tours honda colombia

Things to Do in Honda, Colombia - Honda Attractions

Things to do in honda, explore popular experiences, tours in and around honda.

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Top attractions in honda.

Other Top Attractions around Honda

What travelers are saying

• Museo del Rio Magdalena
• Catedral Nuestra Señora del Rosario
• Centro Historico
• Plaza de Mercado
• Calle de las trampas
• Balneario la Picota
• Cerro Cacao
• Quebrada Seca

THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Honda

Things to do in honda, explore popular experiences, tours in and around honda.

Tour "Alto de Letras": The big challenge

Colonial Guaduas Tour

Termales de Aguas Calientes - El Sifón

Coffee Experience-La Palma & El Tucán

Top attractions in honda.

Other Top Attractions around Honda

What travellers are saying

• Museo del Rio Magdalena
• Catedral Nuestra Señora del Rosario
• Centro Historico
• Plaza de Mercado
• Calle de las trampas
• Balneario la Picota
• Cerro Cacao
• Quebrada Seca

Honda is a diamond in the rough.  A quaint, beautiful colonial town everyone dreams of stumbling upon.

Honda  and  Mompox  are the most visited villages on the Magdalena. Both are  sister cities of the  17 historical heritage villages   of Colombia , highlighting the culture, history and architecture of Colombia’s finest  Spanish colonial pueblos.  

Traveling around the interior of Colombia the town of Honda is a pleasant surprise. Located just 100 kilometers (62 miles) north of Bogota, the town is a natural paradise of historical buildings and stone paved streets. Walking through the streets of Honda one is reminded of the historical center of Cartagena; white-washed buildings and oppressive mid-day heat. The town regularly heats up to 35 degrees C. (95 degree F.) in the afternoon.

Founded  in 1539, Honda is a small city on the banks of the lower Magdalena in the department of Tolima. It was once an historically important river port.  The town’s golden age dates back to 1850 and 1910 when the Magdalena river was the only means of transportation between the Caribbean coast and the inland city of Bogota.

Large cargo boats called  champans  went up and down the river propelled by men pushing and pulling on long poles. Steamships cruised up the Magdalena carrying passengers and cargo to the port of Honda. But their golden era came and went. Railroads arrived in 1910 greatly diminishing the importance of this inland port. Today Honda’s  main occupation is tourism, fishing and cattle ranching. 

The colorful buildings of the historical center spill down sloped hills overlooking the river. Steep cobblestone  streets tug  you downhill to the river.  Honda’s stunning architecture is testament to the towns prosperity and vast economic power in the past.

The historical center is on a hilltop where there is a charming plaza and a stone church – Nuestra Senora del Rosario (Our Lady of the Rosary). Here there are a variety of small cafes and restaurants with outdoor seating. The Magdalena River Museum ( Museo del Rio Magdalena ) has informative displays about the town’s rich past and its importance as a river port town.

The Magdalena River is the 5th largest river in South America and the longest in Colombia stretching  1,528 km (950 miles) through the heart of the country. 

(see article: Villages Along the Magdalena River )

The river is very much a part of the town. The people fish the river with nets and swim on the banks of the river by the malecon . The restaurants, bars and even the tejo bars all line up along the river.

Honda is called the city of bridges. The first iron bridge, Puente Navarro, was built in 1899 by the San Francisco Bridge Company. It is the oldest iron bridge in South America.

Honda is the last navigable port on the Magdalena due to rapids and rocks in the river. The Magdalena is navigable after Honda but goods must be transferred to other boats or the smaller boats must pulled out and portaged further up river.

There are plenty of restaurants and hotels in the center ranging from the boutique hotels like Posada Las Trampas to more economical hotels located north and just outside of the historical center. There are many ice cream parlors offering a break  to the town’s sticky heat. One can easily spend a day wandering around the historical center.

At sunset the historical center is gorgeous with the setting sun and shadows creeping over the cobblestones and bright white and yellow buildings.

Due to its proximity to the river, fish dishes are the town’s strong suit. The restaurants in town and around the market also feature Sancocho de pescado (fish stew) and Lechona – oven roasted piglet.

The main market, Plaza de Mercado , was once a convent that was converted into an indoor market. In the center of town, it is bordered by impressive arches and columns. Here the locals come to shop for just about everything from clothes to fruits, vegetables, meat and fish. Get up at dawn and catch the local fishermen selling their catch in the streets in front of the predawn market. Women also sell portions of lechona to take home or eat there.

A bit of a disappointment, the river front ( malecon)   has been  neglected  over the years. But judging by the  infrastructure along the river, it  had once been a place of importance.  

La Dorada – for a better river front experience take a  collectivo  taxi from Honda’s bus station. It’s a 30 minute trip north to the village of La Dorada. This  busy little town isn’t much to look at but the Magdalena riverfront here is  a delight. 

There are clubs and restaurants along the riverfront  where people eat fresh water fish, enjoy cold beer and a constant breeze coming off the river. 

Further down the river there is a large market where the fishermen dock and sell their catch to the fish mongers in the market and the general public.

A  docked ferry boat, named the  Suma ,  will take people up and down the river for 25,000 cop ($6) per person but there has to be at least 10 paying customers before it will leave.  Next to the ferry, there small  boats or  launchas  offering river trips to smaller groups tired of waiting for the Suma to sail. 

How to Get There

Honda is definitely a unique village to visit and spend a couple days. It’s a Colombian destination that should be put on your map. It’s close enough to Bogota for a weekend getaway (5 hour bus trip). If you’re coming from the north you can get there from Medellin ( a 7 hour bus trip) or Barrancabermeja . Or if you’re coming from the south, from the cities of Armenia, Manizales and Ibague , pass over the Cordillera mountain chain, past the Los Nevados National Park . The road descends to the Magdalena river – a four hour bus trip from Ibague.

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About this site.

This is a blog with over 85 articles with photos on Colombian destinations. For a traveler, Colombia is the best kept secret of the continent. It’s affordable and relatively undiscovered.

It is a country with so much to offer: history, beautiful scenery, mountains, coastlines, beaches, rainforests, abundant greenery, raging rivers, caves, sleepy colonial towns, hip, hot metropolitan cities, friendly and sophisticated people, archeological sites, excellent coffee and a wide array of fruits and vegetables to discover.

Hopefully the information provided herein will help convince more travelers to  visit Colombia.

– Jon McInnes

Design by Maria Parada - Text and photos by Jon McInnes

Honda: Travel Guide

The Honda municipality is located in the Northern part of the Tolima department. It borders the departments of Cundinamarca and Caldas

Honda Colombia: what to see, what to do, how to get there… For more information, contact our team of specialists now ( [email protected] )

Honda overview

The municipality of Honda is located in the northern part of the department of Tolima and forms a border with the departments of Cundinamarca and Caldas. The municipality preserves its colonial architecture influenced by the Spanish since the conquest.

You can enjoy historical places, such as the Navarro Bridge, the street of Las Trampas and the Cathedral of Nuestra Señora del Rosario. There are many hotels and the friendliness of its inhabitants make this place an attractive destination.

Honda is surrounded by a series of mountains and hills, including the Meseta de los Palacios and Cerro Caco in Pelota, from which the city can be seen. The landscape is typical of dry climates and this allows for a wide variety of fauna, natural vegetation and a great diversity of birds.

The region is crossed by one of the most important rivers in Colombia, the Magdalena River, but also by the Gualí and Guarinó rivers and various quebradas (streams). The economy is largely supported by tourism (agrotourism, ecotourism and aquatourism), livestock, fishing and cotton, rice and sorghum plantations.

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Hot, Hot, Hot – Honda, Colombia

It wasn’t immediately apparent why Honda, Colombia is part of the country’s elite Pueblos Patrimonio program. Sure, we got a few fleeting glimpses of colonial architecture as we drove around to get our bearings and find someplace to stay, but the town’s beauty was not overwhelming. Still, we kept driving. Frankly, we didn’t want to get out of the air-conditioned truck. At 750 feet (230 meters) on the Magdalena River, Honda is a hot, hot, hot place.

A colonial church seen beyond traditional red roof tiles in Honda, Colombia.

Sweating it out in Honda, Colombia

We spent our first night in the Hotel Honda where 50,000 COP (about US$17.50) got us a double room with a fan and a private bathroom that lacked both a toilet seat and a shower curtain. Dinner that night was a lousy plate of chicken and rice for the exorbitant price of 15,000 COP (about US$7) eaten on a noisy highway choked with trucks and blanketed with exhaust fumes. So far, Honda was not impressing.

Not all of the colonial architecture in Honda has been restored.

Things improved substantially the next day. In an attempt to beat the heat, we got up early to stroll around the heart of Honda where we found a few blocks of colonial homes including some still awaiting rejuvenation. It was pleasant, but hardly the best example of a colonial town in Colombia (that would be Barichara ).

Colonial buildings in Honda.

We spent a few minutes looking at the exhibits in the Casa Museo Alfonso Lopez Pumarejo (free) which details the life of the Honda’s most famous native son who was governor of Tolima province, President of Colombia twice , head of Colombia’s delegation to the UN, and Colombia’s ambassador to the UK. It’s a surprisingly modest place for such an illustrious Colombian figure.

The Cathedral Nuestra Senora Rosario in Honda, Colombia.

The Museo del Rio Magdalena was closed for refurbishment when we were in Honda. That’s about it for attractions in town, but we were getting into the steamy, sleepy pace of the place.

Another colonial street in Honda.

A boutique hotel find in Honda

Another improvement was a change of hotel when we moved into the Posada de las Trampas Boutique Hotel . Opened in 2011, the 14 room hotel is in a building which was built in the 1700s as the home of wealthy merchants. Book Now

A room in the beautifully restored Posada de las Trampas Boutique Hotel.

There are original thick walls, high ceilings with exposed beams, stone details and antiques everywhere. Modern touches include a pool, spa, A/C, great beds, Wi-Fi, and there’s a nice big parking area. It’s atmospheric, elegant, and historic and a top place to stay in Honda.

The much-needed pool at Posada de las Trampas Boutique Hotel.

The hotel is on Calle de las Trampas. The word trampa means trap in Spanish and the area is so-called because pirates on the Rio Magdalena would come ashore and find themselves trapped in the area’s maze of narrow, winding streets. Either that, or they died of heat stroke. Book Now

Another explosion of street color in Honda.

The Puente Navarro crosses the mighty Magdalena River near Honda.

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Colombia is one of the most beautiful place I have visited back in 2011.

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Honda: cruise the Río Magdalena and discover Colombia from the water

My Colombia wishlist always included that hot city in the middle of the country. That city where almost no foreign tourist comes, but which should be very special. I’m talking about Honda: the transportation hub of Colombia. Together with my parents, I step in Zipaquirá on the bus to arrive 5 hours later and nauseated from the terrible hairpin route in the totally unknown Honda. Soon we find out how special this town really is. Not only that: in fact, it is also fantastically beautiful. The surprise of Colombia and an absolute must-see if you want to travel off the beaten path! In this series, I will take you through Honda and introduce you to a downtown that is not inferior to Cartagena, walk through the ghost part of the city and visit interesting museums. But first, we sail down Colombia’s main river. The mother of the country. I am talking, of course, about the Río Magdalena. Like us, hop in a rickety little boat and discover Colombia from the water!

The Río Magdalena

Colombia’s main river is 1540 kilometers long and runs through as many as 11 of the country’s departments. Namely Magdalena, Atlántico, Bolívar, Cesar, Antioquia , Santander , Boyacá , Cundinamarca , Caldas, Tolima and Huila . The river begins in the Andean mountains of Huila and empties into the Caribbean Sea near Barranquilla. As far as Honda, the river is navigable by large ships, but the river continues past San Agustín . Its main tributary is the Río Cauca and its total basin covers 24% of the country. The areas along the river are home to 80% of Colombia’s population. Something that already indicates how important this river is to the country.

A piece of history

For a long time, the Río Magdalena was one of the most important roads for transportation in Colombia. In addition, Spanish conquistadors in the early 16th century entered the country by river instead of having to cross the rugged land. At the time of the Spanish colony, the river served as a means of communication between Bogotá and the important port of Cartagena . And thus indirectly with Europe. Even after independence, the Río Magdalena remained important. Both people and goods moved across the country by water. Also, the Magdalena River is the scene of many fishermen. After the advent of flight paths and a vast road network, the river was used less and less as a means of transportation and communication. Nevertheless, today the Río Magdalena is still a very important river that is in the hearts of Colombians.

Boating on the Río Magdalena

Sailing with a local.

If you visit Honda do not expect a lot of tourists, you are not going to find them here. So there are also no large tour boats to take you across the river. There is a tourist boat, but it runs only when there are tourists. We took a different approach and arranged a boat trip through the owner of our fantastic hotel in Honda : Luís. Luís knows all about Honda and the river and takes us to his self-built cottage on the banks of the river. In a part of Honda where it is very poor and where the inhabitants still cook with wood instead of gas. In his wooden house, we see all kinds of finds from the river, such as pieces of wood shaped like birds. To help the locals a little, he takes one of the poor locals as a boatman.

With a rickety boat across the river

As we walk up the little beach by the river we are a little startled by the little boat. A rickety yellow/white motorboat whose engine seems to be just barely working. Five of us just fit in, including food, drinks, binoculars and a book complete with all the birds found here. Already wobbling, we get in and sail up the river. As if we were the only persons in the world, we rippled across the mighty river. Dodging branches and large stones. There is no one, no boats and no people. Only the sound of the wind, our little boat and the many birds.

Impressive flora and fauna

The fresh wind blows my hair in all directions as I thoroughly enjoy this tour. Everywhere I look I see nothing but beautiful nature. High mountains, steep cliffs, fifty shades of green, sandbars and huge numbers of birds. Luís recognizes every bird from afar. With his binoculars, he spots all sorts of things and we enjoy ourselves along with him. Sandbanks loom in the distance. In the middle of the river. We sailed a little further, docked wobbly on an island and labeled this undiscovered piece of land as Isla Holanda.

Islets in the river

Luís explains that these islets in the Río Magdalena move all the time. Also, the size depends on the state of the water. It has rained a lot in recent days, so the water is high. Still, we moor at one of the islets to get out in the middle of the river. A strange sensation, it is like walking on water. The sandbanks are very low and wet. As new islets keep emerging, hardly anyone sets foot on this land. Only at low tide do fishermen come to fish from an islet, until the islets disappear again and new ones appear. On Isla Holanda, we intensely enjoy all the greenery, mountains and birds around us.

Enjoy the sunset from the Magdalena River

When we sail back, it has already been five o’clock. Dusk sets in and the sky becomes redder and redder. Cruising at this hour is great for cooling off from the heat that characterizes Honda. The birds fly with us and we once again enjoy this boating adventure. Gee how I never would have wanted to miss this! When we almost arrive, the sun sets and the sky turns orange. In the distance, I can see downtown Honda with the mighty red and white church rising above the greenery. A trip to remember and a special end of our trip.

Where else in Colombia can you view the Magdalena River?

You can, of course, view the Río Magdalena at almost any spot where roads come, but the best known and easiest spots are these:

• In Mompox, you can cruise the foothills of the Magdalena River and the river itself;
• Retrieved from the alternative route to Tatacoa you cross the river into beautiful territory;
• In Villavieja, the gateway to the Tatacoa Desert , you can see and even cross the Magdalena;
• In Neiva, the capital of the department of Huila;
• If you driving by car through Huila you can enjoy a spectacularly beautiful part of Magdalena: Embalse de Betania;
• In San Agustín you will find the narrowest stretch of the Magdalena River and you can take a trip to Lake Magdalena, the beginning of the river;
• The river runs into the sea in Barranquilla, something you can witness with your own eyes.

Embalse de Betania, Huila

Visit Honda: Colombia’s newest must-see! Curious about what else to do? Follow me on Facebook or via email and discover more about this very surprising city (including practical tips on how to get there, great museums, where to eat, safety and lodging) these weeks!

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At the end of 2014, I (Sabine; 1985) decided to emigrate from the Netherlands to Colombia. After living in Bogotá for almost 3 years, I moved to the nice village of Sopó, Cundinamarca. To move back to Bogotá in early 2022, where I still live. From there I will passionately take you on a journey into beautiful Colombia and share all kinds of useful tips & itineraries. As a local, I know the best spots and provide up-to-date information. I also share everything about sustainable travel off the beaten track worldwide.

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Honda: Colonial gateway to the Magdalena

The small town of Honda is a gem in the centre of Colombia, a Cartagena by the Río Magdalena, and a place well worth discovering. The journey from Bogotá to Honda takes three hours, on an occasionally precarious road that weaves its way through spellbindingly beautiful countryside, with mountains, valleys, infinite shades of green forest and precipitous drops.  The approach to the Magdalena Valley is marked by increasing heat and the presence of bananas, oranges and coffee by the roadside.  Warm breezes from the river provide scant relief.

The Spanish conquered Honda, once home to Colombia’s Ondama and Gualí indigenous peoples (as the archeological ruins and cave drawings in its surroundings attest), in 1540.  By the mid-17th century, the town had become an important and prosperous part of the colonial enterprise, and an obligatory stopping point for all boats on their journey along the River Magdalena.

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Honda’s barrio Alto del Rosario is a warren of cobbled, steep streets dating from this time. The houses have thick stone walls, elegant wooden window frames and balconies, and imposing doors opening onto cool interior patios with abundant vegetation.  There is a Mediterranean, Moorish feel, reminiscent of Seville or Córdoba, and a pleasing mix of decrepitude and, in some cases, tasteful restoration.

Down the hill from this neighborhood towards the river, there is an elegant Republican marketplace – the Plaza de Mercado – built by an English engineer, Harry Valsint, from 1917 to 1935.  The Plaza is a national monument, with its 148 green and white Doric columns housing a plethora of small clothing shops, fruit and vegetable stalls, ‘minute’ sellers and the like.

Honda is a town of some 30 bridges, of which the Puente Navarro is the finest.  Built between 1894 and 1898, this was the first metallic bridge in the whole of Central and South America. Its benefactor, Bernardo Navarro Bohórquez, contracted Norman Nichols, responsible for San Francisco’s Golden Gate, to lead the construction.

A walk across the bridge as the sun sets over the surrounding hills is an uplifting, exhilarating experience. Families walk or cycle home, with parents taking care to escort their younger children over the holes in the planks through which one could easily slip into the river some hundred meters below.

Tiberio Murcia Godoy, my guide in Honda, is a local historian and professor who has written a book about the town and maintains several blogs about its history.  Tiberio is a splendid guide as we walk the streets, pointing out amongst many other places, La Pilda, a brothel famous nationwide in the mid-20th century, to which it seems politicians and the wealthy from across the land would flock.

He also mentions the now defunct railway station, which was built at the turn of the 20th century by the Dorada Railway Company Limited and Cuban architect Francisco Javier Cisneros, the Museo del Río Magdalena, a simple collection housed in an old stable by the water’s edge, the Alfonso López Pumarejo museum, where Colombia’s twice former President was born, and which houses a good collection of photographs and speeches, the Spanish, French, English and American consul building, and a nineteenth-century pharmacy that continues to operate today.

We also spend a fascinating half hour in the town’s cemetery, which includes the graves of a number of the British, German, American, Lebanese, Palestinian and other foreigners who lived in Honda during the prosperous years of the mining, coffee and agricultural booms – all intimately linked to the river – of recent centuries.

Tiberio describes the Biblical scene each February in which the fishermen of the region congregate along the banks of this majestic river to celebrate and participate in the subienda , when fish nestle in the river banks to hatch their offspring, and in which the fish stocks of the Magdalena seem to recover for a short while their former abundance.

Honda is an excellent base from which to discover the surrounding towns and countryside. I went to Mariquita, home base to Bogotano Renaissance Man José Celestino Mutis’ Real Expedición Botánica in the early 19th century, that extraordinary attempt to chronicle Colombia’s biodiversity. Nearby Armero was flattened and lost following the Ruiz Volcano earthquake in 1985, and is now eerily preserved, and Ambalema, a small town by the Magdalena famous for its tobacco (said to be Churchill’s favourite) is also renowned for the intricate architecture of its houses.

If you go, stay at the Posada Las Trampas , a boutique hotel in Calle de Las Trampas, or the Hotel La Belle Epoque .

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The City Paper was founded in 2008 as Colombia’s first free English language newspaper. A decade later, it was awarded the country’s Manuel Murillo Toro medal in communications for contributing to informed and objective coverage of Colombia.

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Book the best tour to discover Honda

Discover Honda en Tolima, a city full of legends and the ideal location to eat fish and get to know Colombians. We want you to have the greatest tour possible.

Why visiting Honda, Tolima ?

Honda, Tolima is a must-visit destination for those looking to experience the rich cultural heritage of Colombia. This historic and picturesque city boasts well-preserved colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, and beautiful natural scenery. Whether you’re interested in history, architecture, or just want to immerse yourself in the local culture, Honda has something to offer. Additionally, the local cuisine and vibrant nightlife make Honda a great place to explore and enjoy. So if you’re planning a trip to Colombia, be sure to add Honda, Tolima to your itinerary!

10 reasons to visit Honda, Tolima en Colombia

Historical charm: Honda is a city with a rich history that is reflected in its colonial architecture, plazas, and landmarks.

Beautiful colonial architecture: The city’s well-preserved colonial architecture includes houses with wooden balconies, churches, and plazas that transport visitors to another era.

Scenic surroundings: The city is surrounded by the beautiful Magdalena River and the lush natural beauty of the Andes mountains.

Cultural experiences: Honda offers plenty of cultural experiences, such as live music, dance performances, and art exhibits.

Gastronomy: The city is known for its delicious local cuisine, which includes dishes such as sancocho, tamales, and chicharrones.

Friendly people: The people of Honda are welcoming and hospitable, making visitors feel at home.

Ecotourism: The surrounding natural beauty of Honda makes it an ideal destination for hiking, birdwatching, and other outdoor activities.

Festivals and celebrations: Throughout the year, Honda celebrates various festivals and events that showcase the city’s culture and traditions.

Local crafts: The city is home to many local artisans who produce handmade crafts, such as pottery, textiles, and jewelry.

Easy access: Honda is easily accessible from major cities in Colombia, making it a convenient and worthwhile stop on any travel itinerary.

When is the best moment to visit Honda, Tolima

The best time to visit Honda, Tolima is during the dry season, which runs from December to February and July to August.

During this time, the weather is mild and pleasant, with lower chances of rain.

However, the city can be visited throughout the year, and each season offers a different experience. From March to June and September to November, the weather is typically warmer and wetter, but these months can be a great time to experience the lush natural beauty of the region.

Additionally, Honda celebrates several festivals and events throughout the year, so it’s worth checking the calendar to see if any coincide with your travel plans. Ultimately, the best time to visit Honda depends on your preferences and interests, so be sure to plan accordingly.

How much time does it take from Bogota to Honda Tolima?

The travel time from Bogotá to Honda, Tolima can vary depending on the mode of transportation you choose.

By car or bus, the trip takes approximately 3 to 4 hours, depending on traffic conditions and the route taken.

If you choose to take a flight from Bogotá to the nearby city of Mariquita, the flight time is around 45 minutes. From Mariquita, you can take a taxi or bus to Honda, which takes around 20 to 30 minutes.

Overall, the travel time from Bogotá to Honda, Tolima can range from 3 to 4 hours by land transportation or 1 hour by air transportation plus an additional 20 to 30 minutes by taxi or bus.

FAQ about Honda, Tolima

What part of colombia is honda.

Location. The Municipality of Honda is located to the north of the Department of Tolima, to the NORTH: With the Department of Caldas, WEST: With the Municipality of Mariquita, EAST: With the left bank of the Magdalena River (Department of Cundinamarca), SOUTH: Municipality of Armero Guayabal.

What towns are close to Honda Tolima?

What is honda tolima called.

The Spaniards baptized it as Villa de San Bartolomé and later gave it nicknames such as "The city of bridges" for having more than forty bridges over the Magdalena, Gualí, Guarinó and Quebrada Seca rivers.

Traveling from Bogotá to Honda by road can take -approximately- 4 hours, in a 160 km journey by intermunicipal bus.

What time is it from Honda Tolima to Medellín?

Yes, the driving distance between Medellín to Honda is 269 km. It takes approximately 4h 16m to drive from Medellín to Honda.

How long does the fish ride last in Honda Tolima?

It should be noted that Honda is known in the country for the "subienda" of fish, which runs approximately from January to March of each year and occurs due to the spawning of fish that come from the swamps of the north coast.

How many bridges does the city of Honda have?

Honda is a municipality located north of the department of Tolima. The city has 40 bridges. One of them is the Navarro Bridge, which is over 100 years old.

When are the Honda parties?

From February 23 to 26, 2023, the 53rd version of the Cultural Carnival and Popular Reign of the Subienda will be held in Honda, Tolima

Who founded the city of Honda?

The area of the Ondaima and Gualí Indians was visited by Gonzalo Jiménez de Quesada, the city was founded by Francisco Núñez Pedroza as San Bartolomé de Honda on August 24, 1539.

10 things you can do with kids in Honda, Tolima

• Visit the Bioparque Los Ocarros, a nature reserve where kids can see and learn about local wildlife such as jaguars, monkeys, and toucans.
• Take a boat ride on the Magdalena River and enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way.
• Explore the historic center of Honda, which features well-preserved colonial architecture and charming streets.
• Visit the Museo del Rio Magdalena, a museum that showcases the history and culture of the Magdalena River and its importance to the region.
• Go swimming and enjoy the natural pools at Cascada del Escondite, a beautiful waterfall located just outside of Honda.
• Visit the Templo del Señor de la Ermita, a beautiful church with a stunning view of the surrounding countryside.
• Take a day trip to the nearby town of Mariquita, where you can visit the Parque Temático del Agua and enjoy water rides and attractions.
• Enjoy a horseback riding tour through the countryside and along the river.
• Visit the Cima de la Vida butterfly farm, where kids can learn about the life cycle of butterflies and see them up close.
• Take a cooking class and learn how to make local dishes such as tamales or arepas.

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What to do around Honda, Colombia?

Placed in the department of Tolima , Honda is known as the “City of Peace” or “City of Bridges” . The colonial architecture is an indelible imprint of its past. It is said that a casual stroll through its colonial streets evokes the old Cartagena or Andalusia in Spain.

Honda is a natural paradise and historical heritage of Colombia. It was considered in the past as the first port of Nueva Granada (old Colombia), and currently it still retains a large number of bridges and buildings of the colonial era.

It keeps a past full of legends and glory, its development is growing in the tourism industry. In this guide you will have the necessary information for your visit to Honda.

Table of Contents

Discovering Honda

The municipality of Honda is located 3 hours and 30 minutes from the city of Bogota.

The town of Honda was founded on August 24, 1539 under the name of Villa de San Bartolomé de Honda by Francisco Nuñez Pedroza. Honda is located in the north of the department of Tolima and borders the departments of Cundinamarca and Caldas.

Placed in the banks of the Magdalena River, Honda is part of the Network Colombian Heritage Towns . There you can walk the colonial neighborhoods which are full of history.

A Place in History

Honda has great importance in the history of Colombia such as the arrival of the first steamboat to the port of Caracolí in 1854, being considered the first river port of the country in the nineteenth century until the mid-twentieth century. Also the construction of the Navarro Bridge that was inaugurated in 1899.

The architecture and other data represent the economic, social and cultural importance that the town of Honda had.

A Very Hot Place

Bear in mind, the average temperature in Honda is between 24 ºC (75 ºF) and 35 ºC (95º F), which indicates that it is a town with high temperatures as well as humid. For this reason, we recommend you to wear clothes according to the temperature, sun protection elements and keep hydrated.

Gastronomy and Culture around Fish and the Magdalena River

Due to its proximity to the river, dishes based on fishing such as Viudo de pescado, Sancocho de pescado (fish stew), and other typical dishes such as Tamal tolimense, Sancocho de Gallina, Lechona and the traditional raspado (frozen juice). There are also other typical dishes such as Tamal tolimense, Sancocho de Gallina, Lechona and the traditional raspado (frozen juice).

The cultural carnival and popular pageant of the Subienda is a celebration that takes place during the first semester of each year to celebrate the massive arrival of fish to this port on the Magdalena River.

During the festivity you can enjoy handicraft samples, horseback riding, cultural presentations, sports competitions, nautical promenade, the traditional parade of the candidates and their troupes, their boards with the popular verbena and presentation of musical groups.

In turn, the national pageant of the Magdalena River is held in October and also c ommemorates the fishing season .

How to get to Honda

To get to Honda you must take a 4-hours road trip from the west of Bogotá city for 180 km, during your journey you will pass through different thermal floors and you will be able to marvel at the beautiful landscapes; when you cross the majestic Magdalena River you will know that you have arrived at your destination.

Where to stay in Honda

In Honda you will find a great diversity of accommodation options depending on your budget and personal taste. Our recommendations as follows:

El Virrey Hotel Boutique, Hotel Boutique Posada Las Trampas, Casa Celeste Honda, Waka Hotel Rural and Hotel Calle Real Honda.

Honda Attractions and Activities

Among its cultural centers are:

• The Magdalena River Museum.
• The Alfonso López Pumarejo House Museum and Cultural Agency.
• The Banco de la República Library

Great Colombian personalities have been born in Honda, such as: former President Alfonso López Pumarejo, bullfighter Pepe Cacéres, writer José María Samper, former Mayor of Bogotá Alfonso Palacio Rudas, politician Jaime Pava Navarro, General Abraham Varón Valencia, among others.

Historical tour

The streets of Honda have many stories so you will love walking in the historic center of the town, especially the Calle de las Trampas, this was a colonial sector where it is considered that the Viceroys of Spain lived.

You will also be able to visit the municipal market square, called the ‘Parthenon’ of Tolima for its republican architecture with Greco-Roman influence; there you will be able to have lunch, shop for handicrafts, clothes, fruits or vegetables.

Calle De Las Trampas, in the Colonial zone.

It has a sinuous and zigzag topography, with a stone floor evoking the Andalusian constructions. This was the sector par excellence of a wealthy “elite”. The typical two-story houses were distributed, starting from the main door on the street, in the living room, bedroom, kitchen, windows overhanging the street, corridor sill, stairs and bedrooms on the second floor.

Although some had a balcony with a corridor facing the courtyard instead of the lot, the latter was rare in the central part of the Villa where the houses were built without leaving space between them, forming a kind of wall along the streets.

Cathedral of Our Lady of the Rosary

It dates from the middle of the XVII century, and it was a work financed with the tolls on the Magdalena River and the contributions of the neighbors. On October 7, 1989 its temple was consecrated Cathedral of the Diocese of Líbano-Honda. Its patron saint’s day is August 24.

Market Square

This building is similar to the Greek Parthenon and was used by the Franciscan convent of San Bartolomé. With the earthquake in 1805 it was destroyed and was provisionally taken over as military barracks and later converted into the market square by the English engineer Henry Valsint, taking 18 years to finish (1917-1935).

It has 148 columns (76 external and 72 internal) being the external ones of Doric capital and Ionic base while the internal ones 36 are smooth and 36 similar to the external ones, 108 doors, several arches, it is of green and white color and because of its shape it was called the Parthenon of Tolima.

In 1996 it was declared a cultural asset of national interest. Inside it is a little messy and sometimes even dirty but despite that it is still interesting culturally, historically and architecturally.

Rapids or Honda Falls

This natural wonder is a geological fault, which divides in two the navigation of the Magdalena River. This natural phenomenon allows the famous “subienda” to occur every year: the rapids prevent the thousands of fish that each year fulfill their natural cycle in the waters of the Magdalena from rising easily.

Walking on the bridges of Honda

Honda is known for its variety of bridges, among which there are 3 that you can not miss: Navarro, Alfonso López and Luis Ignacio Andrade.

Alfonso López Bridge

This one in particular owes its name to the former liberal president Alfonso López Pumarejo, who was born there in 1886. The bridge is over the Gualí River, very close to the market square.

Luis Ignacio Andrade Bridge

It is located over the Magdalena River, and connects with Puerto Bogotá, Cundinamarca. It is important for land transportation, so it is usual to see tractor-trailers crossing it.

Navarro Bridge

More than 100 years old, it is the oldest bridge in South America. It was declared a National Monument in 1994 by Decree 936, thanks to its technical and aesthetic merits and the relevance that this important engineering work has had for the National history. Built between 1894 and 1898, it joins the departments of Tolima and Cundinamarca.

This bridge has a particular history. It was bought in New York from the same company that built the one in the city of San Francisco. The government gave it in concession for its exploitation for 99 years by charging tolls according to the type of cargo to be passed. That did not last long because the Thousand Days War came and changed all the conditions.

The bridge has an iron and steel structure of the type called Cantilever cornice, with a length of 167.65 mts, 5.20 mtZ wide and a height of 18.30 mts over the river.

You will find the Navarro Bridge 200 meters from the historic center of the town.

Visiting Museums in Honda

Magdalena river museum.

The museum tells the history of the river, in your tour you will learn about the animals that inhabit and inhabited the river; the articles used by the fishermen, besides learning about the fishing culture of the inhabitants of the town.

It is a colonial construction of the XVIII century, where “La bodega El Retiro or Puerto de El Retiro” worked, which provided its services to the merchants of the town in the Upper Magdalena, docked and sailed brigantines, steamboats, champagne, canoes, canoes, canoes.

At the end of the XIX century it was the headquarters of the Gendarmerie Barracks, then it was the library and municipal archives, and nowadays it houses the River Museum.

Alfonso Pumarejo House Museum

Faithful witness of the passage of several generations, today it is the scene of a remembered Colombian colonial era.

This building is representative of the classic Andalusian colonial architecture, whose construction dates back to the XVII century. It has a single floor, with a clay tile roof, a four-sided roof and a central patio, built in adobe, with a load-bearing wall system, exposed gutters and downspouts, and colorful columns of fine wood.

Birdwatching is also another activity you can do in Honda. Visit our entry about the birding routes in Tolima to know more.

If you want to know more about Colombia, or wants to book your trip, please contact us .

• Colombia Travel
• Network of Colombian Heritage Villages
• Tolima Government Website

About the author

Sara Colmenares

The current director of Sula. Doctor in Biological Sciences. Her main interests are to explore and understand the organism-environment interactions, taking advantage of emerging knowledge for the management and conservation of species and ecosystem services. She is currently working as a consultant in functional ecology, ecosystem services, and conservation projects in Colombia related to ecotourism and birdwatching.

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ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE 10-DAY BEST OF COLOMBIA TOUR

The 10-Day Best of Colombia Tour takes us around the central parts of Colombia. The majestic Andes mountains split into 3 mountain ranges at the Ecuadorian/Colombian border and we will be zig zagging between them on endless curves and twisties on this incredible all-paved tour. The tour will visit the 3 major cities and the best sites to see. Ready for a permanent smile?

You will hit all the highlights in the country from wonderful tiny coffee growing villages to the impressive underground salt cathedral. The historic villages of Villa de Leyva and Honda and the 3 major cities Bogota, Medellin and Cali. Ride some of the absolute best paved routes in all of South America! 

POI: COFFEE TRIANGLE

Visit a working coffee farm and taste the world best coffee where its made in the heart of Colombia.

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Beautiful Colonial era village with the world largest cobblestone square and wonderful atmosphere.

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Go several hundred meters into an old salt mine to find the incredible Zipaquira underground salt Cathedral.

10-DAY BEST OF COLOMBIA TOUR ITINERARY

Fly-in to Bogota. MotoDreamer staff will pick you up at the airport and transfer you to the hotel. Once the last rider has arrived, a group briefing will be arranged.

Honda to Salento – Today’s task: ride the accent of the Los Nevados del Ruiz volcano at 4200 meters altitude and descend on the other side. Many, many curves and incredible views. In clear weather we can see the snow capped volcano. We end up in the amazing coffee region for another night. (280 KMS)

Cali to Montenegro – We leave Cali at 8:00 AM and make our way through sugar cane plantations in the Cauca Valley. The coffee region is all shades of green and coffee and banana plantations stretch as far as the eye can see. We ride on small back roads before making our way the hotel near Montenegro. (250 KMS)

Medellin to Doradal – After a nice breakfast buffet we make our way up over the mountain bowl where Medellin lays and visit a huge famous monolith rock, El Penol, in the lake district. After a hike to the top and lunch we make our way to the Magdalena River Valley. (230 KMS)

Villa de Leyva to Bogota – From Villa de Leyva we continue in the high mountains to Zipaquira where we stop to see the Salt Cathedral 300 meters underground. After lunch once again we will arrive back in Bogota. Here we return the bikes before checking in at the hotel for the last night in the salsa capital of the world – Cali. (240 KMS)

Honda to Salento (Approx. 280 km). Ascend Los Nevados del Ruiz volcano and reach Salento.

Cali to Montenegro (Approx. 250 km). Ride through Cauca Valley’s plantations.

Medellin to Doradal (Approx. 230 km). Visit El Penol rock and reach Doradal.

Villa de Leyva to Bogota (Approx. 240 km). Visit Zipaquira’s Salt Cathedral and return to Bogota.

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95% pavement, up to 5% on gravel driveways or possible road construction detours. Hundreds of curves and extremely scenic well maintained roads. Rookie to expert riders and couples are very welcome on this tour. We stay in mid- & high-range hotels. We always opt for the best option available – clean, safe and practical location. Temperatures can vary between 12 to 40°C (53.6 F to 104°F). Temperatures can drop for a short period going over the mountains passes. It is recommended to ride with ventilated riding gear. A pull over rain suite is a good idea to carry against mountain temperatures and possible short rain showers that can occur year round.

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Day 1 I had purchased a transfer from BOG to the Hotel Regina for February 14. The instructions that I received stated that someone “with a sign” would meet me upon arrival. The flight from IAH arrive early but I waited until 11 PM, 20 minutes past the scheduled time of arrival and 40 minutes total. I had been up 15 hours, I was very tired-the very reason I had purchased the transfer. Simply, there is no excuse. As I write this, I have heard nothing from G Adventures, now 4 days after I reported it. When a passenger reports that the transfer did not arrive, there should be NO wait; my card should have been immediately credited. The investigation is G Adventure’s issue with its vendor-not with me, the passenger. Did I want to find a taxi, negotiate a price, walk through the parking garage, and wait some more after 10 hours of flying? Since I had arrived late the night before the tour started, I had some time to explore the city. There was no information available all day at the front desk through 6 PM on Saturday. This fact stifled my plans to visit places outside La Candelaria because I did not want to miss the previously-announced “orientation meeting.” As I was about to go out to dinner at 620 PM, Jairo, the group’s “CEO” was at the desk composing a note that announced a meeting 10 minutes later at 630. There can be no reason why information could have been provided earlier in the day by phone, email, or carrier pigeon! Day 2 The scheduling for Bogotá was somewhat perplexing. Many of the tour’s participants arrived late in the day of February 15, making sight-seeing logistically difficult. Also, many endured long flights and sustained the effects of a 9000+ foot altitude. The ONLY scheduled event for Bogotá was a visit to a market, precluding seeing anything else in the city. Really, why go to Bogotá at all. As a physician, I know that altitude sickness shows no favoritism to youth or the fit. To me, Bogotá was a wasted experience. We arrived in the afternoon at Hostal de mi Monaco. This is a nice, comfortable place with a very friendly staff. I would have preferred, however, either staying at a similar place that was closer to at least a grocery store or at a place that sold drinks and food. Our group spend several valuable hours shopping in a grocery store, basically, to buy alcohol. I think the intention was to have a “rustic finca experience.” There was nothing rustic about the hostal other than the owners’ self-imposed limitations. For example, it was impossible to even go for a walk in the area: the adjacent highway has no sidewalks and it would have been suicidal to walk there (as I was advised by staff). Day 3 The other issue about the hostal was is distance for the coffee farms that we visited. The presentation at the farm was excellent and varied. After being there for 4-5 hours, we were to visit a “coffee town.” I never heard the entire explanation, but we drove for 90 minutes to arrive at, not a town, but a coffee shop. Yes, a pretty coffee shop with a great view (where BTW the cheapest cup of coffee was 6000 pesos-in Colombia!), but it was nearly an hour and a half bus ride back to the hostal-NOT including a liquor run. Maybe there are reasonable explanations. I saw dozens of places to stay and dozens of cafeterias; why the long distances and time consuming bus rides? By the time we arrived back at Mi Monaco, we had less than 2 hours to enjoy the scenery, take a swim or walk, prepare, repack, etc. Day 4 There was a failure of communication about the hike in the Cocora valley. Several times, Jairo stated that the hike would be short and “no problem.” When I got there I was astounded to learn that there was a 300 meter elevation rise from the beginning to the end of the hike. That’s about 1000 feet! At that altitude and ambient temperature, passengers should have been WARNED ahead of time. This was not an easy hike! I had a knee and hip replacement making long climbs difficult, and I with 2 others, turned back about half way through. As a practical matter, the beautiful vistas are no better at 2500 meters that they are at 2200 meters. There’s nothing wrong with the hike itself, but read the description: first, there’s no mention of it being a grueling, 1000 ft rise on uneven terrain. The brochure mentions taking a horse-an option that no one even mentioned to us. After the hike, after 230 PM, we went to a restaurant for lunch. At 4 PM, we were finished. Jairo had told us about playing tejo in Salento after we arrived at the hotel. We waited over an hour sitting in the grass at the restaurant apparently waiting for transportation to the hotel. No one had said anything about the charming little town, and once I saw it, I immediately wanted to explore it, but there was not enough time for tejo and the town, and there was no opportunity for the next day as the bus was to leave at 7 AM. The planning (and the transport) could be better. Day 5 Other than to save money, I cannot understand why an 8-9 hour bus ride would be inserted into a 9-day tour. It was represented to us as “long but interesting with plenty of stops for coffee. ”There was NO MENTION of the multiple, multiple construction delays. This is irresponsible and nonsensical. The bus ride was a simple pain in the ass. The road from Pereira to Medellín is being repaired and reconstructed in multiple areas. There’s nothing scenic about construction-even in beautiful Colombia. Aside for the ride being an abject waste of time, it is dangerous. Sitting for long periods of time promotes venous stasis, deep vein thrombosis, and pulmonary embolism. The risk is heighted in the elderly, in pregnancy, in cancer patients and other conditions. There are nonstop flights to Medellín from both Pereira and Manizales. These morning flights would allow an entire extra day SOMEWHERE other than enduring a nauseating bus ride. If for some arcane reason, it is not possible for 12 pax to fly to Medellín, why not break it up? There are several very beautiful towns in Antioquia (e.g., Jardin) that are as interesting as the ones on the itinerary. Everyone was very tired after the 9 ½ hour trip. We arrived at about 5:30 and Jairo asked that we meet at 7:30. Continually, he set times and places without ever asking the group. As it turned out, that was not a good time as many wanted to walk a bit, maybe get something to eat, and get to bed early. Previously, Jairo had asked the group which excursions they wanted to book. Astoundingly, he gave no options. Those that didn’t want the graffiti tour, the 2.5 hour bus ride each way to GXXXXX, or a day on an island near Cartagena were on their own. This was in spite of the fact that several other options were given in the written materials. I asked about the Pablo Escobar tour that I had read about, and he refused to even talk about it saying that G Adventures “didn’t support it.” I went on such a tour, and I found it balanced and informative. That first night in Medellin, two people screaming somewhere in the hotel awakened me at 1040 PM. This went on for 15 minutes or so. I got dressed, and first, went downstairs. No one was at the front desk, and the noise seemed to be coming from above. I remembered there is a hot tub on the fifth floor. I arrived there at the same time as an angry German tourist. There in the hot tub were Jairo and a passenger, apparently drunk, and definitely screaming there lungs out. I had had trouble sleeping and I was not happy to be awakened by such a selfish act. I asked them to stop, and it was quiet the rest of the night. I’m sorry, but I do not think this behavior is acceptable by anyone anywhere in any country, much less the leader of a tour. The next morning at breakfast, the two ladies from New York/Poland told me the screaming had also awakened them. Day 6 I did not join the group on the graffiti tour as I was more interested in Pablo Escobar on my own. I met the group in Botero Park and Jairo was kind enough to meet me at the taxi that I took. That night he planned a meeting for the group at 7:00 pm at a restaurant but it was after 6 before he disclosed the name: Gato. I went, and it was fine but for the very loud music. Even though we were seated upstairs the very loud bass made it impossible to talk to the person next to me. I declined offers to spend the night drinking. Day 7 I had come to Colombia partially, to revisit a town in Antioquia, Andes, that I had stayed with a family on several occasions years before. So, I did not join the group, but instead, went to Andes by taxi. I had informed TourRadar previously of my intentions and I had told Jairo. At no time did he even offer to assist me and give advice. Certainly, every tour leader that I have had in the past would have at least shown some interest. Jairo arranged dinner, without any input from the group that I know of, at a bistro nearby. With all respect, I did not come to Medellin to eat in a bistro-one that, in fact, is not highly rated. I enjoyed cena at an interesting gastro complex of restaurants. I would think this would have been a great experience for a group-50 restaurants and bars serving almost all types of food and drink. But again, no choice! Day 8 We had a 1035 AM flight to Cartagena. It appeared that many of the group were hungover evidenced by the photos on Whats App. I don’t care what people do with their time, but advice and information should be offered to those who pursue earlier , less toxic evenings. Jairo led a short walking tour of the city. It was the first time that he showed that he knew something about a place we visited. I didn’t expect him to be a guide, but he said almost nothing about the prior places we visited, and the commentary was very specific rather than an overview. For example, he commented that a certain bridge was being built that was the longest, but he was unable to comment on the history of Medellin. As we were walking, I saw a red, “hop-on, hop-off” bus, common in many cities. When I asked him if it was a good way to see the city, he replied, “I don’t know anything about it.” (period). Jairo asked that we meet at the bar at the end of the city at 530 for a drink, but he didn’t go with the group. I really wanted to have the famous Cartagenan ceviche, so I did not join the group at the restaurant that Jairo chose. Day 9 I stayed in Colombia 3 more days and I did not see Jairo again. OVERALL COMMENTS I realize I have probably traveled more than most of the others in the group, but Steve, Mary, and a few others seemed to have traveled extensively. I admit that I usually travel alone, but nevertheless, I have been on about a dozen tours over the years, and I was on a G tour to China in 2017. I know that Jairo is inexperienced but I feel he should have been much better. 1- Timeliness: I waited nearly the whole day around the hotel to make sure I received notice of the first group meeting. At 620 PM, I happened to go to the front desk as Jairo was writing a note to announce a 730 pm meeting. I could have spent the day differently had I known we would meet so late in the day. Why couldn’t he have made a phone call? Also, he never ate breakfast with the group. Because it’s quiet and there’s no noise and alcohol, this is a great time for the CEO to be present for questions and concerns. Most of Jairo’s posts for names of restaurants came very close to the appointed time of meeting. 2- Choices- NEVER on any tour has the leader made all the choices without asking the group. This is just plain wrong. Many of us are experienced and, frankly, have better ideas about places to see/eat than he did. Also, it’s just the right thing to do; it’s our vacation-not his! The same with the optional tours-there was NO assistance provided for any excursion other than the ones HE selected. Perhaps, his choices were the best ones, but there were many other options. I had been to Colombia 5 times previously and I did not want to do the same things when other options were available. 3- Knowledge: I don’t expect the tour leader to be a tour guide, but I do expect at least a rudimentary knowledge of the history, demographics, and important things to see in one’s home country? To tell a passenger who ask about a city tour bus, “ I don’t know anything about it” is unconscionable. He SHOULD have known and if not, he could have found out. He did tell us about a free walking tour the next day at 11 AM, but it doesn’t run on Sundays. He should have known that. Jairo is a good person, but I don’t think his heart is in his job. If I were a young man with a new job, I’d bust my butt to be knowledgeable and accommodating to EVERYONE-not just those in his age group. I also think that a tour leader should be very careful with alcohol. There’s certainly no excuse for the hot tub incident. I’m certainly no teetotaler, but as an emergency physician I have seen the ill effects of over consumption. I don’t know (or care) how much he drank, but people on vacation often drink too much. As the leader, he MUST guard the safety of the group. Over drinking leads to illness, and particularly, accidents. I certainly question a leader’s drinking to excess and I question whether a person responsible for 12 others should drink at all. I don’t recall that ANY of the leaders in my previous tours drank ANYTHING save a beer or an occasional glass of wine. This is not a moral or ethical issue; it’s one of safety. I loved the country, and for the most part, the places visited were very good. The guides that we had were very good, particularly Christian at the coffee finca. Based on Jairo’s lack of knowledge and experience, perhaps more qualified guides should have been used. The hotels were much better a; although, there was no hot water at night. Who needs a shower every day anyway? Except for one short instance (a non air-conditioned bus from the Cartagena airport), the buses were good and comfortable and the drivers were courteous and competent. I don’t intend to be pejorative, and I would use G again-but only after knowing the experience level and passenger ratings of the guide-to-be. Thank you for the opportunity to provide input.

• Food & Culinary

Cafe Colombia

Colombia is just the most beautiful country, and it's beauty was only heightened by our passionate guide. She was a great advocate for her country and Intrepid. We stayed in boutique, locally owned accommodation in the best locations, ate like kings and really experienced the diversity of this country and its people. If you haven't been to Colombia, I couldn't recommend this trip more highly.

Caribbean Colombia Express

Had a wonderful trip. Highlights were Tayrona, waterfalls around Minca, tubing on the Don Diego (a last minute change in itinerary) and great company. Most of the accommodation was fine (don't expect luxury), but think Hotel Minca needs upgrading (grounds and view lovely, but my room smelt of damp and was the most basic food of the trip). Another downside was how much extra we had to pay for activities and group meals. There is a lot not included considering the price. But enjoyed being on the tour for the ease of transportation, great socialising and all the help and advice our winderful CEO Miguel was able to give.

Premium Colombia

Colombia Journey National Geographic Journeys

The G Adventures/National Geographic Colombia Journey was all that I expected and more. It's a great mix of urban and rural touring, with a wide variety of activities. We saw a number of different areas of the country, meeting with local people to get a better understanding of the country. Our main Guide was enthusiastic and supportive.

17 Days Off The Map Colombia

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16 Day Luxury Colombia Expedition: Amazon, Andes, and Pacific | Kayaking & Trekking | November 15, 2024 | Private Options Available

Go Wild provided an extraordinary adventure to Colombia that was exhilarating and enlightening, with diverse experiences in the Amazon, the Andes and in the Caribbean. From our introduction in the biodiversity and indigenous cultures of the Amazonas to the stunning terrain of the Andes and Caribbean, Dan and Mateo planned and executed 14 days of sensory learning and challenging activities to help us better understand the splendor of Colombia with the utmost respect for our community hosts. Every aspect of the all-inclusive trip was expertly managed with delicious meals, treehouse and eco-focused lodgings, and especially, a huge variety of activities: sightseeing, hiking, insect, bird and animal watching, kayaking, tubing, mountaineering, swimming, hot springs soaking and learning throughout each day. I can’t recommend this trip highly enough for a uniquely immersive, mind-expanding and unforgettable journey of a lifetime.

Classic Colombia

Such a great tour highly recommend

Luxury Colombia Tours & Trips Reviews

Excellent. Thanks ☺️

This was an amazing itinerary! I was a single female traveler and felt safe at all times. I had the best group guide Martin, who was super friendly, knowledgeable & went above and beyond to show us a great time. I have a lot of dietary restrictions & Martin really tried his best to accommodate me, I am so grateful. Unfortunately I had an emergency & had to leave on day 4 so my trip was disrupted. I would love to return to Columbia in the future. This was an action packed itinerary. I highly recommend this tour & tour guide Martin to anyone who is active & loves to explore.

Not much in the way of wildlife, but plenty of beaches.

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ADRENALINE ADDICTS

MOTORCYCLE ADVENTURE TOURS & RENTALS SANTA MARTA - MEDELLIN - SAN GIL - BURITACA COLOMBIA

WELCOME TO ADRENALINE ADDICTS

THE Best MOTORCYCLE TOURS in Colombia

Adrenaline Addicts offers all-inclusive Colombia  motorcycle tours  and motorcycle rentals for exploring all that Colombia has to offer. Just a short ride away from our headquarters in Santa Marta you'll find Cartagena, Minca, Palomino, Cabo de la Vela, and many other breathtaking spots in between. With our new locations in Medellin, San Gil, and Buritaca, we have opened up even more next-level Adrenaline experiences, as well as easy one-way rentals to most of the country. Prefer to go with a group of riders? Adrenaline Addicts has been rated as the best motorcycle tour company in Colombia by TripAdvisor , and won the 2019 and 2022 Adventure Experience of the Year, so you know you will be in good hands for your motorcycle tour or rental!

Motorcycle TOURS

Santa Marta, Medellin, Buritaca, and San Gil are the perfect motorcycle adventure tour starting points to explore Colombia's untouched coastal, mountain and desert regions. Our motorcycle tours have been handcrafted through years of location scouting and raw exploration throughout Colombia. You'll get to experience the most unique and authentic parts of Colombia off the tourist trail. Whether you're a total beginner or highly advanced rider, we have the perfect tour for you. Our guides are extensively trained to give you the support you need while they show you the real Colombia.

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Motorcycle RENTALS

For those that like to do things their own way, we have a fleet of over 90 Honda motorcycles for rent in Santa Marta, Medellin, Buritaca, and San Gil. Medical insurance, helmets, safety gear, and riding maps are included. Wherever you need a bike in Colombia, we got you covered.

For All Bikes we Offer:

Short-term motorcycle rental in Colombia

Discounted long-term motorcycle rentals, motorbike delivery throughout colombia, optional motorcycle pick-up service throughout colombia, motorcycle rentals in santa marta, motorcycle rental cartagena.

Our Difference

To give our clients the best experience, we work with an extensive network of other businesses proven to be leaders in their field.

We have four offices spread around the country, making rentals and tours a breeze, no matter where you are. 

We love what we do, and we want you to as well. Any grievances will be followed up and amended or your money back.

The best motorcycle tour and rentals in Colombia

Colombia moto xperience tours and rentals.

We are a 100% Colombian company, operated by locals with great knowledge of the region and culture. For our tours and rentals we have different motorcycles all ideal to live a great adventure. We guarantee an excellent service, we will take care of all the details so that you live a unique experience.

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Colombia is Magic… Colombia is Adventure… Colombia is Color… Colombia is Rhythm… Colombia is Biodiversity… Colombia is Coffee… Colombia is Flavor… Colombia is Friendly… Colombia is a Treasure…

COLOMBIA MOVES US… COLOMBIA IS OUR PASSION AND REASON FOR BEING

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COLOMBIA MOTO ADVENTURES

ALL-INCLUSIVE GUIDED TRIP

Per motorcycle, motorcycle + hotels, motorcycle rental, honda xre300, suzuki dr650.

Trips are available anytime  

Just let us know what fits your schedule and we'll be ready.  

16 DAY / ULTIMATE COLOMBIA MOTORCYCLE TRIP

On-road, off-road, low-cost and luxury, from the high altitude mountains to low lying valleys, this trip has it all, total distance /   km ( mi)   riding conditions / % paved / % off-road skill level /  max elevation / m ( ft) min elevation / m ( ft).

Medellín

Mountain roads

Off-road riding

Honda colonial town

Emerald Mining Region

Gigantic Waterfalls and Caves

Coffee Region

Chicamocha Canyon

Nevado Ruiz Stratovolcano

Hot Springs

RIDE DESCRIPTION

If there is a place on earth that‘s made for the eye, the camera and our motorcycles , it is surely Colombia. The Ultimate Colombia Motorcycle Tour is an all encompassing sixteen day loop, that is a combination of paved and off-road motorcycle riding. Departing Medellín and adventuring through the Andean mountain range and into the wild emerald mining region of Colombia then into the calm beauty of the Colombias Coffee Triangle. The route combines days of pure adventure with other days of relaxing in beautiful boutique hotels. Along this route you will get to explore all Colombia has to offer. This unforgettable journey will take you not only through epic landscapes, but also delivers an authentic experience of Colombia’s food, culture, and world class views. 

As we take off from Medellín, also known as the "City of Eternal Spring"’ we will make our way to the famous rock of Guatape. We then ride into the rainforest of Rio Claro then to Bucaramanga, the capital of Santander. 

Our route then takes us heading south cutting through the second largest canyon on earth to the picturesque town of Barichara. We then conquering backroads as we make our way to the rarely visited emerald mining zone where we will have the chance to interact with artesian miners. Once we’re done, it’s back on the roads to Colombia’s coffee region where we ride across mountain ranges and stay at hot springs hotels. Finally, we end our adventure back in Medellín. 

Come ride with us to discover the allure of Colombia from the back roads.

Trips are led by professional travel and wildlife photographer Jeff Cremer. Jeff worked as a photographer in the Peruvian Amazon for six years and has had his work featured in National Geographic, Discovery Channel, Wired Magazine and the BBC. Tour the most beautiful and picture-worthy locations in the country to get an experience and the pictures of a lifetime. You will not only tour Colombia from your bike, you will focus on truly seeing, photographing and experiencing it in all of its dimensions...its beauty, its culture and its people. 

  Luxury Guided Trip

Includes  boutique hotels , guide and motorcycle).  Luxury accommodations are provided on this trip and are some of the best boutique hotels in Colombia

$4000 per person based on double occupancy

Motorcycle Rental Only  (hotels not included) :

Price Per Rider: $1040USD ($65USD/Day)

Add Pillion/Passenger $400USD ($25USD/Day)

Add One Way Rental:

Pick up in Medellin and drop off in Bogota, Cali or Cartagena

Price per motorcycle: $150USD  

  Day 1 - Medellín - Guatape

We will cruise out of town in the coolness of the early morning, just as the city begins to wake, onto the highway east toward the resort town of Guatapé. About a 2 hour ride from Medellin, the colonial town of Guatapé sits on the shores of a crystal blue reservoir. 

Climb the nearby “El Peñon de Guatape” for an unforgettable 360-degree view of the landscape the is known as the “the top of the rock with the best view in the world.”  We will then walk the streets of the town, snapping photos of the brightly colored houses. We will also have a chance to dine on fresh empanadas and drink ice cold cerveza michelada.

Day 2 - Guatape - Rio Claro

we will stop by the Rio Claro. Rio Claro means “Clear River” in Spanish, and as long as it’s not raining, the river lives up to its names with crystal clear waters. We can stroll the shaded paths through the Amazon rainforest as monkeys swing from the branches above and birds call from the treetops as well as explore the banks of the Rio Claro, investigating the natural caves, swimming areas, and countless species of plants and animals.

Day 3 - Rio Claro - Bucaramanga

Todays ride is kinda long. It takes us from Rio Claro to the town of Bucaramanga. 

Day 4 - Bucaramanga - Barichara via Chicamocha Canyon

Today we take a spectacular ride through the second largest canyon in the world, the Chicamocha Canyon arriving at the Spanish colonial town of Barichara. Nestled in the mountains, Barichara is the kind of town that Hollywood filmmakers dream about. A Spanish colonial town saturated with atmosphere, it boasts cobblestone streets and whitewashed buildings with red-tiled roofs that look almost as new as the day they were constructed some 300 years ago. It's no wonder that many Spanish-language films and telenovelas are shot here. 

Day 5 - Barichara - Rest day in Barichara

The day is yours to explore! Rafting, Masage, Spa Treatments, Coffee tours, horseback riding, bird watching, the activities are endless. Enjoy your day relaxing and taking in the sights of Salento.

Day 6 - Barichara to Barbosa

Today we begin our ascent into Colombias wild  Cordillera Oriental mountain range.

Day 7 - Barbosa to Florian

After breakfast and coffee we drive to Florian, Santander home of the Windows of Tisiquizoque, a remote and rarely visited three-tiered waterfall plummets from a mountain cave with amazing views over the countryside.  We will spend the day exploring the huge 650ft cave, taking pictures and swimming in the pool below the waterfall. 

Day 8 - Florian to Muzo

Today we take the motorcycles to Muzo, Boyacá the world capital of emeralds.  Muzo is known not only for the quantity of emeralds in produces, but also for their superb quality and color with the Muzo mine producing the world's highest quality gems known for their warm, grassy-green color, with hints of yellow. 

Day 9 - Muzo Emerald Mining

Today we visit the Emerald mining area.  In the 1980’s drug dealers fought the country's leading emerald mining families for rights to the emeralds.  The mine owners fought back, turning Muzo into the most dangerous place in Colombia and by the end of the decade more than 6,000 people had been killed. Inevitably - as is often the case in Colombia - many of them were civilians caught up in the gun battles between rival paramilitary forces.

Now Muzo is a peaceful and beautiful place where we will be able to watch informal emerald miners known as guaqeros  scour the river beds along the Itoco river in the Muzo valley in search of the precious stones.  This is a great opportunity for documentary photography as well as a chance to speak with emerald miners about life in the mining camps and surrounding areas. 

Day 10 - Muzo to Honda

Off-Road Motorcycle riding to the town of Honda. 

Day 11 - Honda to Nevado Ruiz

Today we tackle the worlds longest road climb. Alto de Letras is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.679m (12,070ft) above the sea level, located in central Colombia. It’s said to be the longest road climb in the world.  The climb starts at a sub-tropical 468 meters, in the town of Mariquita, and tops out at an arctic 3.679 meters. We end the day at a hot springs hotel located next to the Nevado de Ruiz stratovolcano. 

Day 12 - Nevado Ruiz to Salento

We take a short drive to the south to Salento, a charming town in the Andes, known for its coffee culture and beautiful scenery. You’ll have the afternoon free to roam the city. Take a walk on Calle Real, Salento’s premier road full of local craft shops and vibrant colonial architecture painted in rainbow hues. Just a short drive away, you may also visit Cocora Valley where world's tallest palm trees look like the whimsical kind of plant you'd find in a Dr. Seuss story.

Day 13 - Rest Day Salento

The day is yours to explore! Masage, Spa Treatments, Coffee tours, horseback riding, bird watching, the activities are endless. Enjoy your day relaxing and taking in the sights of Salento.

Day 14 - Salento to Jardin

Today we ride the ridges to the beautiful town of Jardin. 

Day 15 - Jardin to Jerico

Jercio is an awesome little town about 3 hours outside of Medellin and makes a great motorcycle day trip from Medellin. The road to get there is absolutely beautiful and there are tons of activities in town. Lots of people talk about visiting Jardin but in my opinion its and the drive isn't as cool and I really recommend Jerico.

Day 16 - Jerico to Medellin

This marks the final day of our epic journey across Colombia. Riders will now part ways and head back home. For those riders that couldn’t get enough of Colombia, let us know and we can arrange extra days to stay.​

INCLUDED   All our motorcycle rentals include everything you need to have a great motorcycle trip in Colombia:

Bilingual Guide / Adventure Photographer - Kawasaki Versys-X 300 or Honda XR

Motorcycles  - Kawasaki Versys-X 300 or Honda XRE300 adventure motorcycles

Unlimited Kilometers - Drive  wherever you want without having to worry about extra charges for mileage/kilometers

Hotels  - Awesome hotel in Sonsón, Hot springs hotel in Nariño

Breakfast - Breakfast included 

Helmet - High-quality helmets with integrated sun visors

Gloves - We provide nice gloves

Jacket - High-quality motorcycle gear that keeps you safe and dry through all the climates that Colombia has to offer. 

Cell Phone Holder - RAM® X-Grip® phone holder to keep your device secure and accessible while navigating.

USB Charger - Charge your phone while you ride.

Top box - Huge 48 liter top box for all your things. The box also has a padded backrest so passengers can travel comfortably.

SOAT  - Colombia's mandatory liability insurance

Medical Insurance - (Just in case)

NOT INCLUDED

Lunch and dinner

Snacks and drinks

REQUIREMENTS

A valid motorcycle class driver’s license

Credit card to leave a $500USD security deposit in case  the motorcycle suffers any damages

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COLOMBIA MOTORCYCLE TOURS

Home > Motorcycle Tour Destinations > Colombia

National Geographic once said “if Earth’s biodiversity were a country, it could be called Colombia”. This fact alone make our Colombian motorcycle tours some of the most special events in our calendar. Combine this with colourful towns, exceptional riding, stunningly beautiful vistas in every direction and some of the best hospitality you’ll have ever experienced and you have a motorcycle holiday that dreams are made of.

COLOMBIAN CARIBBEAN

DIFFICULTY 4 / 10

• ROYAL ENFIELD CLASSIC 500
• 30% UNPAVED

COMFORT 4 / 5

DATES & PRICE (Click to expand)

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• DIFFICULTY: 4 / 10
• COMFORT: 4 / 5

COLOMBIAN TRAILBLAZER

DIFFICULTY 6 / 10

HONDA CRF250F / KTM 350 EXC-F

• 90% UNPAVED

Widget not in any sidebars

• DIFFICULTY: 6 / 10
• KTM 350 EXC-F / HONDA CRF250F

COLOMBIAN MOTORCYCLE TOUR REVIEWS

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Other tour locations, south africa.

5 REASONS TO RIDE IN COLOMBIA

1. fast-changing landscapes.

Colombia is home to the northern tips of three parallel ranges of the Andes Mountains – ‘The Home of the Condor’ (and yes, we have seen the condor on our Colombian motorcycle tours!). These mountain ranges make for some incredible and varied motorcycle riding… in the morning we can be riding in hot humid conditions along jungle like trails and on that same afternoon we can be riding 4,000m above sea level alongside snow-capped mountains and alongside volcanoes. It’s all stunningly beautiful and it’s always changing!

Colombia is famous for its coffee region and is also the native home of the ‘wax palm’ trees – the tallest palm trees in the world. We frequently give our riders the option to swap the bike saddle for a horse saddle and ride into the hills of the Cocora valley – whether you’re a horse fan or not, this is an experience that can not be missed!

Colombia is the only country in South America to face two oceans, these being the Pacific and the Caribbean. It’s only a matter of time until we create a motorcycle tour of Colombia named ‘Coast to Coast’!

Not only do you have jungles, mountains, volcanoes, palm tree & pine forests, but Colombia’s diverse terrain also has two deserts – the ‘Tatacoa’ and ‘Guajira’ deserts. There’s also many impressive waterfalls and rivers – including the ‘Rainbow River’. Need we say more? Colombia is amazing and our motorcycle tours here will blow you away!

2. WELCOMING LOCALS

We always love meeting the locals during our motorcycle tours and always feel it’s great way to understand a country. From the second you touch down in Colombia you will see why we love the locals here so much. From our funny & enthusiastic local tour guys who are instantly so welcoming and excited to show you their country, to the hosts who look after us along the way at the various accommodations & the random locals we bump into along the way in the villages. Fiercely proud of their country and pleased to share it with us, you will be hard pushed to find a more welcoming nation!

3. UNTOUCHED BY TOURISM

There’s never been a better time to visit Colombia. While the majority of the world still wrongly believe that you’ll be kidnapped as soon as you arrive in the country, the few of us that do make the decision to take a motorcycle trip around Colombia will be rewarded in a truly special way. Around the world, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to escape the tourist trails in order to witness a country’s true culture and way of life (that’s why we use motorcycles afterall!). In Colombia though, everywhere we go is still ‘the Real Colombia’ and as we use the bikes to venture further into the rural countryside, we’re meeting people that have never met a single foreigner. It’s just fantastic. The world is starting to cotton on though, and although Colombia will forever be an incredible country to travel by motorcycle, the sooner you do it, the better it will be!

4. INCREDIBLE RIDING

Whatever you’re looking for in your adventure riding, Colombia will not fail to impress. The trail riding is incredible. The winding gravel roads are incredible. The tarmac roads through the hills of the coffee plantations are incredible. Take a look at our Colombian motorcycle tour itineraries to see what it’s all about.

5. EXCELLENT FOOD!

Mmmmm Colombian food… Where to start! Unlike some of our other motorcycle tours where you might lose a few extra lbs during your riding holiday, you will likely come back from Colombia a little bit rounder than when you left. It’s almost impossible not to overindulge in the delicious meals and snacks you will encounter. From hearty cooked breakfasts to wonderful buffet style lunches and dinners, you will be extremely well fed. The Colombians take their food seriously and really know their way around a kitchen. There are so many traditional dishes to try, and you’ll love every single one!

WHY CHOOSE RIDE EXPEDITIONS FOR YOUR COLOMBIAN MOTORCYCLE TOUR?

Premium quality.

From the pre-tour service, excellent accommodation & bikes, to the on-tour support, we strive to offer the very best tour packages & experiences on the market.

Ride Expeditions is owned by British couple – Toby & Anna – who share a passion that extends beyond motorcycles & adventure travel… simply put, they like to ‘ Do Things Right ‘. This way of thinking is instilled into all RX staff and partners, and it’s noticeable in everything we do. If it’s great quality you’re looking for, you’re in the right place.

BEST BIKES AS STANDARD

For the easier going motorcycle trips in Colombia we have the lightweight Honda CRF250F in the stable. For the enduro enthusiasts we use the KTM 350 EXC-F. Watch this space as we’ll soon be introducing adventure bike tours on the KTM Adventures and quite possibly the Royal Enfield’s for those that prefer the more ‘retro’ style of motorcycle travel!

OUTSTANDING ACCOMMODATION

We use 4-5* hotels in the bigger cities and the absolute best available in smaller towns & villages.

We always like to include a variety of accommodation and choose properties with ‘character’ over your run-of-the-mill, generic hotel chains.

We also stay in mix of traditional haciendas, private villas and quaint guesthouses.

We understand the importance of quality accommodation and in a country like Colombia, we’re spoilt for choice!

RIDING MEDIC & ON-CALL DOCTOR

All of our tour leaders have been trained as Wilderness First Response medics by  Wild Medix  in South Africa.

We also have a Wild Medix consulting doctor on call 24/7. He is always ready to assist in the case of an emergency. Our Dr is fully briefed on all rider’s medical info prior to the tour, he knows what we do, where we are riding, exactly what we have in our medical kit and what training our medics have.

LOCAL KNOWLEDGE

Our local partners are invaluable to our business and we’re careful to only work with those who share our passion and vision. We simply couldn’t do it without them!

German & Ernesto are our main men over in Colombia. Apart from being excellent on two wheels, their contagious enthusiasm and sense of humour will have you smiling from ear to ear before you’ve even hit the trails.

5 STAR RATING - REVIEWS

Happy guests across the board… just check out our reviews on YouTube ,  Tripadvisor ,  Trustpilot and Google .

UNIQUE ITINERARIES - EXPERIENCE 'THE REAL COLOMBIA'

We have been sure to create the best of the best on all of our Colombia motorcycle tour itineraries, and this includes the off the bike experiences too.

We aim to show you ‘the real Colombia’. From taking the Brujita train alongside the Black River, to riding alongside snow capped volcanoes to playing games of Tejo with the locals.

Tie all of this together with incredible trails explored and put together by company owner Toby & our local partners, Ernesto & German – and you’ve got an adventure motorcycle holiday like no other!

CHARITY FOCUS

Since the day Ride Expeditions was created, we have been dedicated to supporting the local community.

Part profits from every motorcycle tour are donated to M’Lop Tapang – a Cambodian charity dedicated to bettering the lives of young children & their families.

In an effort to off-set our carbon emissions, we also plant a tree for every rider that books with us, by donating to  One Tree Planted . 

FINANCIAL PROTECTION - UK COMPANY

Ride Expeditions Ltd is a company committed to customer satisfaction and consumer financial protection. At no extra cost to you, and in accordance with ‘The Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018’, all passengers booking with Ride Expeditions Ltd are fully insured for the initial deposit, and subsequently the balance of monies paid as detailed in your booking confirmation form.

The policy also includes repatriation if required, arising from the cancellation or curtailment of your travel arrangements due to the insolvency of Ride Expeditions Ltd. This insurance has been arranged by Towergate Travel through Zurich Insurance PLC.

COVID-19 NOTIFICATION

For  all  tours cancelled by Ride Expeditions, riders can choose to receive a  100% refund  or to transfer all monies paid to any future tour.

Full details can be found in our  terms & conditions.

Ride Expeditions Ltd is a company committed to customer satisfaction and consumer financial protection. At no extra cost to you, and in accordance with ‘The Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018’,  all passengers booking with Ride Expeditions Ltd are fully insured for the initial deposit, and subsequently the balance of monies paid  as detailed in your booking confirmation form. The policy also includes repatriation if required, arising from the cancellation or curtailment of your travel arrangements due to the insolvency of Ride Expeditions Ltd. This insurance has been arranged by Towergate Travel through  Zurich Insurance PLC .

Book your next tour with confidence with Ride Expeditions.

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Motorcycle Enduro off Road Tour Central Colombia

* In case the minimum number of participants is not reached,the tour can be cancelled or extra charges applied

In this "soft" Enduro adventure you will combine different types of terrain accompanied by an expert guide and a mechanic followed by an assistance vehicle.

During the motorcycle days you'll drive between 6 and 8 hours with breaks to recover energy and contemplate the views and the villages. The diversity of the terrain makes driving enjoyable and avoids monotony.

The route runs through desert and mountainous areas with trails, mud, sand and river crossings. You will live endless descents and altitude changes in a few hours that will allow you to get spectacular views of the heart of Colombia, such as the Magdalena River or the magnificent mountain ranges.

What to expect from your off-road motorcycle trip in Colombia?

- Between 5 and 8 hours of motorcycle daily. - Visits to colonial towns such as Villa de Leyva, Barichara and historic and picturesque towns such as Honda (the country's first river port) or Ráquira. - Tour a part of the Magdalena River and its crossing with motorbikes in canoes. - Surprising land and climate changes.

Come and know Colombia on an enduro motorcycle Colombia, a country full of life, history and nature that combined with the motorcycle tour through its lands, make it one of the best tours to make in South America.

Day 1 Bogota - Villa de Leyva

Pickup at hotel in Bogota. • General debrief of the route. • Colombia introduced in a snap-shot. • Land transfer from Bogota to Villa de Leyva (3h30). • Arrival to Villa de Leyva & hotel accommodation • Welcome lunch. • Afternoon: 2 hour motorcycle ride.

Day 2 ubate

Ride duration: ~5h • Our tour gets started with a ride through a stone desert. • We’ll continue off the beaten paths covering different tracks through the departments of Boyaca and Cundinamarca. • We’ll have the opportunity to visit Raquira, a little town excelling at clay work. • Our day will end at the old colonial hacienda La Cabaña, located in the green valley of Ubate.

Day 3 Ubaté - Pacho

Ride duration: ~5h • On this day, we’ll begin to feel the climate change. • We will pass through a moorland located at more than 3’000 meters above sea level. • We will then start our descent to warmer temperatures. • A day filled with wonderful landscapes, mud steps and some single tracks

Day 4 Pacho - Villeta

Ride duration: ~8h • A day in which mountainous geography and river crossings take the stage. • We will have a traditional lunch called PIQUETE, served on banana leaves with soups, chicken, rice and traditional sauces as side dishes. • In the afternoon we ride along an old railroad track, a river running by its side on a deep valley. • We’ll wrap up in a country house with a pool, an ideal setting to enjoy among friends.

Day 5 Villeta - Honda

Ride duration: ~7h • On day 5, we leave the mountains to get to the Magdalena River, Colombia’s largest stream. • Arriving at the colonial town of Honda, the last town where the ships coming upstream from the coast can get to. From this point onwards, porters used to carry all the merchandise up the mountains to Bogota. • In Honda, we will visit the local market, a colorful display of typical tropical fruits and vegetables. • After sunset, a billiard game awaits.

Day 6 Honda - Honda

Rest Day in Honda.

Day 7 Honda - Hotel Termales Del Ruiz

Ride duration: ~8h • This wonderful day will begin at 200 masl. The ascent will slowly bring us to a gift of nature: a green landscape of an impressive mountain range. • During the afternoon, we will cross the Nevado del Ruiz, a mountain with perpetual snow at its peaks of the temperatures will drop considerably, since our ride will bring us to 4’500 masl. • We’ll end our day at a wonderful hotel (3’800 masl) where fresh temperatures and natural hot spring pools will be the entry port to a mouthwatering meal.

Day 8 Hotel Termales Del Ruiz - Salento

Ride duration: ~6h • After leaving the highlands, we will get to the coffee triangle region and the typical town of Salento, where wax palm trees, Colombia’s national tree, grow at ease. • This is a coffee flavored day. Nature smells as coffee. Locals live and breath around the coffee culture. Coffee has imprinted the region, its landscape, crops and architecture.

Day 9 Salento - Bogota

Today depending on what time our flight back home leaves, they will take us to Bogota by 4x4 ... We hope you liked the enduro route in Colombia !!

What's Included

Motorcycles

• Not included
• Other information
• Honda CRF 250 F

Supplement price: $0.00

• Security: Routes previously scouted Support car Radio (2 with motorcycles + 1 with support car) Daily evacuation plan Contact with hospitals / health centers nearest to each of village visited throughout the tour All guides and supporting staff with outdoors first aid training (Certificate) All staff trained in group management
• Weather and temperatures Colombia has no seasons, due to its location near the Equator line. Temperature will be determined by height above sea level. Hot weather: Between 25° and 35 °C. Cold and medium temperatures: Between 14° and 24°C.
• Basic equipment Principal Bag (clothes and others), go with the logistics in an accompanying car. For Enduro motorcycle trips, it is essential that each rider brings a small backpack where he can carry basic items such as the raincoat and documents. Highly recommended to bring Camel Back Sunglasses Buff or scarf for protection against dust
• Mandatory equipment Full face helmet Chest and back protection Body armor: Most recommended for trips in Colombia. In hot weather, it works well combined with a light sweater or T-shirt. In cold climates, perfect protection combined with windbreaker or jacket. Jacket with protection (Works well in cold climates) Enduro pants Gloves Enduro boots (Knee-high) Waterproof raincoat. International driver’s license for motorcycle and car handling (A or A2 licenses).
• Why Colombia? Geography Due to its topography and the Andes mountain range, Colombia’s sceneries, climates and cultures vary drastically in a matter of a few kilometers. Hitting the curves of the off-road paths becomes then more than a regular motorcycle riding experience, it happens to be a unique and unforgettable adventure. The Caribbean coast Colombia’s Caribbean coast is full of folklore, music, native and Afro-American cultures as well as beautiful sceneries like the Guajira desert, La Sierra Nevada of Santa Marta ridges (the tallest sea-level mountain in the world), Tayrona National Park, the blue open sea and the Rosario islands coral reefs, just an hour away from the beautiful city of Cartagena. Peace agreement Colombia’s security level has evolved positively in the past two decades. With the signing of the Peace treaty at the beginning of 2017, peace was formally restored in the country and Colombians are extremely proud of it. The kindness and warmth of locals are what surprises visitors the most. Smile is the strategy Colombians use to show the best of them and their country. The Coffee region The heart of the well-known Colombian coffee is located at the Coffee Triangle, a region composed by three states: Quindío, Risaralda and Caldas. Old beautiful haciendas, in the middle of coffee plantations, have been transformed into boutique hotels. The coffee region offers tourists the possibility to understand the tradition of planting and producing coffee, stare with awe at large coffee plantations and enjoy coffee national themed parks. Precautions and tips to keep in mind Mobile: For foreigners the best option is to buy a local SIM card once in Colombia. There are different telephone companies, the best known and with better coverage is usually Claro. You can buy a SIM with 2GB of data for about 20,000 pesos (5 - 6 USD | EUR). Currency: The official currency is the Peso Colombiano. You can withdraw cash at ATM's. In some stores you can pay with dollars or Euros but it is not usual. Security: Security has improved in Colombia in recent years and there are usually no incidents with tourists. The areas through which the tour travels are safe and also at all times you will be accompanied by local guides who know the area. Vaccination and other precautions: Ask your doctor if you should get vaccinated to travel to Colombia. The tour drives through the following departments: Cundiamarca, Tolima, Boyaca and Santander. It is highly recommended to always carry a mosquito repellent with you.

If you can't find the information you need,you can contact us:

Other tours in Colombia

Motorcycle dual-purpose and Adventure, Colonial Colombia

Motorcycle dual-purpose and adventure, magic colombia, motorcycle enduro off road tour central colombia, any doubts call us.

+44 203 769 00 23 +1 201 478 89 64

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Karol G’s Mañana Será Bonito Latin America Tour: Best Fashion Moments

From anime-inspired schoolgirl miniskirts to tejano looks, here are some of her best outfits.

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Karol G has traveled across Latin America with her Mañana Será Bonito Tour, paying homage to the countries she’s performing in by wearing a special outfit that represents each country’s respective flag colors. It may be a simple wardrobe choice, but it’s thoughtful and attention to detail that really marks the difference.

Throughout her sets, she has a few outfit changes, from anime-inspired, schoolgirl mini-skirts paired with fuzzy snow boots to show-stopping sparkly long dresses with a flower on her hair as an accessory.  She’s also worn flowy cargo pants with cropped T-shirts and a tejano look with cowboy hat and all. The Colombian hitmaker has perfected an aesthetic for this tour that has become an extension of her artistry.

Karol G’s Latin America tour kicked off Feb. 8 in Mexico City, and has made stops in Colombia, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Venezuela and Perú, among other countries. “These last few days have been busy,” the Grammy-winning artist recently wrote on social media . “Between the tour, the recording studio and everything to come, but I feel infinitely happy and grateful for the moment of my life I’m going through!”

According to Billboard Boxscore, in 2023, Karol — who was honored with woman of the year at  Billboard ‘s 2024 Women in Music event — grossed $155.3 million and sold 925,000 tickets from 20 shows. She landed at No. 11 on the 2023 Year-End Boxscore Charts. The tour is named after her 2023 history-making album, which became the first Spanish-language album by a female artist that has topped the Billboard 200 .

Her LatAm stint continues in countries like Chile, Brazil and Argentina before she heads out to Europe this summer.

Below are some of the best looks from Karol’s Mañana Será Bonito Tour in Latin America.

Mexico City, Mexico

Karol G performed in a show-stopping sparkly long dress during her show at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. 

Mexico City

Sporting Mexico’s flag colors — green, white and red — Karol accessorized the two-piece outfit with pink snow boots, arm warmers and ear muffs. 

Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico

One of Karol’s more relaxed and casual looks, she elevated the outfit wearing a pink daisy in her hair. 

Guatemala City, Guatemala

Karol G opted for neon colors and a blue cowboy hat for her show at Explanada Cardales de Cayalá in Guatemala City.

Guatemala City

Karol G traded her pink miniskirt for a blue-and-white one as an homage to Guatemala’s flag colors. Even her snow boots and socks matched the outfit’s aesthetic. 

San Salvador, El Salvador

Karol G was all smiles in her San Salvador show where she wore a black crop T-shirt stamped with the El Salvador flag in shape of a heart. 

San José, Costa Rica

Karol G was a vision in pink during her performance at Estadio Nacional in San José. 

Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

Even Karol G’s snow-boot laces turned blue and red to represent the DR’s flag colors. 

Santo Domingo

Karol G wore a stylish rhinestoned jumpsuit with a white crop top underneath, and a pink flower in her hair during her show in Santo Domingo. 

Caracas, Venezuela

Half of Karol’s pink miniskirt was yellow, blue and red in honor of Venezuela’s flag. She paired it with a white crop T-shirt that had the country’s flag in shape of a heart stamped right in the middle. 

Bogotá, Colombia

In her native Colombia, Karol was dressed in yellow, blue and red from head to toe. 

Karol G has rocked a tejano-inspired look more than once during her Latin America tour. In Bogotá, she sparkled in a red cowboy hat that accentuated her flowy pink curls. 

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