thats it! You're ready to go! Remember: All bikes require a $500 security deposit. Deposits are held for 5 business days after the moto is brought back and are returned on the 6th business day. This allows us time to inspect the bike for any damages and allows time for any traffic violations to be received.
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What documents are required to rent and ride in Colombia?Renting a motorcycle is straight forward: Valid passport with minimum 6 months until expiration Drivers license with clear motorcycle endorsement Valid credit card with sufficient funds to cover the security deposit hold
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Are helmets included?The rental comes with full face helmets that comply with European Union ECE 22.05 Helmet Standards. The helmets come with integrated drop down sun visors. If you need an extra one I won't charge you anything extra.
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Will I have access to an ATM/Cash machine?Yes, all the small towns on our routes have ATM/cash machines. Most places, including hotels, don't take credit card. We recommend carrying $200,000-$300,000 Colombian pesos with you during your trip.
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Are speeding tickets common in Colombia?Tickets aren't really that common. They mainly come from red light cameras and speed trap cameras. The cameras are marked around town and if you use Waze on your phone you shouldn't have any problems.
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Do the trips have scheduled dates?The trips are available all year long.
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Are the tours all pavement or are there dirt/gravel roads?The trips are mostly paved (probably around 90%) but there are some dirt and gravel sections. If you want to do a more off road type trip just let me know, Colombia is full of all sorts of cool backroads.
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What are the off-road sections like?The off-road sections aren’t going to be hard at all. Most people who come down want get up reasonably early, ride for 4-5 hours a day (one or two hours longer if necessary) and then stop for a good lunch + beers and then hang out wherever they are after that. The off-road portions of the trip allow people to get off the beaten track when possible and soak up the local culture/flora and fauna. Most of the off road sections are hard packed gravel roads that follow ridge lines all you to see some beautiful views. The trips are about traveling around and having fun, not about struggling to get through difficult terrain. The bikes are also totally prepped for all-terrain with the Honda XRE300’s being used by the Colombian National Police and Brazilian military and the Kawasaki Versys having a reputation for being a rock solid RTW motorcycle. There is nothing that these bikes can’t handle.
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Can I see your contract before I rent?Sure, you can find our contract here: Colombia Moto Adventures Rental Contract
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Can I drive off-road with the motorcycles?Yes, you are allowed to drive off-road with the motorcycles
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What time can I pick up the motorcycle?Most people normally come up at around 9am but you can pick up the bikes at any time.
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Do you have extra riding gear for passengers?Yes, extra gear for passengers is included at no extra cost.
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Does the motorcycle come with cup holders?No. No it does not.
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How do I download areas and navigate offline with Google Maps?If you're going where the Internet is slow, mobile data is expensive, or you can't get online, you can save an area from Google Maps to your phone or tablet and use it when you're offline. Please follow the instructions here: https://support.google.com/maps/answer/6291838?co=GENIE.Platform%3DAndroid&hl=en