12 DAY: THE EMERALD TRAIL

MUZO - VILLA DE LEYVA - MONGUI - ZIPAQUIRÁ - GUADUAS - HONDA - SALAMINA - AGUADAS

Heavy Off-Road & Paved Adventure

Fully - guided tour

$3,750 USD

PER MOTORCYCLE

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

Hotel & Motorcycle

$1,750 USD

PER MOTORCYCLE

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

Motorcycle & maps

$780 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 12-day expedition traces Colombia’s legendary Emerald Trail, combining rugged off-road riding with cultural immersion in some of the country’s most historic towns across the country’s departments of Boyacá, Cundinamarca, Tolima & Caldas.

The route dives into the emerald-mining zones of Boyacá, where dirt tracks cut across black rock cliffs, misty mountains, and remote pueblos built on mining tradition. Riders will pass through the emerald capitals of Muzo and Otanche, with the option to visit an active mine and witness the guaqueros searching rivers for their fortune.

From there, the journey winds into Colombia’s most beautiful heritage towns of Villa de Leyva, Monguí, Guaduas, Honda, Salamina and Aguadas. Each with its own colonial charm and connection to Colombia’s historical economy and independence.

The landscapes are as diverse as the culture: you’ll ride from tropical river valleys into high Andean páramos, across emerald-green farmland, and through the coffee-clad slopes of the central Andes. Along the way, you’ll experience cobblestone pueblos, alpine lakes like Laguna de Tota, and iconic landmarks such as Cerro Tusa and the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá.

Highlights: Piedra del Peñol in Guatapé, Doradal & Hacienda Nápoles, off-road emerald country to Otanche & Muzo, optional emerald mine visit, colonial towns Villa de Leyva & Monguí, Santuario de Fauna y Flora Iguaque, Laguna de Tota, Zipaquirá’s Salt Cathedral, Pueblo Patrimonio Guaduas, Nevado del Ruiz highlands, Salamina & Aguadas in the Coffee Triangle, Cerro Tusa & Cerro Bravo.

Notes: Expect a mix of fast off-road trails, rocky mountain passes, scenic highways, and cobblestone pueblos. Terrain includes dirt, mud, river crossings, and high-altitude mountain roads where weather can shift quickly. This adventure is designed for intermediate to advanced riders comfortable with variable terrain who also want cultural depth, historic towns, and a true taste of Colombia’s emerald and coffee heartlands.

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. Piedra del Peñol & colorful town of Guatapé
  2. Doradal & Hacienda Nápoles (Pablo Escobar’s former estate)
  3. Off-road into Boyacá’s emerald country: Otanche, Quípama & Muzo
  4. Optional guided visit to an emerald mine
  5. Villa de Leyva – colonial heritage town with cobblestone streets
  6. Santuario de Fauna y Flora Iguaque & high-altitude páramo landscapes
  7. Laguna de Tota, Colombia’s largest natural lake
  8. Monguí – famous for handmade footballs and historic bridge
  9. Zipaquirá & the world-famous Salt Cathedral
  10. Colonial town of Nemocón and salt mines
  11. Guaduas – historic trade hub on the route to Bogotá
  12. Cross the Magdalena River at Honda, gateway to Tolima
  13. Off-road Wool Route (Manzanares, Marulanda, San Félix)
  14. Salamina & Aguadas – heritage coffee towns with wax palm forests
  15. Cerro Tusa & Cerro Bravo – natural landmarks near Medellín
Day 1: Medellín → Doradal, Antioquia | Total kilometers: 250 km Ride east from Medellín out of the valley on Alto de las Palmas with panoramic views of the City of Eternal Spring. Continue to Guatapé for photos of the famous Piedra del Peñol rock, then ride through San Rafael, San Carlos, and San Luis before arriving in Doradal for the night, a town once famous for Pablo Escobar’s Hacienda Nápoles. Day 2: Doradal → Otanche / Muzo, Boyacá | Total kilometers: 150 km The off-road adventure begins. Crossing the Magdalena River, we ride into Boyacá’s emerald mining zone near Muzo. The terrain shifts to dramatic black dirt and rock trails, often tracing misty cliffs where waterfalls cascade across the road. Overnight in Otanche or Muzo. Day 3: Otanche / Muzo → Villa de Leyva, Boyacá | Total kilometers: 175 km From Otanche we ride off-road through Quípama and Muzo, the heart of Colombia’s emerald country. For interested groups, we can arrange a guided visit to a local mine to see firsthand the traditional methods still used. Along rivers, guaqueros search for emeralds, hoping for the stone that could transform their lives. Continue to Villa de Leyva, one of Colombia’s most beautiful and historic towns, for the night. Day 4: Villa de Leyva → Monguí, Boyacá | Total kilometers: 150 km Climb from Villa de Leyva’s valley into the Santuario de Fauna y Flora Iguaque, crossing the páramo—an Andean alpine ecosystem of misty grasslands, frailejón plants, and lagoons. Descend through Arcabuco, Sotaquirá, Paipa, Duitama, Santa Rosa de Viterbo, and Floresta before arriving in Monguí, one of Colombia’s oldest towns. Day 5: Rest Day in Monguí, Boyacá | Total kilometers: 0 km Monguí, a Pueblo Patrimonio, is a peaceful Andean town perfect for a rest day. Highlights include the 17th-century Franciscan Basilica and Convent and the Puente de Calicanto stone bridge. Relax in the plaza with coffee or hot chocolate, or hike to the páramo of Ocetá, often called the most beautiful in the world. Day 6: Monguí → Tunja, Boyacá | Total kilometers: 150 km From Monguí we ride toward Laguna de Tota, Colombia’s largest natural lake, passing through Aquitania with its onion fields and the fishing town of Pesca. Continue through Toca before reaching Tunja, Boyacá’s capital, known for its colonial churches, monasteries, and independence history. Day 7: Tunja → Macanal, Boyacá | Total kilometers: 100 km After a relaxed breakfast or early lunch, descend south into Boyacá’s lush valleys and rolling farmland. The day ends in Macanal, a warm and tranquil mountain town surrounded by rivers and waterfalls. Day 8: Macanal → Guateque, Boyacá | Total kilometers: 100 km Ride off-road through Chivor, Almeida, and Somondoco—towns where emerald mining has been central since pre-Columbian times. Discover the Tenza Valley, dotted with coffee plots, rivers, and mountains. Continue through Guayatá, known for artisanal panela, before finishing in Guateque. Day 9: Guateque → Zipaquirá, Cundinamarca | Total kilometers: 100 km From Guateque we ride north through Nemocón, famous for its historic salt mine, before finishing in Zipaquirá, home to the world-famous Salt Cathedral. This city blends colonial architecture with lively cafés and restaurants. Day 10: Zipaquirá → Guaduas, Cundinamarca | Total kilometers: 150 km Ride through the countryside and the town of Subachoque before descending into Guaduas, a Pueblo Patrimonio and birthplace of Policarpa Salavarrieta. Known for its cobblestone streets and colonial architecture, it was once a key stop on the Bogotá–Magdalena trade route. Day 11: Guaduas → Salamina, Caldas | Total kilometers: 225 km One of the most adventurous days. After breakfast, cross the Magdalena River and pass through Honda, then climb into the highlands of Nevado del Ruiz. Ride off-road along the “Wool Route” through Manzanares, Marulanda, and San Félix, with wax palm forests and sweeping mountain views. End in Salamina, a Pueblo Patrimonio and cultural jewel in the Coffee Triangle. Day 12: Salamina → Medellín, Antioquia | Total kilometers: 200 km On the final leg, ride through Aguadas, a Pueblo Patrimonio known for its coffee and colonial charm, then via Fredonia or Amagá. Pass Cerro Tusa, the natural pyramid, along with Cerro Bravo. An optional farewell dinner closes the trip before returning to Medellín, the City of Eternal Spring.

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

$3,750 USD

Hotels & Motorcycle

$1,750 USD

Moto, Maps & Directions

$780 USD

What’s Included | Fully-Guided Tour

✓ X-Pulse 200CC Adventure Motorcycle
✓ Bilingual Motorcycle Guide
✓ Mechanical Support & Tools
✓ Tire Repair Kit (Air Pump & Tubes)
✓ Bell Helmets
✓ Safety Adventure Jacket
✓ Reflective Jacket
✓ Riding Gloves
✓ Knee & Elbow Protection Available
✓ Rain Gear
✓ Basic Emergency Medical Insurance
✓ 24 Hour Customer Support
✓ 40 Liter Dry Bag (Optional)
✓ Locking 45 Liter Top Box (Optional)
✓ Luggage Storage at Our Office
✓ Cell Phone Holder
✓ USB Charger

What’s Included | Hotels & Motorcycle

X-Pulse 200CC Adventure Motorcycle
Boutique Style Local Hotel
Maps & Directions
Bell Helmets 
Safety Adventure Jacket
Reflective Jacket
Riding Gloves
Knee & Elbow Protection (Available)
Basic Emergency Medical Insurance
24 Hour Customer Support
Locking 45 Liter Top Box (Optional)
Luggage Storage at Our Office
Cell Phone Holder
USB Charger

What’s Included | Moto, Maps & Directions​

X-Pulse 200CC Adventure Motorcycle
Maps & Directions
Bell Helmets 
Safety Adventure Jacket
Reflective Jacket
Riding Gloves
Knee & Elbow Protection (Available)
Basic Emergency Medical Insurance
24 Hour Customer Support
Locking 45 Liter Top Box (Optional)
Luggage Storage at Our Office
Cell Phone Holder
USB Charge

Optional upgrades | Fully-Guided Tour

✔️ 300CC Motorcycle Upgrade: +$40 USD
✔️ Hotel Upgrade: +$50 USD
✔️ Private Photographer: +$200 USD (Group)
✔️ Private Mechanic: +$250 USD (Group)
✔️ Airport Pick Up & Delivery: +$1OO USD
✔️ 32 Liter Saddlebags: +$25 USD
✔️ Passenger Cost + Gear: $75 USD

Optional upgrades | Hotels & Motorcycle

✔️ 300CC Motorcycle Upgrade: +$40 USD
✔️ Hotel Upgrade: +$50 USD
✔️ Private Photographer: +$200 USD (Group)
✔️ Private Mechanic: +$250 USD (Group)
✔️ Airport Pick Up & Delivery: +$1OO USD
✔️ 32 Liter Saddlebags: +$25 USD
✔️ Passenger Cost + Gear: $75 USD

Optional upgrades | Moto, Maps & Directions​

✔️ 300CC Motorcycle Upgrade: +$240 USD
✔️ Hotels Upgrade: $550
✔️ Private Photographer:  +$1,150 USD (Group)
✔️ Private Mechanic: +$1,200 USD (Group)
✔️ Airport Pick Up & Delivery: +$1OO USD
✔️ 32 Liter Saddlebags: +$25 USD
✔️ Passenger Cost + Gear: $660 USD

Whats not included

❌ Meals (Lunch & Dinner)
❌ Fuel
❌ Drinks. Snacks, Sunblock, etc.
❌ Alcoholic Beverages
❌ Accommodation Pre/Post Tour
❌ Tips & Gratuities
❌ Entry Fees (Parks, Hot Springs & Tours)
❌ Motorcycle Security Deposit

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)

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