10 DAY: CANYON RALLY – SANTANDER WILDLANDS

GUATAPÉ - GUADALUPE - BARICHARA - SAN GIL - LOS SANTOS - ZAPATOCA - SAN VICENTE DE CHUCURÍ

Heavy Off-Road & Paved Adventure

Fully - guided tour

$3,200 USD

PER MOTORCYCLE

Includes premium adventure motorcycle rental, bilingual private guide, secure luggage storage at our facility, essential travel equipment & riding gear.

Hotel & Motorcycle

$1,650 USD

PER MOTORCYCLE

Includes premium adventure motorcycle rental, secure luggage storage, essential travel equipment & riding gear, and comfortable hotel accommodations.

Motorcycle & maps

$650 USD

PER MOTORCYCLE

Includes premium adventure motorcycle rental, secure luggage storage at our facility, essential travel equipment & riding gear, Maps & Directions.

ABOUT THIS TOUR

This 10-day off-road expedition is designed for riders seeking rugged terrain, cultural immersion, and true exploration.
The route takes you deep into the wild heart of Santander and parts of Boyacá, where compacted red-clay roads wind through emerald mining towns, remote pueblos, and colonial villages. Famous for its fast, flowing dirt tracks, Santander offers some of the best off-road riding in Colombia. But be prepared: just a little rain can transform these roads into slick, muddy challenges that test both skill and endurance. Along the way, you’ll pass through historic towns like Guadalupe, Socorro, and Barichara, each with its own charm, history, and welcoming small-town spirit.

A highlight of the journey is the descent into Chicamocha Canyon, one of Colombia’s most breathtaking natural landscapes, where dramatic cliffs, winding roads, and panoramic views combine for an unforgettable ride. Between rugged trails, waterfalls like Ventanas de Tisquizoque, and cultural experiences in towns such as San Vicente de Chucurí & Guadalupe, this tour is a true rally into Colombia’s wild side, built for adventurous riders eager to discover hidden corners of the eastern Andes.

Highlights: Guatapé Rock, Hacienda Nápoles (Doradal), Emerald country off-road to Otanche, Ventanas de Tisquizoque Waterfall, historic pueblos Vélez, Guadalupe, Socorro, Barichara, Zapatoca, and Los Santos, Las Gachas natural rock pools (near Guadalupe), Chicamocha Canyon National Park descent and views, Cascada Manchego and Cascada de los Caballeros (optional), San Gil (Adventure Capital of Colombia), San Vicente de Chucurí, and a high-speed highway return to Medellín.

Notes: Expect a mix of fast dirt trails, compact red-clay off-road sections, mixed terrain, and high-speed highway stretches. Weather can quickly change conditions, turning dry dust into mud, so riders should be prepared for all off-road scenarios. This is an experienced-level adventure, suitable for riders experienced with dirt, mud, and variable terrain, who also enjoy cultural stops in remote pueblos and historic towns.

TOUR INFORMATION

You’ll find all the key details about this tour right here. 
For anything additional, feel free to contact us.

Tour map

Summary of this tour

  1. Famous Piedra de Piñol (Rock of Guatapé)
  2. Hacienda Nápoles (Doradal / La Danta, Antioquia)
  3. Boyacá emerald country off-road to Otanche
  4. Nights stay in Otanche or Pauna
  5. Visit the Ventanas de Tisquizoque (Waterfall)
  6. Off-road to Vélez through local pueblos
  7. Nights stay in Historic Vélez, Santander
  8. Rest day in Historic Guadalupe (Visit Las Gachas)
  9. Optional: Visit Cascada De Los Caballeros
  10. Dirt & dusty off-road rip from Contratación to Chima
  11. Visit Historic Socorro on your way to San Gil
  12. San Gil: known as the Adventure Capital of Colombia
  13. Barichara: Colombia’s top 3 most beautiful towns
  14. Back road trail visit Cascada Manchego (Waterfall)
  15. Parque Nacional del Chicamocha Canyon to Los Santos
  16. Historic towns of Los Santos & Zapatoca
  17. Visit Medellín’s sister city of Bucaramanga
  18. San Vicente de Chucurí cocoa capital of Colombia
  19. Rip high speeds on the main highway back to Medellín
Day 1: Medellín → Guatapé → San Rafael → San Carlos → Doradal | Total Kilometers: 200 km Colorful Towns and River Valleys Leaving Medellín, we ride east into the vibrant town of Guatapé, famous for its colorful zócalos and the towering Piedra del Peñol. After enjoying the views, we descend into the Magdalena River Valley, passing through San Rafael, San Carlos, and San Luis. The day ends in Doradal, once home to Hacienda Nápoles, now transformed into a cultural landmark. Highlights: Guatapé, Piedra del Peñol, Magdalena River Valley, San Rafael & San Carlos pueblos, Hacienda Nápoles. Stay: Doradal, Antioquia. Day 2: Doradal → Otanche / Pauna, Boyacá | Total Kilometers: 200 km Emerald Trails and Cliffside Roads Crossing the Magdalena River, the journey enters Boyacá and the legendary emerald mining region near Muzo. Trails of black dirt and stone resemble charcoal, twisting along misty cliffs where waterfalls cut across the road. The adventure spirit deepens as we settle into Otanche or Pauna for the night. Highlights: Magdalena River crossing, emerald mining zone, misty cliffside trails, waterfalls on the road. Stay: Otanche or Pauna, Boyacá. Day 3: Otanche / Pauna → Florián → Vélez, Santander | Total Kilometers: 150 km Waterfalls and Colonial Heritage The ride north begins with a visit to the breathtaking Ventanas de Tisquizoque, a multi-tiered waterfall near Florián. From there, we pass through remote pueblos like Jesús María, Sucre, and Guavatá before arriving at Vélez, a colonial jewel in the heart of Santander. Highlights: Ventanas de Tisquizoque waterfall, remote pueblos, Vélez colonial town. Stay: Vélez, Santander. Day 4: Vélez → Guadalupe, Santander | Total Kilometers: 100 km Hidden Rivers and Rock Formations We leave Vélez and ride through Chipatá and La Paz before arriving in Guadalupe, one of Santander’s ecotourism treasures. The town is surrounded by rivers, cascading waterfalls, and surreal rock landscapes, creating a magical stop along the route. Highlights: Chipatá & La Paz countryside, rivers and waterfalls, rock formations, Guadalupe charm. Stay: Guadalupe, Santander. Day 5: Rest Day in Guadalupe | Total Kilometers: 0–5 km Natural Pools and Local Culture A day of rest and exploration in Guadalupe. Discover Las Gachas, a unique riverbed with red rock plunge pools, or visit waterfalls like El Perico and Tres Cascadas. For relaxation, enjoy Balneario El Salitre, wander the colonial streets, and savor local cuisine. Highlights: Las Gachas natural pools, El Perico & Tres Cascadas waterfalls, Guadalupe culture and food. Stay: Guadalupe, Santander. Day 6: Guadalupe → Socorro → San Gil → Barichara, Santander | Total Kilometers: 125 km Adventure Capital and Heritage Towns We ride dirt and paved roads through Contratación and Chima, arriving at Socorro, a town central to Colombia’s independence. Then we continue to San Gil, Colombia’s adventure sports hub, before finishing in Barichara, a town of cobblestone streets and colonial beauty. Highlights: Contratación & Chima pueblos, Socorro history, San Gil adventure capital, Barichara colonial charm. Stay: Barichara, Santander. Day 7: Barichara → Los Santos, Santander | Total Kilometers: 150 km Chicamocha Canyon Crossing One of the trip’s highlights unfolds as we ride into the Chicamocha Canyon, with epic views rivaling the Grand Canyon. Riders can detour off-road through Villanueva and Jordán before rejoining the paved canyon route. We finish in Los Santos, perched dramatically on the canyon rim. Highlights: Chicamocha Canyon, Villanueva & Jordán off-road option, paragliders, canyon views. Stay: Los Santos, Santander. Day 8: Los Santos → Zapatoca, Santander | Total Kilometers: 100 km Canyon Rim to Colonial Charm The road offers a choice: take the paved ride via Piedecuesta or the adventurous Río Sogamoso river crossing if conditions allow. Either way, we arrive at Zapatoca, a tranquil colonial pueblo known for its historic streets and mountain setting. Highlights: Piedecuesta route or Río Sogamoso crossing, colonial town of Zapatoca. Stay: Zapatoca, Santander. Day 9: Zapatoca → San Vicente de Chucurí, Santander | Total Kilometers: 50 km Cocoa Capital of Colombia A short ride takes us into San Vicente de Chucurí, famous as Colombia’s cocoa capital. This stop invites cultural immersion with visits to cocoa plantations, birdwatching, and excursions to Salto de la India waterfall. Riders can relax or dive deep into the town’s ecotourism offerings. Highlights: Cocoa plantations, birdwatching, Salto de la India waterfall, cultural immersion. Stay: San Vicente de Chucurí, Santander. Day 10: San Vicente de Chucurí → Medellín | Total Kilometers: 350 km Return to the City of Eternal Spring The journey concludes with a long ride back across the Magdalena River into Antioquia. Nearly all highway, this day allows time to reflect on the unforgettable adventure. By evening, we roll into Medellín, the City of Eternal Spring, completing this 10-day expedition. Highlights: Magdalena River crossing, Andes scenery, return to Medellín. Stay: Medellín, Antioquia.

General information

Motorcycles

Base model:
Hero XPulse 200 4V
About
The Hero Xpulse 200 4V is a lightweight, agile dual-sport that combines practical power with true adventure capability. The standard model is ideal for everyday use and mixed-terrain riding, while the Rally variant offers enhanced suspension, ground clearance, and off-road prowess. Praised for its affordability, reliability, and ease of handling, the Xpulse 4V has also proven its toughness on the world stage, claiming victories at the Baja World Cup, Baja Hungary, Baja Port, Baja India, and the Pan Africa Rally. The XPulse is built to handle it all with confidence.
Upgrade model:
Honda XRE 300
About
The Honda XRE 300 is a dependable middleweight dual-sport, blending off-road capability with comfortable long-distance touring. Known for its versatility, supple suspension, and impressive fuel efficiency. Recent upgrades, such as ABS and refreshed styling, keep it modern and road-ready, while its proven durability has earned it the role of official motorcycle of the Colombian National Police. Whether tackling rugged off-road or cruising scenic highways, the XRE 300 is built to handle Colombia’s diverse terrain with ease.
Skill level

Our routes are designed for intermediate riders with some off-road experience. You don’t need to be an expert, but you should feel comfortable riding on different surfaces. About half of the route is on unpaved roads, so basic off-road training before the trip is recommended to improve your safety and riding enjoyment. This tour is not suitable for complete beginners, but we can customize or suggest more advanced routes for experienced riders.

Terrain & Riding Conditions

You’ll ride on a mix of smooth paved roads, gravel and dirt tracks, dusty washboard surfaces, and rocky sections. The journey also takes you over high mountain passes, but we don’t stay at altitude long enough for altitude sickness to be a concern. Every day offers variety, with plenty of chances to stop, take in the views, and enjoy local sights.

Pace & Daily Schedule

We keep a relaxed and comfortable pace, always prioritizing safety and enjoyment. Expect about five to six hours of actual riding each day, with breaks for lunch, photos, and sightseeing. Including stops, you’ll spend around eight hours out exploring before settling in for the evening to unwind, stroll through town, and enjoy a good meal.

Climate

Colombia’s weather depends on altitude rather than seasons, making it an excellent year-round riding destination. Lowlands and coastal areas are warm to hot, with temperatures between 85–100°F (29–38°C), while high mountains can be cool or even near freezing at night. Rain showers can happen any time, especially in the mountains, and fog or snow is possible at higher elevations. Packing both breathable gear for hot days and warm layers for cooler areas will keep you comfortable.

Clothing & Gear

A helmet, protective riding gear, gloves, and sturdy boots or shoes are required. Because northern regions can be hot year-round, we recommend lightweight gear with good ventilation, paired with warmer clothing for the mountains. Rain gear and an open dual-sport helmet with goggles for dusty conditions will make your ride much more enjoyable.

Safety

Your safety is our highest priority. Guided tours follow carefully planned routes within “green zones,” which are considered safe and stable. For rentals, we provide clear route recommendations and mark areas to avoid. With our guidance, you’ll find Colombia to be a safe, welcoming country where locals are friendly and always willing to help.

Travel Documents & Requirements

You’ll need a valid passport with at least six months’ validity, a motorcycle driver’s license, and an International Driver’s Permit. Visa requirements vary by nationality, so check with your local embassy or consulate before traveling. We also recommend consulting a travel doctor well in advance for immunization advice. If you are not a U.S. passport holder and are transiting through the United States, you may need an ESTA travel authorization.

Motorcycle Insurance

All motorcycles come with basic medical insurance that covers injury to you and to third parties. This does not include coverage for material damage to third parties or damage to the motorcycle itself. Any damage to the motorcycle during your rental or tour is your responsibility.

Tour princing options

Fully-Guided Tour

$3,200 USD

Hotels & Motorcycle

$1,650 USD

Moto, Maps & Directions

$650 USD

What’s Included | Fully-Guided Tour

What’s Included | Hotels & Motorcycle

What’s Included | Moto, Maps & Directions​

Optional upgrades | Fully-Guided Tour

    300CC Motorcycle Upgrade: +$200USD
    Hotel Upgrade: +$450USD
    Private Photographer: +$950USD (Group)
    Private Mechanic: +$1000USD (Group)
    Airport Pick Up & Delivery: +$100 USD
    32 Liter Saddlebags: +$25 USD
    Passenger Cost + Gear: $550 USD

Optional upgrades | Hotels & Motorcycle

    300CC Motorcycle Upgrade: +$200USD
    Hotel Upgrade: +$450USD
    Private Photographer: +$950USD (Group)
    Private Mechanic: +$1000USD (Group)
    Airport Pick Up & Delivery: +$100 USD
    32 Liter Saddlebags: +$25 USD
    Passenger Cost + Gear: $550 USD

Optional upgrades | Moto, Maps & Directions​

Whats not included

Our tours include reliable, easy-to-ride fully equipped motorcycles, a personal bilingual guide with basic mechanical skills and tools, medical insurance, riding gear, rain jackets . Our tours take you deep into remote landscapes or vibrant towns for an authentic taste of Colombia few ever see.

You just need to pack smart. Bring one solid pair of riding boots (plus sandals if you want), lightweight and versatile clothing, and stick to merino wool for comfort in all climates. Keep luggage small and avoid overpacking, laundry is easy to arrange on the road. Skip heavy or bulky items, extra shoes, and anything you can’t afford to lose. The lighter you travel, the better your ride.

What not to bring:

❌ Expensive Jewelry
❌ Expensive Personal Items
❌ Laptop Computers
❌ Excess Luggage
❌ US Dollars or Euros
❌ Illegal Drugs (Military Checkpoints)

What to bring:

✔️ Driver’s License
✔️ Passport
✔️ Sunscreen
✔️ Insect Repellent
✔️ Long Pants
✔️ Boots or Closed-Toed Shoes
✔️ Swimsuit & Small Towel
✔️ Cash (Colombian Pesos)

Pro packing tips:

✔️ Pack Light
✔️ Wear Merino Wool
✔️ Multi-Climatic Gear (Merino)
✔️ Extra Socks & Underwear
✔️ Zip Lock Bags
✔️ Waist Bag or Fanny Pack
✔️ Download an E-Sim Application
✔️ Pack Extra Charging Cables
✔️ Power Bank Charger (Anker)
✔️ Download Offline Google Maps
✔️ Bring Cash (Colombian Pesos)
✔️ Notify Your Banks of Travel
✔️ Credit Card
✔️ Debit Card
✔️ Prescription Medication(s)

OTHER TOURS YOU MAY LIKE

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Maxwell Stroebel profile picture
Maxwell Stroebel
30 September 2026
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Incredible experience and would highly recommend! Both Tom and Santhiago were incredible and easy to work with. I thought the value for the trip was also great!
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Pat
29 September 2026
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Had a great call with Tom he is very knowledgeable and helpful
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Nancy Rivera profile picture
Nancy Rivera
25 September 2026
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We had such a great experience! We needed a bike rental last minute, and he was super helpful and made the whole process really easy. We were visiting from the USA, so it was also a big plus that he speaks English. Communication was great from the beginning and we felt very well taken care of. He also gave us some really good recommendations on places to check out and how to get around the area, which we really appreciated. Overall, great service, friendly, helpful, and easy to work with. We’ll definitely be renting from him again when we come back to Colombia for our next vacation in December. Highly recommend! 🇨🇴🙌
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Rick Flashman profile picture
Rick Flashman
11 September 2026
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These guys provide the perfect bikes for Colombia. They aren’t the overweight BMW GS models that might fall on you on a dirt road, leaving you unable to pick them up. Instead, these are the ideal bikes for the conditions you will encounter while riding through the Colombian mountains. This team not only provides bikes in excellent condition with high-quality tires, but they also help you map out routes and destinations you might never have considered. I highly recommend renting from them and working with them on your planned route to ensure an amazing experience in Colombia. I have now rented from them four or five times, and every experience has been perfect.
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Stefan Lazarevic profile picture
Stefan Lazarevic
9 September 2026
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I had an absolutely amazing experience with Colombia Motorcycle Rental & Tour Co.! I rented a Honda XRE 300 and followed a route recommended by Tom, and it turned out to be one of the highlights of my trip to Colombia. The route was incredible amazing roads, beautiful landscapes, small towns, mountains, and places I probably would never have discovered on my own. Tom was fantastic from the very beginning. We first got in touch through WhatsApp, and from that moment on he was always available whenever I needed anything. He gave me all the details about the route, great recommendations for places to visit, where to stay overnight, and things worth seeing along the way. It honestly felt like having personal support throughout the entire trip. He is a true professional, extremely helpful, knowledgeable, and genuinely interested in making sure you have the best possible experience. The Honda XRE 300 was also in perfect condition, reliable, and a great choice for exploring Colombia. I had complete confidence in the bike throughout the trip. A huge thank you to Tom and Colombia Motorcycle Rental & Tour Co. for everything. The whole experience exceeded my expectations, and I will definitely rent from them again when I come back to Colombia. Highly recommended to anyone who wants to experience Colombia by motorcycle! 🇨🇴🏍️
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Jan Aschenbrenner profile picture
Jan Aschenbrenner
8 September 2026
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We couldn’t be happier with our experience and had an absolutely unforgettable motorcycle adventure in Colombia! Tom took the time to sit down with us beforehand, understand exactly what we were looking for, and tailor the entire route perfectly to our needs. He also gave us so many great tips and recommendations along the way. We spent two weeks on the road and had the perfect mix of paved roads and off-road riding. The Hero Xpulse bikes were fantastic — reliable, comfortable, and capable enough to take us through every kind of terrain we encountered. What really made the experience special was that Tom was always available throughout the entire trip whenever we had questions or needed advice. You could really tell that he cared about us having the best possible experience. Thank you, Tom, for an incredible tour and an unforgettable adventure! We will definitely be back! 🇨🇴🏍️
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Samuel Fashant
7 September 2026
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Seriously, the coolest adventure imaginable! Colombia Motorcycle Rental & Tour Co exceeded our expectations in every way. Tom was incredibly helpful and attentive to all of our questions and put us on the perfect bike for our trip to Jardín and Fredonia. He gave us expert guidance and made the trip that much better! Santhiago delivered the bike right to us, and gave us clear instructions concerning the laws in Colombia for riding. He was very kind and added to our peace of mind. Even after the rental, Tom was very kind and helpful with the closure process, and made us feel very comfortable with everything. He also recommended future rides and destinations, as well as giving us helpful tips as foreigners to experience a smoother time in Colombia. I would highly recommend this place to anyone wanting to experience a trip like none other! Tom and his crew are 10 out of 10! We will be back!!
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Damien Nunes
2 September 2026
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Tom organised a beautiful trip for me. Excellent service, good communication and a fair price. Special kudos for Santhiago who was a great guide giving priority for safety and personal needs. Highly recommend.
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Kia Orion
31 August 2026
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These guys rock. Tom and Santiago both. Gave me great advice on renting a bike and navigating the process for a moto license.
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JOSE JAVIER GONZALEZ CRUZ
29 August 2026
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Excellent experience. I booked a self-guided tour and the service was great from before I even arrived in Colombia, answering all my questions in advance. On the day of the tour, I got a full briefing on the routes and stops, which really helped me navigate with confidence. 100% recommended for anyone looking to explore by motorcycle with the flexibility of a self-guided tour, backed by solid support. I’ll definitely book with them again!